The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·00096·Announced 2000-04-11

Homelite Handheld Power Blowers Recalled for Fuel Line Fire Hazard

John Deere is recalling about 200,000 Homelite handheld power blowers/vacuums because a fuel line can wear and leak gasoline, creating a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire/burn hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

John Deere Consumer Products Inc. is recalling approximately 200,000 Homelite® handheld power blowers/vacuums. The recall is due to a design issue where the fuel line can contact the edge of the engine shroud, causing premature wear. This wear can result in a gasoline leak, which presents a fire hazard and a risk of burn injuries to consumers.

The affected units are red and black gasoline-powered devices with the Homelite® logo on the inlet cover door. They were sold nationwide at home center and hardware stores, including The Home Depot, Eagle Hardware, and Ace Hardware, from August 1998 through January 2000 for about $150. John Deere has received two reports of fuel line leaks from these units, but there have been no reports of fires or injuries.

Consumers should stop using these power blowers/vacuums immediately. To obtain a free inspection and repair, consumers should contact their nearest Homelite® service dealer or call John Deere Consumer Products at (800) 242-4672.

The recalled product

Product
Homelite® handheld power blowers/vacuums
Manufacturer
John Deere Consumer Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
200,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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