The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·01109a·Announced 2001-03-20

STIHL Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Fuel Hose Fire Hazard

STIHL Inc. is recalling approximately 890 BR 420C backpack blowers sold in California because the fuel hose can dislodge and leak fuel, creating fire and burn risks.

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 and burn hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

STIHL Inc. of Virginia Beach, Va., is recalling approximately 890 BR 420C backpack blowers. The recall involves units with serial numbers ranging from 47988257 through 47989256 and 49014561 through 49015560. The name "STIHL" and model number BR 420C appear on the starter, with the serial number printed directly above it.

The recall is due to a defect where the fuel hose on the carburetor can become dislodged, causing fuel to leak. This presents fire and burn hazards to users. STIHL has received four reports of fuel hoses dislodging, but no injuries have been reported.

The affected backpack blowers were sold through STIHL dealers in California between November 2000 and January 2001. Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to the STIHL dealer where it was purchased for a free repair. For more information, consumers can call STIHL Inc. toll-free at (800) 711-7959 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Backpack Blowers
Manufacturer
STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
890

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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