The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·05265·Announced 2005-09-12

Makita Recalls Specific Chain Saws Due to Flywheel Separation Risk

Makita is recalling about 3,400 DCS6401 and DCS7901 chain saws because the flywheels can come apart during use, posing a serious injury risk.

What this means for you

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 source states the defect could cause serious personal injury and notes three reports of the flywheel coming apart, but explicitly states there have been no reports of injury. This aligns with the rubric for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Makita U.S.A. Inc. is recalling approximately 3,400 DCS6401 and DCS7901 model chain saws. The recall is due to a defect where the flywheels on some of these units can come apart during use, which could cause serious personal injury. The affected chain saws have a teal housing with the name "Makita" written on it. The serial number is located on the right-hand side of the silver nameplate on the back of the fuel tank. The recall involves specific serial number ranges: for model DCS6401, the last five digits are 41915 through 45612 or 81722 through 82057; for model DCS7901, the last five digits are 31182 through 31491. Units with the letter "N" preceding the serial number and a blue dot on the shipping carton have already been repaired and are not included in this recall.

These chain saws were sold nationwide through outdoor power equipment distributors and industrial contractor supply houses from October 2004 through August 2005. The retail price ranged between $520 and $730. Makita has received three reports of the flywheel coming apart, but there have been no reports of injury.

Consumers should stop using these recalled chain saws immediately. They should contact Makita to arrange for a free repair. Known purchasers were sent direct mail notification of this recall. For more information, consumers can call Makita toll-free at (866) 714-3860, Ext. 232, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.makitatools.com.

The recalled product

Product
Makita Chain Saws
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
3,400

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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