Briggs & Stratton Snow Thrower Engines Recalled for Fire Hazard

Plain-English summary

Briggs & Stratton Corp. is recalling approximately 480,000 OHV snow thrower engines installed on various brands of snow equipment. The recall covers engines with model numbers beginning with 12, 15, 20, or 21 and a date of manufacture code between 000601xx and 070301xx. These engines were installed on Ariens, Canadiana, Craftsman, Frontier Equipment, Husqvarna, Poulan Pro, Simplicity, and Snapper snow throwers.

The hazard exists because excess fuel can overflow into the carburetor when the engines are primed, which can ignite and pose fire and burn hazards to consumers. Briggs & Stratton has received 48 reports of fire and one report of minor property damage, but there have been no reports of injury.

The affected engines were sold at various snow thrower dealers nationwide from June 2000 through February 2007 for between $630 and $2,350. Consumers should immediately stop using the snow throwers and contact Briggs & Stratton to arrange for a free repair. Owners of Craftsman brand snow throwers should contact Sears for assistance.

The recalled product

Product

Briggs & Stratton OHV Snow Thrower Engines

Manufacturer

Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Wauwatosa, Wis.

Category

Consumer Product — Snow Thrower Engines

Hazard

• fire
• burn-injury

Affected units

480,000

Distribution

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