The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·11080·Announced 2010-12-23

STIHL Recalls MS 361C Chain Saws Due to Laceration Hazard

STIHL is recalling about 5,000 MS 361C chain saws because the throttle trigger may stick, posing a laceration risk to users or bystanders.

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 recall involves a risk-of-harm product (chain saw) where a laceration hazard exists, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

STIHL Incorporated is recalling approximately 5,000 MS 361C chain saws (C-Q version) sold in the United States. The recalled units feature a rear-handle activated chain brake, an orange top casing, a gray base, a black handle, and "STIHL MS 361C" printed in an orange circle on the side.

The recall is due to a defect where the throttle trigger may stick after being released by the operator. This can cause the engine to continue running at a speed that drives the saw chain, creating a risk of laceration injury to the user or a bystander. STIHL has received three reports of the throttle trigger sticking, but no injuries have been reported.

These chain saws were sold at authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from February 2004 through August 2009 for about $640. Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. For more information, contact STIHL at (800) 610-6677 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.stihlusa.com.

The recalled product

Product
STIHL MS 361C chain saws (C-Q version)
Manufacturer
STIHL Incorporated of Virginia Beach, Va.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
5,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same manufacturer · STIHL Incorporated of Virginia Beach, Va.

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Same hazard · laceration

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