The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·11226·Announced 2011-05-25

STIHL Recalls Gas-Powered Yard Tools Due to Fuel Spill and Fire Hazards

STIHL is recalling about 2.3 million gas-powered yard tools because fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap, causing fuel spills that pose 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 from fuel spillage) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

STIHL Inc. is recalling approximately 2.3 million gas-powered yard power products, including trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers. These specific models utilize a toolless fuel cap. The affected products were sold by authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from July 2002 through May 2011 for prices ranging between $190 and $650.

The recall is due to a hazard where the level of ethanol and other fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap. This distortion allows fuel to spill, which poses a fire and burn hazard. STIHL has received 81 reports of difficulty installing and/or removing the fuel caps and fuel spillage, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using these products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. Consumers can contact STIHL for instructions on identifying these toolless fuel caps. For additional information, consumers can contact STIHL toll-free at (800) 233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.stihlusa.com.

The recalled product

Product
Gas powered STIHL trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers that utilize a toolless fuel cap
Manufacturer
STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Category
Consumer Product — Yard Power Tools
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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