The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·16031·Announced 2015-11-12

STIHL Recalls Gas-Powered Edgers and Trimmers Due to Fire Hazard

STIHL is recalling about 140,000 gas-powered edgers, trimmers, and pruners because a defective fuel tank vent can leak gasoline, creating a fire 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 recall involves a fire hazard due to fuel leakage, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

STIHL Inc. is recalling approximately 140,000 gas-powered edgers, trimmer/brushcutters, pole pruners, and KombiMotors sold in the United States. An additional 16,000 units were sold in Canada. The affected models include FC 56 C, FS 40 C, FS 50 C, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC, HT 56 C, and KM 56 RC. These products were sold at authorized STIHL dealers nationwide between November 2014 and September 2015 for prices ranging from $200 to $400.

The recall is due to a fire hazard. The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged because of incorrect factory installation, which causes fuel to leak. STIHL has received 319 reports of fuel tank vents coming loose and fuel leaking, but no fires or injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products. They should return the items to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and repair. The model number is located on the starter cover at the rear of the engine, and the serial number is on the label on the bottom of the engine. The serial number range for all recalled units is 501830112 through 504083576.

The recalled product

Product
STIHL gas-powered edgers, trimmer/brushcutters, pole pruners and KombiMotors
Manufacturer
STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Category
Consumer Product — Power Tools
Hazard
Affected units
140,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · fire

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