The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·17095·Announced 2017-02-23

STIHL Recalls Gas-Powered Chain Saws Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

STIHL is recalling about 100,000 gas-powered chain saws because a leaking fuel line can cause fire and burn hazards. Consumers should stop using the saws and return them for a free repair.

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 (fire and burn hazards) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

STIHL Inc. is recalling about 100,000 STIHL MS 461 gas-powered chain saws and MS 461 R chain saws with a wrap handle. The recall is due to a defect where the fuel line can leak, posing fire and burn hazards. The affected chain saws are gray and orange with "STIHL" on the engine cover and have serial numbers between 173092800 and 181993952 located under the front hand guard on the sprocket side.

The chain saws were sold nationwide at authorized STIHL dealers from July 2012 through December 2016 for about $1,000. STIHL Inc. has received 117 reports of pinched or leaking fuel lines, but no fires, property damage, or injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and repair. For more information, consumers can contact STIHL Inc. at 800-233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email [email protected], or visit www.stihlusa.com.

The recalled product

Product
STIHL gas-powered chain saws
Affected units
100,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.