The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·18127·Announced 2018-03-20

Briggs & Stratton Recalls Riding Mowers Due to Reverse Mow Malfunction

Briggs & Stratton is recalling Snapper, Simplicity, and Massey Ferguson riding mowers because a malfunctioning switch may allow the mower to mow while reversing, posing a risk of injury.

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 where injury has not yet been reported, which corresponds to a severity score of 3 (High) according to the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Briggs & Stratton Corp. is recalling approximately 18,000 Snapper, Simplicity, and Massey Ferguson brand riding lawn mowers sold in the United States. The recall also includes about 300 units sold in Canada. These mowers were sold in red/black or orange/black color combinations with the respective brand logo on the hood between August 2016 and January 2018 for prices ranging from $1,500 to $13,000.

The recall is due to a defect in the reverse-mow option switch. This switch can malfunction and allow the riding lawn mowers to unintentionally mow when being driven in a reverse direction. This poses a risk of injury to bystanders. The company has not reported any injuries associated with this defect.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers and contact a Briggs & Stratton dealer to schedule a free repair. To determine if a mower is affected, check the model and serial numbers located on the frame near the front tires against the list provided in the official recall notice. If a black dot is present on either the equipment ID label or the shipping crate label, the product has been repaired and is not included in the recall. Consumers can contact Briggs & Stratton at 800-227-3798 or visit their website for more information.

The recalled product

Product
Snapper, Simplicity, and Massey Ferguson riding mowers
Manufacturer
Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Wauwatosa, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Lawn & Garden Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
18,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Wauwatosa, Wis.

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Same hazard · injury

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