The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·21173·Announced 2021-07-29

Generac Portable Generators Recalled for Finger Amputation Hazard

Generac is recalling about 321,160 portable generators (6500 and 8000 watt models) because an unlocked handle can pinch and amputate consumers' fingers when the generator is moved. Eight injuries have been reported, including seven finger amputations.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: Eight injuries have been reported, including seven finger amputations and one finger crushing. Although no deaths are reported, the presence of multiple significant injuries (amputations) involving loss of body parts meets the Severe criterion of significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Generac Power Systems is recalling approximately 321,160 6500 watt and 8000 watt portable generators distributed from June 2013 through June 2021. The recalled unit types are XT8000E, XT8000EFI, GP6500, GP6500E, GP8000E, HomeLink 6500E, and DR models PRO 6500M and PRO 6500E. These generators have a two-wheel frame and a single U-shaped, two-grip, flip-up pin-lock handle designed to move the unit.

The hazard is an unlocked handle that can pinch consumers' fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards. Generac has received eight injury reports: seven resulting in finger amputations and one in finger crushing.

The generators were sold at major home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, Costco, Ace Hardware, and Northern Tool & Equipment, priced between $790 and $1,480.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled generators unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle before and after moving the unit. Generac is offering a free repair kit. For assistance, consumers may contact Generac toll-free at 844-242-3493 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT) or visit www.generac.com/handleguard or www.generac.com and click on Important Safety Information.

The recalled product

Product
Generac® and DR® 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators
Manufacturer
Generac Power Systems, of Waukesha, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Portable Generator
Hazard
  • finger-amputation
  • crushing-injury
  • pinch-hazard
Affected units
321,160

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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