Recall: Gas powered STIHL Backpack Blowers with toolless fuel cap
On 2011-05-25, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a recall regarding Gas powered STIHL Backpack Blowers with toolless fuel cap due to a potential fire and burn hazard. This product sold new beginning in July 2002 for about $190 to $650.
About 300,000 units are involved in this STIHL blower recall. Learn more and find out what to do if you own this product below.
This was the 4th recall of products in the Blowers & Yard Vacs category in 2011. Since 2005, there have been approximately 10 similar recalls, involving about 2 million product units. See other recalled Blowers & Yard Vacs.
Company Contact Information:
Website: www.stihlusa.com
Phone: (800) 233-4729
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What is the problem?
The level of ethanol and other fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap, allowing fuel to spill, posing a fire and burn hazard.
How can I tell if I own this product?
The following yard power tools and model numbers are included in this recall:
| Product Name & Description | Model Number | Serial Numbers Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Blower, backpack | BR 500 | Up to 284053456 |
| BR 550 | Up to 284053456 | |
| BR 600 | Up to 284053456 | |
| BR 600 Magnum | Up to 284053456 |
Visit STIHL's website, www.stihlusa.com for additional photos of the power tools involved and photos of the toolless fuel cap.
Hedge trimmers, pole pruners, edgers, trimmers & brushcutters, clearing saws and KombiEngines were also recalled by Stihl due to the same hazard.
These items were sold new+ at Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from July 2002 through May 2011 for between $190 and $650.
What should I do if I own this recalled product?
First, stop using the item.
Then, add the item to a free, private Items I Own account. This will enable you to easily access the CPSC and recalling company's remedy instructions as well as track your progress toward getting the item returned or fixed. Click "I Own THIS Item" to continue.
The CPSC provides the following remedy information:
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, 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 or e-mail to stihlrecall@stihl.us
Incidents & Injuries
STIHL has received 81 reports of difficulty installing and/or removing the fuel caps and fuel spillage. No injuries have been reported.
+WeMakeItSafer cautions consumers that recalled items may have been acquired at different locations, prices and times than specified in the CPSC recall announcement. This is especially true for items purchased in online marketplaces, resale shops or yard sales. More information may be available in the CPSC recall announcement.
Own a Different Blower?
Add it to Items I Own,™ and our system will check it for past recalls, then keep checking daily, so you don't have to. Click "I Own a Similar Item" to continue.
Items I Own™ is a free WeMakeItSafer service.
Sources may include: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Health Canada and companies involved with this or a related recall.
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