Champion Portable Generators Recalled: 8,600 Sold at Costco
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Champion Power Equipment have announced a voluntary recall of Champion's portable generators that were sold at Costco.
Consumers are urged to stop using the product immediately, due to a fire hazard caused by fuel leaking into the generator's carburetor, reports CBS News.
About 8,600 of the units were sold. So far, there have been 11 reports of fuel leaking from the generators, including eight reports of the generators catching fire and two of property damage.
The recall involves two models of Champion portable generators -- model Nos. 41332 and 41532. Both models have a black frame with black and yellow control panels, a bar handle, and two wheels, according to CBS. These generators were sold exclusively at Costco stores nationwide from December 2011 through July 2012. They were made in China and had a retail price of about $699.
The model number and serial number of the affected portable generators are located on the side of the generator with the handle. The numbers are also located on a tag on the crossbar above the yellow generator end cap.
The affected model and serial numbers are:
- 41332: 11NOV2600701 to 11NOV2601500
- 41532: 11NOV1400151 to 11NOV1400360
- 41532: 11DEC0700001 to 11DEC0700720
- 41532: 11DEC1301077 to 11DEC1402602
- 41532: 11DEC2201801 to 11DEC2203600
- 41532: 11DEC2501531 to 11DEC2503330
- 41532: 11DEC2801073 to 11DEC2801325
Consumers who bought the recalled generators can contact Champion at (855) 236-9424 for a free repair kit, or return the generator to Costco for a full refund, reports CBS News.
In addition, consumers who suffered harm or property damage may want to contact a product liability attorney to learn what recourse they have against Champion to recover for their injuries.
A manufacturer of a defective product is typically liable for injuries caused by the products' defects such as a design defect or the product not working as advertised.
Related Resources:
- Champion portable generators recalled due to fire hazard (Consumer Reports)
- Your Right to Recall Remedies (FindLaw)
- If You Have a Problem with a Recall Repair (FindLaw)