Stihl Recall: 2.3M Law Power Tools for Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a Stihl recall. The recall applies to Stihl yard power tools for fuel cap problems, reports Reuters.

This recall includes Stihl gas-powered trimmers, brushcutters, hedge trimmers, hedgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, backpack blowers and KombiMotors.

CPSS has received 81 reports of gas-powered tools spilling fuel after being filled with ethanol and other fuel additives, CPSC's announcement says.

The safety issue arises when the fuel cap on the power tools gets distorted. Filling the tool with ethanol blends can result in fuel cap distortion. Once distorted, the fuel cap allows fuel to spill from the tool, presenting a fire hazard. Risk increases when gas engine surfaces have become hot to the touch.

None of the 81 filed complaints with the CPSC involved injury, reports Reuters.

This recall applies to models sold at authorized Stihl dealers nationwide from July 2002 through May 2011. The covered models range in retail price from $190 to $650, and were manufactured in the United States.

This is the third, and largest recall of Stihl products within the last six months. Stihl, a German company, has U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA, reports The Virginian-Pilot.

Consumers responding to this Stihl recall should stop using the products immediately, and return them to any Stihl dealer for a free replacement fuel cap.

Related Resources:

• STIHL Recalls Yard Power Products Due to Burn and Fire Hazards (U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission)
• 2,3 million Stihl gas-powered lawn tools recalled (CNN Money)
• STIHL produced recalled for fire hazard (WAVY-TV)
• Consumer Product Recalls (FindLaw)