Bauer Forced Air Propane Portable Heaters

CPSC Recall #21-782 — September 16, 2021

Recall Summary

Recall Number21-782
Recall DateSeptember 16, 2021
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 19,000  
ImporterHarbor Freight Tools, of Calabasas, Calif.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide and online at www.harborfreight.com from November 2020 until March 5
2021 for about $100.

Product

Bauer Forced Air Propane Portable Heaters

Description

This recall involves Bauer Forced Air Propane portable heaters, a forced air heater powered by propane gas. The unit is red, and measures 13 inches long, 9 inches high and 17 inches wide. The name “Bauer” is printed on the side of the heater in white letters. The heater has item number 57176 printed on the ratings label at the rear of the unit located next to the gas inlet. 

Hazard

The fitting at the back of the heater can fail to be sufficiently tight, causing the heater to leak propane gas, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received 13 reports of propane gas leaking, including one report of a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled propane portable heaters and inspect the heaters with a soapy water leak test per these instructions from Harbor Freight to determine that the fitting at the back of the unit is not leaking. Harbor Freight is contacting all known purchasers directly with updated instructions for use and detailed instructions on how to inspect and tighten the fittings on the heaters if necessary, using the wrench supplied with the product. If leaks persist, after self-inspection and appropriate tightening as needed, contact Harbor Freight Tools for more information.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.