Generac® and DR® 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators

CPSC Recall #21-173 — July 29, 2021

Recall Summary

Recall Number21-173
Recall DateJuly 29, 2021
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 321,160 (In addition, 4,575 in Canada)
ManufacturerGenerac Power Systems, of Waukesha, Wis.
Manufactured InUnited States and China

Where It Was Sold

Major home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online
including Ace Hardware
Amazon
Blain’s Farm & Fleet
City Electric Supply
Costco
Do it Best
Fastenal
Home Depot
Lowe’s Stores
Napa Auto Parts
Northern Tool & Equipment
Orgill
Power Equipment Direct
Ravitsky Bros.
True Value
and W.W. Grainger from June 2013 through June 2021 for between $790 and $1
480.

Product

Generac® and DR® 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators

Description

This recall involves 6500 watt and 8000 watt Generac portable generators with unit type numbers XT8000E, XT8000EFI, GP6500, GP6500E, GP8000E and HomeLink 6500E portable generators, and DR models PRO 6500M and PRO 6500E portable generators. The generators have gasoline-powered engines that are used to generate electricity for use as backup power. The portable generators have two-wheels and a single, U-shaped, two-grip, flip-up pin-lock handle to help move the generator. Only the generators listed below are included in this recall. The unit type is identified on the front of the product.  The model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the product.  Consumers can also check specific unit type, model number, and serial number location information at www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup.Unit TypeModel NumberFirst Serial NumberLast Serial NumberXT8000E   G0064330  G006433130000378493005569372G0064340  G0064342  XT8000EFI  G0071620  G007162130033363563006597843G0071621R  GP6500   G0076720  G0076800  G0076800R  G0076812  G0076830  G0076830R  G0076902  G0076902R  G0076903  GP6500EG0076820   G0076820R   G0076822  GP8000EG0076731  G0076751  G0076751R  G0076761  G0076761R  G0076861  G0076861R  PRO 6500M GP16505DMN  GP16505DMNR  PRO 6500EGP16505DEN  HomeLink 6500E  G0068650  G0068651  G0079960   

Hazard

An unlocked handle can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards. 

Incidents & Injuries

Generac has received eight reports of injuries, seven resulting in finger amputations and one in finger crushing. 

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator, and contact Generac for a free repair kit. 

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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.