STIHL gas-powered chain saws

CPSC Recall #17-095 — February 23, 2017

Recall Summary

Recall Number17-095
Recall DateFebruary 23, 2017
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 100,000
ManufacturerANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG
ImporterSTIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Manufactured InGermany

Where It Was Sold

Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from July 2012 through December 2016 for about $1
000.

Product

STIHL gas-powered chain saws

Description

This recall involves STIHL MS 461 gas-powered chain saws, and the MS 461 R chain saw with a wrap handle.  The model number is on the model plate, located on the starter cover.  The chain saws are gray and orange with “STIHL” on the engine cover.  Recalled chain saws have a serial number between 173092800 and 181993952, under the front hand guard on the engine housing’s sprocket side. 

Hazard

The fuel line can leak, posing fire and burn hazards.

Incidents & Injuries

STIHL Inc. has received 117 reports of pinched or leaking fuel lines. No fires, property damage or injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and free repair.

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.