Makita Chain Saws
CPSC Recall #05-265 — September 11, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-265 |
| Recall Date | September 11, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | — |
| Units Affected | About 3,400 units |
| Manufactured In | Germany |
Where It Was Sold
| Outdoor power equipment distributors and industrial contractor supply houses nationwide sold these chain saws from October 2004 through August 2005 for between $520 and $730. |
Product
Makita Chain Saws
Description
The recall involves Makita DCS6401 and DCS7901-model chain saws in which the last five digits of the serial numbers are within the following ranges:Chain saw ModelSerial Number RangeDCS640141915 through 4561281722 through 82057DCS790131182 through 31491The chain saw's housing is teal with the name "Makita" written on it. The chain saw's serial number can be found on the right hand side of the silver nameplate which is located on the back of the fuel tank. No other Makita chain saws are involved in the recall. Any DCS6401 or DCS7901 chain saws with the letter "N" preceding the serial number on the nameplate and a blue dot on the shipping carton have been repaired and are not involved in the recall.
Hazard
The flywheels on some of the chain saws can come apart during use, which could cause serious personal injury.
Incidents & Injuries
Makita has received three reports of the flywheel coming apart. There have been no reports of injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these recalled chain saws immediately and contact Makita to arrange for a free repair. Known purchasers were sent direct mail notification of this recall.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a remedy 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 (refund, replacement, or 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.