Snapper walk-behind rotary lawn mowers with model number MR216015T
CPSC Recall #01-521 — August 27, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-521 |
| Recall Date | August 27, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | 20,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| The recalled mowers were sold nationwide through Snapper dealers between September 1 |
| 1999 and July 1 |
| 2001 for between $300 and $360. |
Product
Snapper walk-behind rotary lawn mowers with model number MR216015T
Description
PRODUCT: Mowers - Snapper Inc., of McDonough, Ga., is recalling 20,000 walk-behind rotary lawn mowers with model number MR216015T, which were sold nationwide through Snapper dealers between September 1, 1999 and July 1, 2001 for between $300 and $360. All of the recalled units have Tecumseh engines.PROBLEM: Lawn mowers that have a serial number beginning with a 0 may exhibit improper blade retention that could injure the operator or a bystander if the blade separates from the mower's housing.In addition, all Snapper mowers purchased after January 1, 2001, with serial numbers between 11020001-11024924, may have crankshafts that also adversely affect blade retention and require modification by a Snapper dealer.Serial numbers are located on a silver label on the rear of the deck behind the engine as indicated by an arrow in the photograph shown below.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: No reports of blade separation have been received. No injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers who have not received a notice from Snapper regarding this matter or have not been contacted by their Snapper dealer should stop using the MR216015T immediately and return it to the Snapper dealer where purchased for an inspection and possible repair. For more information, contact the Snapper Customer Relations Center at (800) 935-2967 between 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDST Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDST on Saturday. Consumers can also contact Snapper through their web site at www.snapper.com.
Hazard
Lawn mowers that have a serial number beginning with a 0 may exhibit improper blade retention that could injure the operator or a bystander if the blade separates from the mower's housing.
Incidents & Injuries
No reports of blade separation have been received. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who have not received a notice from Snapper regarding this matter or have not been contacted by their Snapper dealer should stop using the MR216015T immediately and return it to the Snapper dealer where purchased for an inspection and possible 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.
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.