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Husqvarna Chain Saws

CPSC Recall #97-098 — April 7, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-098
Recall DateApril 7, 1997
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 277,000

Where It Was Sold

Authorized Husqvarna dealers nationwide sold the chain saws from 1990 through 1995 for about $400 to $600.

Product

Husqvarna Chain Saws

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. of Charlotte, N.C., is recalling about 277,000 chain saws. Heat from the saw's muffler can melt the saw's front hand guard if the removable exhaust deflector is not attached properly. The hand guard is designed to prevent contact with the chain and can manually activate the chain brake during a kickback. A damaged hand guard exposes consumers to a risk of injury from the chain. Husqvarna has received one report of a death in Canada and one report of a serious hand injury after the base of the saw's hand guard melted.The recalled chain saws include the Husqvarna models 42, 51, 55, 242, and 254 with serial numbers beginning with 531 and below. The recalled saws also include models 61 and 257 with serial numbers beginning with 324 and below. The chain saws are orange and have the Husqvarna name printed on both sides of the motor. The model number is printed on the left side of the motor and on the serial number plate on the left front of the motor. The hand guard is made of black, gray, or orange plastic.Authorized Husqvarna dealers nationwide sold the chain saws from 1990 through 1995 for about $400 to $600.Consumers should immediately stop using the chain saws and return them to the nearest authorized Husqvarna dealer for a free replacement muffler, which has a welded deflector. Husqvarna will also replace any hand guards that show signs of heat damage. For additional information, consumers should call Husqvarna at (800) 438-7297.

Hazard

Heat from the saw's muffler can melt the saw's front hand guard if the removable exhaust deflector is not attached properly. The hand guard is designed to prevent contact with the chain and can manually activate the chain brake during a kickback. A damaged hand guard exposes consumers to a risk of injury from the chain.

Incidents & Injuries

Husqvarna has received one report of a death in Canada and one report of a serious hand injury after the base of the saw's hand guard melted.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the chain saws and return them to the nearest authorized Husqvarna dealer for a free replacement muffler, which has a welded deflector.

What Should You Do?

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

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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 (Replace) 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.

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