Snapper lawn mowers

CPSC Recall #02-549 — July 7, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-549
Recall DateJuly 7, 2002
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 2,200

Where It Was Sold

Authorized Snapper dealers sold these mowers nationwide from March 2002 through April 2
2002 for about $400.

Product

Snapper lawn mowers

Description

PRODUCT: Lawn Mower - Snapper, Inc., of McDonough, Ga. is voluntarily recalling about 2,200 walk-behind lawn mowers. Snapper lawn mowers with model numbers 216751BV, P2167517BV and FRP 216751BV are part of this recall. The model number can be found on a white label attached to the top of the lawn mower. Authorized Snapper dealers sold these mowers nationwide from March 2002 through April 2, 2002 for about $400.PROBLEM: The walk-behind lawn mowers' side discharge deflector, which is sold as an accessory for these models, is defective. The material used to manufacture the side discharge deflector is not strong enough to prevent projectiles from flying out from under the mower deck exposing consumers and by-standers to possible injuries from flying debris.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers who have removed the bag and attached the side discharge deflector should stop using these walk-behind lawn mowers with the deflector and return them to their Snapper dealer immediately for a free replacement. For more information, contact Snapper, Inc. on (800) 935-2967. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or at the 935-2968. Snapper website at www.snapper.com.

Hazard

The walk-behind lawn mowers' side discharge deflector, which is sold as an accessory for these models, is defective. The material used to manufacture the side discharge deflector is not strong enough to prevent projectiles from flying out from under the mower deck exposing consumers and by-standers to possible injuries from flying debris.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who have removed the bag and attached the side discharge deflector should stop using these walk-behind lawn mowers with the deflector and return them to their Snapper dealer immediately for a free replacement.

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.

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.