Stihl series 1127 chain saws, models 029 and 039

CPSC Recall #94-122 — August 29, 1994

Recall Summary

Recall Number94-122
Recall DateAugust 29, 1994
Remedy TypeLabel, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 50,000

Product

Stihl series 1127 chain saws, models 029 and 039

Description

Washington, D.C .-- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Stihl Inc. of Virginia Beach, Va., announced today that it is recalling approximately 50,000 series 1127 chain saws, models 029 and 039, that were manufactured from March 7, 1993 to August 12, 1994. An ignition ground wire on the saw can wear out prematurely and possibly start a fire if it comes into contact with gasoline from the saw or with any other combustible substance. Stihl Inc. has received at least one report of a fire associated with a worn-out ignition ground wire. The recalled saws were sold nationally through Stihl servicing dealers for about $400 to $450 each. The recalled model 029 saws have serial numbers 226585676 and above, and the recalled model 039 saws have serial numbers 227236569 and above. The model number is located on the top of the chain saw's engine and the serial numbers are stamped onto the chain saw's housing, adjacent to the exhaust/muffler opening. Owners of the recalled Stihl model 029 or 039 chain saws should discontinue using the saws immediately and return them to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free repair of the ground wire. Stihl dealers will also put a sticker near the gas cap explaining the correct tightening procedures. For more information, consumers can contact their authorized Stihl dealer or call Stihl. Inc. at (800) GO-STIHL (800 467-8445).

Hazard

An ignition ground wire on the saw can wear out prematurely and possibly start a fire if it comes into contact with gasoline from the saw or with any other combustible substance.

Incidents & Injuries

Stihl Inc. has received at least one report of a fire associated with a worn-out ignition ground wire.

Remedy Instructions

Owners of the recalled Stihl model 029 or 039 chain saws should discontinue using the saws immediately and return them to an authorized Stihl dealer for a free repair of the ground wire. Stihl dealers will also put a sticker near the gas cap explaining the correct tightening procedures.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Label, 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 (Label, 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.