Backpack Blowers Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA
Home product recall 01128a. Announced by CPSC on Apr 24, 2001.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Apr 24, 2001. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 3,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information, call Kawasaki toll-free at (800) 433-5640 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, each uses a TEX54D Kawasaki engine: -The ASTRON KB-541, which was distributed by Star Garden Supply, model has a red fan case, with a white fuel tank and black frame. The words, “Astron Backpack Blower” and the model number are on a label on the gas tank and on a cap right above the tank. -The TMC KTBL-5600XA, which was distributed by TMC Power Equipment, has a white fan case and fuel tank, with a black frame. The model name, “TMC,” and the model number are on a label on the fuel tank, and the name “Kawasaki” is on a cap right above the tank. The blower serial numbers can be found on the blower base of the ASTRON products, and on the fan case of TMC products. The engine serial numbers can be found at the bottom of the recoil starter: Product Model Blower Serial No. Ranges Engine Serial No. Ranges ASTRON KB-541 0950001 through 0950700 0X50001 through 0X50700 0Y50001 through 0Y50700 TEX54D-AE80 159675 through 160384 TEX54D-AE80 160901 through 161600 TEX54D-AE80 162056 through 162755 TMC KTBL-5600XA 56010001 through 56011050 TEX54D-AF70 161701 through 16205 TEX54D-BF70 172943 through 173642
About 3,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., Irvine, Calif.
- Distributed by Star Garden Supply Inc., Pico Rivera, Calif.
- Distributed by TMC Power Equipment Inc., Monterey Park, Calif.
- ASTRON and TMC dealers nationwide sold the backpack blowers to lawn and garden companies, from October 2000 through February 2001, for about $500.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Kawasaki has received two reports of flames coming out of the engine exhaust. No injuries have been reported.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.