Hearth Record

CPSC, Stihl Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws

Home product recall 03-037. Announced by CPSC on Nov 13, 2002.

  • CPSC: stop using it
CPSC’s own notice, on cpsc.gov

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The short answer

Announced by CPSC on Nov 13, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.

Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.

What’s wrong with it?

Fuel can leak out of the chain saw’s tank, which could cause a fire or injury hazard to consumers.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What should you do?

Consumers should stop using the chain saws immediately and return them to the dealer where purchased, for a free repair.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

  • How to reach the firm: For more information, consumers can contact Stihl at (800) 610-6677 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Which ones are recalled?

The recalled Stihl chain saws include model number MS 170 and MS 180 C with serial numbers 255120848 through 255122797 and 255739074 through 255741150. The name “Stihl” and the model numbers are located on the starter housing. The serial number is printed on the housing near the bumper spikes.

About 3,000 units, as CPSC gives them.

Chain Saws.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Who made and sold it?

  • Made by Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.
  • Stihl dealers nationwide sold the chain saws, from July 2002 through October 2002, for between $180 and $200.
  • Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Was anyone hurt?

Stihl has received six reports of fuel leakage. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Source:

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.
Source:

Hearth Record wrote these lines.

Sources

  • 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.

Source:

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.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

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