CPSC, Stihl Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws
Home product recall 03-541. Announced by CPSC on May 29, 2003.
- 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 May 29, 2003. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- 13,000 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?
In some units, the fuel tank vent could be installed incorrectly and become dislodged. If this occurs, fuel could leak and result in a fire.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Authorized Stihl dealers will replace all fuel tank vents. If you own one of the recalled chain saws, stop using it until the fuel tank vent has been replaced.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Call Stihl at (800) 610-6677 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or go to the company’s website at www.stihlusa.com
Which ones are recalled?
Stihl and model number, MS 270C, MS280, or MS280C are printed on the starter housing. The serial number is inscribed into the surface of the housing and can be seen by looking at the surface of the chain saw next to and above the bumper spikes. Saws with serial numbers from 255923345 through 260340097 are included in this recall.
13,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Stihl Chain Saws.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va..
- Stihl dealers nationwide sold the chain saws, from August 2002 through March 2003, for between $350 and $430.
- Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
None 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.