STIHL Recalls Edgers, Trimmer/Brushcutters, Pole Pruners and KombiMotors Due to Fire Hazard
Home product recall 16-031. Announced by CPSC on Nov 12, 2015.
- 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 Nov 12, 2015. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- Repair what’s offered
- About 140,000 (in addition, about 16,000 were sold in Canada) units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation and cause fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and repair.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- What the company offers to fix a recalled product or vehicle: a repair, a replacement or a refund, as the recall notice says. For a vehicle, dealers make the safety repair free. Follow the notice’s own steps, or contact the company it names. Source: CPSC; NHTSA (49 U.S.C. 30120).: repair.
- How to reach the firm: STIHL Inc. at 800-610-6677 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email stihlrecall@stihl.us or online at www.stihlusa.com and click on Information and then Product Recalls for more information.
Which ones are recalled?
This recall involves STIHL edgers with model number FC 56 C, trimmer/brushcutters with model numbers FS 40 C, FS 50 C, FS 56 C and FS 56 RC, pole pruners with model number HT 56 C and KombiMotors with model number KM 56 RC. The model number is located on the starter cover at the rear of the engine. The engine size is about 28 cc. The products are gray and orange with “STIHL” on the engine cover. The serial number range for all of the recalled units is 501830112 through 504083576. The serial number is located on the label on the bottom of the engine.
About 140,000 (in addition, about 16,000 were sold in Canada) units, as CPSC gives them.
STIHL gas-powered edgers, trimmer/brushcutters, pole pruners and KombiMotors.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 9 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
- Location of model number on the starter cover
- Model FC 56 C edger
- Model FS 40 C trimmer/brushcutter
- Model FS 50 C trimmer/brushcutter
- Model FS 56 C trimmer/brushcutter
- Model FS 56 RC trimmer/brushcutter
- Model HT 56 C pole pruner
- Model KM 56 RC KombiMotor
- Location of serial number on the bottom of the engine
Who made and sold it?
- Made by STIHL Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.
- Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from November 2014 through September 2015 for between $200 and $400.
- Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
STIHL Inc. has received 319 reports of the fuel tank vents coming loose and fuel leaking. No fires or 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.