Poulan chainsaws
14 reports to CPSC, the latest made Dec 8, 2018. A report isn’t a recall.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own search is on saferproducts.gov.
At a glance
From SaferProducts.gov, released Oct 25, 2026.
- 14reports to CPSC
- Dec 8, 2018the latest report was made
- Jun 21, 2011the earliest
- 7with the company’s comments
- Brand
- Poulan
- Maker
- HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICAMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- ChainsawsCPSC’s product type: Chain Saws (code 1411), in Yard & Garden: Gardening & Landscaping
Other ways the reports write the brand (4)
“Poulan Pro”, “Poulan Farmhand”, “Poulan PRO” and “Poulan; also some [REDACTED]”
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| December 2018 | 1 |
| September 2018 | 1 |
| February 2016 | 1 |
| January 2015 | 1 |
| December 2014 | 1 |
| October 2014 | 1 |
| May 2014 | 1 |
| November 2013 | 1 |
| September 2013 | 1 |
| April 2013 | 1 |
| October 2012 | 1 |
| November 2011 | 1 |
| October 2011 | 1 |
| June 2011 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- First aid 1 CPSC: Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
- Hurt, no treatment 1 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
- No one hurt 12 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
As each report says it, in short words; CPSC’s own words are under each.
The reports, as CPSC published them
Reports people made to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC publishes each one after sending it to the company named, and doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. A report isn’t a recall.
Each report is the words of the person who made it, as CPSC published them. The company’s comments, where CPSC published any, are set apart as the company’s own.
CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily.
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No one hurt Made Dec 8, 2018, sent to the company Feb 13, 2019, published by CPSC Mar 1, 2019
The product, in the report: Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gasoline Chainsaw 18-inch
I purchased a Poulan Pro PR4218 18-inch gas chainsaw on 12/9/2017. I used the device on 12/10/2017. The second time I used the device was on 8/11/2018. The chainsaw’s SKU number is 967063901. The Serial# is 17262N501386-1. The second time I used it, I noticed that the chain turns at idle with the blade brake engaged and without a hand on the trigger.
I made Husqvarna aware of this safety issue. They asked me to send the chainsaw to their facility in Charlotte, NC, which I did. They claim that the chainsaw is malfunctioning due to operator error. They are claiming that I used the chainsaw at full throtle with the blade brake engaged. In fact, I don’t believe that it is even possible. If it is then the product is extremely dangerous and should be recalled. The owner’s manual for the Poulan Pro PR3816 / PR4218 states that is designed according to ANSI standard B175.1-2012. I dispute their evaluation that I used the chainsaw incorrectly. I’m convinced it is dangerous. They offered to send me a reconditioned chainsaw with no warranty. I refused their offer, and am still working towards a resolution. I asked them to return the chainsaw to me, or destroy it. I am concerned about this safety issue, and don’t want the chainsaw refurbished and resold to an unsuspecting consumer.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at [REDACTED] if you need any additional information.
- Model
- Poulan Pro PR4218
- UPC
- 967063901
- Serial number
- 17262N501386-1
- Bought from
- Home Depoot
- Bought
- Dec 8, 2017
- Where
- Marietta, Georgia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan Pro, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Sep 28, 2018, sent to the company Oct 16, 2018, published by CPSC Oct 30, 2018
The product, in the report: Poulan PRO Predator 18 in. 42 cc Gas Chain Saw, MFG Model # : 967183701, MFG Part # : 967183701, MFG Descr. : PPR 4218A 18” SAS
Product: Poulan PRO Predator 18 in. 42 cc Gas Chain Saw, MFG Model # : 967183701 (Purchased in January, 2013)
In about the 2nd year of ownership it was noticed the fuel cap had swelled - or the fuel filler neck distorted - making it difficult to close tightly. In time, fuel was able to leak, which became a fire hazard. Because the defect was noticed, precautions were put into place which prevented a fire, but I must wonder if mine is the only one which leaks fuel. If not, should this tool be recalled?
NOTE: No unusual fuels or unauthorized fuel additives had ever been used in this product.
- Model
- MFG Model # : 967183701
- UPC
- 0 24761 03566 8
- Serial number
- 12345N200340
- Bought from
- The Home Depot.com, Florida
- Bought
- Jan 14, 2013
- Where
- Ocala, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan PRO, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Feb 18, 2016, sent to the company Feb 26, 2016, published by CPSC Mar 11, 2016
The product, in the report: Poulan chainsaw Model: PP4218AVX
The Poulan chainsaw model PP4218AVX fuel cap does not seal allowing fuel to leak out while operating this saw. I researched and discovered a lot of complaints about this chainsaw’s fuel cap expanding and allowing fuel to leak out. I was using the saw and noticed fuel leaking around the cap. This creates a fire/explosion hazard
- Model
- PP4218AVX
- Serial number
- 11242n200645-3
- Where
- Shelbyville, Tennessee: Other
- Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan Pro, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Jan 16, 2015, sent to the company Feb 5, 2015, published by CPSC Feb 23, 2015
The product, in the report: Poulan gas chain saw model PP4620AVX.
The Poulan chain saw model PP4620AVX has a chain tightening system that locks the adjustment with a crank handle. This handle is loosened and the chain tension is adjusted, then the handle it tightened down. The problem arises in that the crank handle tightens only one bolt to secure the bar in position. Most chain saws use two nuts to secure the bar. The Poulan saw referenced has two studs through the bar just as most other models, but only one is used, the crank handle tightening the nut on the single stud used to secure the bar.
In use, the single nut is insufficient to secure the bar, and as a result, the chain is tight for a short time, then rapidly loses adjustment resulting in the chain flying off the bar while in use, if the loosening of the chain is not immediately noticed. At first I thought I was just not tightening the crank enough, but in talking with other Poulan owners, discovered that they were experiencing the same problem. The crank handle cannot be tightened enough to hold the bar in place.
In August of 2014, I addressed my concerns to the only address I could find for Poulan, at Poulan 335 Harris Corners Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269
No reply was ever received.
- Model
- PP4620AVX
- Bought from
- Sears, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Jun 1, 2013, about then
- Where
- Mifflin, Pennsylvania: Unspecified
- Who was involved
- Age 70, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Dec 23, 2014, sent to the company Feb 3, 2015, published by CPSC Feb 19, 2015
The product, in the report: 20” Poulan Chainsaw - lime green in color.
The Chainbrake assembly of this chainsaw, which protects users from deadly kickback, is constructed of plastics parts which are in the direct path of hot exhaust gases from the muffler. After only a few minutes of use the plastic begins to melt, degrading and eventually defeating the kickback protection of the assembly. I have replaced the Chainbrake Assembly 3 times since I have owned this chainsaw. The newly replaced part has signs of failure after only 15 minutes use. The part need to be either; 1, Manufactured of a more heat resistant material, or 2. Shielded from hot exhaust gases from the muffler, or 3. A re-designed muffler directing hot exhaust gases elsewhere.
- Model
- Farmhand 1PWES.0464CS:EM
- Serial number
- 01095d300030-2
- Bought from
- Menards, Indiana
- Where
- Valparaiso, Indiana: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 59, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan Farmhand, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Oct 21, 2014, sent to the company Oct 29, 2014, published by CPSC Nov 14, 2014
The product, in the report: poulan chainsaw model 4218
Poulan chainsaw has a gas cap that deforms when exposed to gas.(kind of ironic).They say according to many accounts that the ether in the gas causes this problem. Cap screws on with difficulty usually requiring pliers. Some times not sealing well and leaking gas. If you buy a replacement cap it does the same thing. model 4218
- Model
- 4218
- Bought from
- HOME DEPOT
- Where
- malta, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 63, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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First aid Made May 22, 2014, sent to the company Jun 2, 2014, published by CPSC Jun 16, 2014
The product, in the report: Poulan Pro 16” Chain Saw
Poulan Pro 16” Chain Saw Model #PP3516AVX Chain repeatedly falls off during operation. I googled this problem and got numerous hits so this is, or should be a known problem for this model chain saw. Yesterday while trimming a tree branch the chain came off and sliced the underside of my right wrist. It could have been much worse though my Wife said I should get some stiches.
Thanks for Listening [REDACTED]
- Model
- PP3516AVX 802144
- Serial number
- 09013D401047-2
- Bought from
- Crouse True Value Hdw.
- Bought
- Aug 15, 2012, about then
- Where
- North Lima, Ohio: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 64, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
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No one hurt Made Nov 19, 2013, sent to the company Nov 26, 2013, published by CPSC Dec 11, 2013
The product, in the report: Chainsaw Poulan Pro, Model name PP4218AVX
Chainsaw Poulan Pro, Model number PP4218AVX with keyless chain adjustment system.
The keyless chain adjustment system has a design flow which does not hold the tension of the chain while cutting the wood. Properly adjusted chain gets loose in a matter of seconds while cutting wood which resulted in chain slipping off the chain bar and swinging right next to my hand. I had lots of luck that I was not injured. I have called the company and they refused to address this issue for me because the product was out of warranty. Instead they wanted to sell me an alternative cover with regular chain tensioning system. I think they need to inform other users about potential danger and offer free of charge remedy.
There are plenty of evidence of users affected by this problem on the internet. Below are a few comments form Amazon.com product review pages. I am not sure how many of the users realize that if the chains jumps out of the groove because it is too loose they can get seriously hurt.
“Chain Tension - This is an absolute engineering disaster. After some usage, my saw would not keep the chain tight. After an adjustment and a couple cuts of 6” limb or 1 cut of 12” or bigger, and I would need to readjust the chain tension.”
“If I adjust the chain too tight it binds, too loose it fall off. There doesn’t seem to be a correct adjustment (believe me, after putting the chain back on a few dozen times I have tried everything).”
“The idea of the chain adjustment actually being in the bar sounds great but its a real failure. It is either too tight or too loose, no in between.”
- Model
- Poulan Pro, PP4218AVX
- Bought from
- Lowes or Home Depot
- Bought
- Nov 1, 2010, about then
- Where
- Mill Creek, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 44, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Sep 27, 2013, sent to the company Oct 23, 2013, published by CPSC Nov 6, 2013
The product, in the report: Yellow colored Poulan Pro PP42118AVX 42cc
Chain comes off saw consistently since the tightener is poorly designed. Poulan Pro PP4218AVC 42cc. This has occured since purchased several years ago. When the chain loosens (2-3 minutes of use) it travels off the blade.
When contacted Poulan stated they had no recalls. I had not even told them the model yet. When I mentioned the model - same answer. When I mentioned I was a safety engineer and concerned that someone will get hurt from the condition and was considering a call to the CPSC - they noted that they were replacing the hand wheel with the conventional two nut system. This recognition of a hazard and correction was not offered up front. That is my concern for that is negligence. They then went on to note they would not replace without a receipt.
As a safety professional and long time user of many saw types and brands this is a dangerous condition for the user will tend to continue using the saw well after the loose chain is observed. When the chain does come loose it flies off the bar when moving. That fact that they are not forthcoming with the hazard and correction in not acceptable to me.
[REDACTED] CSP
- Model
- PP4218AVX
- UPC
- Cannot find
- Serial number
- Cannot find
- Bought from
- HArdware store, New York
- Where
- Warwick, New York: Unspecified
- Who was involved
- Age 54, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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No one hurt Made Apr 29, 2013, sent to the company May 7, 2013, published by CPSC May 21, 2013
The product, in the report: Chain saw muffler. OE discontinued with badly designed exhaust port preventing proper function of safety hand guard attached to top cover. Top cover held away from attachment point by new muffler design and exhaust heat damages part.
Defective parts. Poulan model 3500 chainsaw. OE muffler discontinued with a different design for replacement. Exhaust port moved to side of muffler where it interferes with and holds top cover with safety handle away from mounting point. The top cover is plastic and heat of exhaust will also destroy it, defeating the safety of the hand guard that is attached. For information, this muffler is sold as a replacement for several models and also for some Husqvarna chain saws.
- Model
- 3500
- Where
- Savannah, Georgia: Other
- Who was involved
- Age 62, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan; also some [REDACTED], made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
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Hurt, no treatment Made Oct 30, 2012, sent to the company Nov 8, 2012, published by CPSC Nov 26, 2012
The product, in the report: Chainsaw
I have a Poulan PP4620AVX chainsaw with the tool-free adjusting system for the chain. It does not work correctly and the chain has flown off the bar and injured me. Poulan is aware of the defect and offers updated replacement parts to correct the issue to SOME people, but I was denied replacement parts because I could not locate my original receipt for the saw. A quick search online shows that many others are experiencing the same problems. This is a dangerous product due to an unresolved defect and I feel that a third party should get involved.
- Model
- PP4620AVX
- Where
- Unspecified: Place of Recreation or Sports
- Who was involved
- Age 27, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
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No one hurt Made Nov 28, 2011, sent to the company Dec 5, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 19, 2011
The product, in the report: Gasoline powered chain saw - Poulan Pro model PP4218AV
I have purchased a Poulan Pro model PP4218AV chainsaw. After some use, the gas cap is extremely difficult to screw in or out, in fact, I need to use pliers to do it. I called Poulan/Husqvarna customer service, and was told that the problem is that the ethanol used in gasoline causes the plastic screw threads to expand, thus creating the issue with the cap.
Their solution is to “put the cap in the sun, or other heat source, such as a light bulb, to dry out the cap”, thus shrinking the threads so that they will work. Presumably, a consumer will have to do this frequently, as the problem is only temporarily fixed.
I personally believe their response is unbelievably poor, as it does not solve the problem. But more importantly, I can envision some consumer applying a heat source that should not be used near gasoline, such a a lighter or blow torch to dry the cap. Obviously, this could be a catastrophic event for the person.
- Model
- Poulan Pro Model PP4218AV
- Serial number
- 10347N500112-3
- Bought from
- Hardware Store, Michigan
- Bought
- May 9, 2011
- Where
- Marshall, Michigan: Farm/
Ranch - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan Pro, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 10, 2011, sent to the company Oct 18, 2011, published by CPSC Nov 1, 2011
The product, in the report: Chain Saw
I have a Poulan Pro PP3516AVX chain saw which is a little more than a year old. On my last use of the saw, I was not able to remove the gas cap without excessive force. There is still gas in the reservoir and with the engine hot, the risk of fire was definitely there. After several minutes and the use of a wrench I was finally able to replace the cap albeit with extreme difficulty.. I called Poulan and was told it was due to the use of ethanol in the fuel. They did not seem overly concerned and told me that I could purchase a new gas cap at their local service center
- Model
- PP3516AVX
- Serial number
- 09349D400180-2
- Bought from
- Amazon.com
- Bought
- Feb 11, 2010
- Where
- Baltimore, Maryland: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 21, 2011, published by CPSC Aug 2, 2011
The product, in the report: Poulan Pro Model PP4218ASVX Chain Saw
I recntly purchased a Poulan Model PP4218AVX. My saw was stored in my non airconditioned Garage in Central Florida. I attempted to use the saw on 18 June, 2011. Temperature in my garage was about 100 Deg F. I was not able to unscrew the gas-cap from the saw. Using pliers I finally got it off. After filling the tank, I screwed the cap back in as far as I could (The threads on the cap and on the tank were not stripped.) I used both hands to do this. After using the chain saw for about 10 minutes, I noticed that there was gasoline running down the front of my trousers. It was coming from the not completly seated gas cap. The problem turns out to be a thermal expansion problem of the Plastic gas cap and possibly of the gas tank itself. I solved it by putting my gas cap in the freezer for about 90 minutes. I was then able to screw the cap fully in. I spoke with Poulan about this problem and they stated that they were very much aware of it. My contact was a MS. [REDACTED] who said she was with the Escalation of Complaints Department. She spoke with someone else while I was on the phone with her. Her suggestion was that they would send me an extra gas cap which I could store in my refrigerator while not in use. I would then rotate the two gas caps between the saw and the refrigerator. I stated that, for me, this was not a suitable fix. I asked for a full refund of the purchase price. This they refused.
- Model
- PP42118AVX 966557901
- Serial number
- 10154D401734-3
- Bought from
- The Home Depot, Georgia
- Bought
- Jan 15, 2009, about then
- Where
- Merritt Island, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 72, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Poulan, made or sold by HUSQVARNA GROUP OF COMPANIES N. AMERICA
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
CPSC’s disclaimer
Disclaimer: CPSC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database on SaferProducts.gov, particularly with respect to information submitted by people outside of CPSC.
Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.
Sources
Sources
-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.
Released Oct 25, 2026 and checked Oct 25, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.