Toro rotary power lawn mowers
33 reports to CPSC, the latest made Sep 21, 2025. 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 Nov 4, 2026.
- 33reports to CPSC
- Sep 21, 2025the latest report was made
- May 23, 2011the earliest
- 19with the company’s comments
- Brand
- Toro
- Makers
- The Toro Company, KOHLER CO. and Tecumseh Products CompanyMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- Rotary power lawn mowersCPSC’s product type: Rotary Power Lawn Mowers (code 1448), in Yard & Garden: Lawn Mowers, Leaf Blowers and Lawn Vacuums
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | 1 |
| August 2025 | 1 |
| July 2024 | 1 |
| July 2023 | 1 |
| May 2023 | 1 |
| December 2020 | 1 |
| July 2020 | 1 |
| May 2020 | 1 |
| May 2019 | 2 |
| July 2018 | 1 |
| May 2017 | 1 |
| April 2017 | 1 |
| December 2016 | 1 |
| June 2016 | 1 |
| May 2016 | 3 |
| April 2016 | 1 |
| December 2015 | 1 |
| October 2015 | 1 |
| July 2015 | 1 |
| June 2015 | 1 |
| May 2012 | 3 |
| April 2012 | 1 |
| March 2012 | 1 |
| November 2011 | 1 |
| September 2011 | 1 |
| August 2011 | 1 |
| July 2011 | 1 |
| May 2011 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- Hospital admission 1 CPSC: Injury, Hospital Admission
- Emergency room 1 CPSC: Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
- Seen by a doctor or nurse 1 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
- 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 25 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
- No incident, no one hurt 3 CPSC: No 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 Nov 4, 2026. Updated daily.
-
No incident, no one hurt Made Sep 21, 2025, sent to the company Sep 24, 2025, published by CPSC Nov 20, 2025
The product, in the report: TORO 163CC 22-inch recycler max personal pace gas powered lawn mower.
My husband was mowing the lawn and our gas-powered lawn mower (a TORO 22” 163-CC recycler personal pace push mower with a Stratton-Briggs motor) literally had a hole blow through the side of it and started smoking.
- Model
- 21485
- UPC
- d21038214856
- Serial number
- 416619446
- Bought from
- Lowes home improvement store in Burlington, NC
- Bought
- Apr 20, 2024
- Where
- Graham, North Carolina: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 43, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- No Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Aug 7, 2025, sent to the company Aug 15, 2025, published by CPSC Aug 29, 2025
The product, in the report: Toro 21 in Super Recycler Lawn Mower. Model # 21565, Serial # 41837482
On April 28, 2025 I purchased a Toro 21 in Supercycler Lawn Mower. The model number is 21565. The Serial number is 418137482. I have less than 1/2 acre to mow. On July 18, 2025 while mowing both read drive wheels started to wobble. The right one was worse than the left. Both had to be replaced. The wheels had split around the bolt holding the wheel in place. There are no bearings on the wheel and they are not steel wheels. At this rate I’ll have to replace the drive wheels three times a summer. There could be serious consequences when a wheel fails in a catostrophic fashion on an operating mower. The design is totally inadequate. It was a replacement for a 21 inch Toro which was 18 years old. I have complained to TORO and I am still waiting for replacement wheels. I hope the ones provided by the supplier last until new ones arrive from Toro. I asked Toro for a full refund so I can buy a different mower.
- Model
- 21565
- Serial number
- 41837482
- Bought from
- Thompson’s Garage Rostraver PA
- Bought
- Apr 28, 2025
- Where
- Rostraver TWP, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 77, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No incident, no one hurt Made Jul 19, 2024, sent to the company Jul 24, 2024, published by CPSC Aug 7, 2024
The product, in the report: Toro 22” Recycler gas lawn mower model 21462.
The front baffle on Toro Recycler lawn mower, model 21462, has a front baffle made of plastic. After only two months of use, the baffle broke allowing debris to be discharged out of the mower.
- Model
- 22” Recycler Model 21462
- Serial number
- 416835124
- Bought from
- Ace Hardware
- Bought
- Apr 30, 2024
- Where
- Easton, Maryland: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 67, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- No Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 29, 2023, sent to the company Aug 1, 2023, published by CPSC Aug 15, 2023
The product, in the report: 22 in recycler self-propel w/smartstow gas lawn mower
Gas cap vibrates off and if ran under a bush will also twist off due to the fact that the cap only makes a 1/8 (if even that) twist on. My son has the same mower with the same issue. The mower is a “22 in recycler self propel w/smartstow gas lawn mower” model 21445 serial # 400000000 - 411871744
- Model
- 21445
- Serial number
- 400000000 - 411871744
- Bought from
- home depot
- Bought
- Jan 1, 2021, about then
- Where
- Bay Minette, Alabama: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No incident, no one hurt Made May 8, 2023, sent to the company May 9, 2023, published by CPSC May 23, 2023
The product, in the report: lawn mower
gasoline leak from faulty tank
- Model
- Recycler model #20074
- Serial number
- 2007440412
- Where
- saint louis, Missouri: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 67, Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- No Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 2, 2020, sent to the company Jan 14, 2021, published by CPSC Feb 1, 2021
The product, in the report: walk behind lawn mower
2 Welds that affix a plate to the mower shaft failed. In this design the upper plate (that had the failed welds) has features that hold the blade so it rotates with the shaft. A lower plate and screw (that threads axially into the bottom of the shaft) clamps the blade against the upper plate.
- Model
- PH-XT675
- UPC
- 0 21038 20371 3
- Serial number
- 4134640148
- Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 25, 2020, sent to the company Aug 7, 2020, published by CPSC Aug 21, 2020
The product, in the report: Toro walk behind self propelled lawn mower.
I purchased a Toro walk behind lawn mower. Model # 20377. The grass catcher bag only hinges at the top and is not secured at the bottom where the lawn mower dispenses the clippings. This allows debris to be released at the rear of the mower hitting the lower legs of the person mowing the grass. Occasionally this debris can include sticks and rocks and anything else being mowed up in the grass.
- Model
- 20377
- Serial number
- 406515708
- Bought from
- Ace Hardware, Illinois
- Bought
- Apr 19, 2020
- Where
- Plainfield, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 54, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made May 25, 2020, sent to the company Jun 11, 2020, published by CPSC Jun 25, 2020
The product, in the report: Toro Lawn Mower Model 20334 with Briggs & Stratton 163 cc engine
When using a Toro Recycler Lawn Mower Model 20334 powered by a Briggs & Stratton 163 cc engine the fuel cap loosened and fell from the safety tether which is meant to hold it and prevent it falling. In this case it failed to stop the cap from falling and was shattered by the mower’s operating blade and explosively propelled the hard plastic pieces in numerous directions with some rebounding off an adjacent wall and striking the operator’s arm, fortunately without serious injury.
Initially the owner, myself, believed it was a fluke and located the correct replacement cap, a Genuine Briggs & Stratton Model 594061 Fuel Cap on Amazon.com and provided through the Briggs & Stratton Store. It matched the original item exactly and seemed secure when it was installed. After several minutes the fuel cap again fell to the ground and fortunately was not hit. Upon inspecting the unit the safety tether no longer secured the cap and fit the perimeter of the cap loosely, not securely as it had upon installation.
Upon investigating it appeared the tether expanded in the heat of a 85 degree day and would no longer hold the cap safely. The mower was left overnight in the garage and the next day the tether appeared to hold. Operating it cautiously under cooler conditions and inspecting the tether after several minutes revealed the cap was not being held securely. It is assumed just the heat of an operating engine allows the tether to fail.
- Model
- Toro Recycler 22 in. Variable Speed Model 20334
- Serial number
- 405419991
- Bought from
- Home Depot
- Bought
- Jun 28, 2019
- Where
- Amherst, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 73, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made May 28, 2019, sent to the company Jun 5, 2019, published by CPSC Jun 19, 2019
The product, in the report: Toro Timemaster 30-inch dual blade power mower
One of the two blades on my Toro Timemaster lawn mower snapped in half during routine lawn mowing. Replaced both blades with new blades purchased at the dealer where I purchased the mower, and within two weeks one of the new blades snapped in half during routine lawn mowing.
I notice there was a recall back in 2013 for this very same issue (recall #14-046), and I don’t ever recall my dealer telling me they fixed the issue during yearly service of my mower. Apparently not because two blades have broken on the mower in the last two weeks.
- Model
- Timemaster
- Serial number
- 20199
- Bought from
- Granz Turf Depot, New Hampshire
- Bought
- Jan 1, 2013, about then
- Where
- Andover, Massachusetts: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 6, 2019, sent to the company May 13, 2019, published by CPSC May 28, 2019
The product, in the report: TORO Walk behind 30 inch mower Model 20199
My Toro Time-master 30 inch mower started to vibrate, shake and broke one of the mower blades. I undid the plastic cover and found out the gear that drives the blade had become out of shape and slipped on it’s shaft causing the blades to go out of time and collide.
- Model
- 20199
- Serial number
- 314001332
- Bought from
- Home depot
- Bought
- Oct 3, 2016, about then
- Where
- medford, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 66, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Emergency room Made Jul 16, 2018, sent to the company Jul 24, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 7, 2018
The product, in the report: 22” Toro Recycler Lawn mower
Lawn mower engine would not shut off via safety device, and employee’s hand was struck by spinning mower blade as a result.
- Model
- Toro Recycler
- Serial number
- 4803904408
- Bought from
- Lowe’s
- Bought
- May 8, 2018
- Where
- Cohasset, Massachusetts: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 26, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Friend /
Neighbor / Co-worker - As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received
-
No one hurt Made May 23, 2017, sent to the company Aug 8, 2017, published by CPSC Aug 22, 2017
The product, in the report: Toro 6.5 hp front wheel drive residential lawnmower
Customer Service, I have been a long-time Toro Customer, recently my mower engine 20071 (S/N 270099522), Engine (Model LV195XA, Spec: 362089E, DOM 07073GA1599 ) had a catastrophic failure in the engine block sending shrapnel outward and creating a severe safety Hazard and potential loss of Limb. During a routine cutting of my residential lawn on 5/16/17 , after about 30 minutes of cutting, the engine stopped. Upon inspection, I found a 2” hole in the side of the engine block on the right side as viewed from the rear. Shrapnel had existed the Mower, but unfortunately, I was unable to locate and recover the failed part that had existed the engine. As always the mower had annual routine tune up and oil change in the spring – Oil was checked prior to cut and at the specified limits. Photos are provided on page 2. I am writing to you as a concerned consumer. Had the Shrapnel existed at another location it could have caused severe permanent injury to my ankle/foot or to a bystander. Request you take the following actions: 1) Arrange for return of the mower for you lab analysis to assess for premature material fatigue failure of the engine components (Block/piston/crank shaft, etc..) 2) Pending results – Notify Toro owners of Safety hazards 3) Provide replacement or credit for manufacturing defect and subsequent replacement of my mower . I look forward to your prompt and thorough action on this safety issue. Sincerely [REDACTED]
- Model
- Lawnmower 20071
- Serial number
- 270099522
- Bought from
- dont remember, Virginia
- Where
- Fairfax station, Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 55, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by Tecumseh Products Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 16, 2017, sent to the company Jun 8, 2017, published by CPSC Jun 22, 2017
The product, in the report: Toro Recycler 22 in. Personal Pace Variable Speed Electric Start Gas Self Propelled Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine Model #20334
My complaint is about a Toro model 20334 Walk-Behind Rotary Lawn Mower with the “Personal Pace” feature. This a self-propeller lawn mower and the power assist has a throttle from which the term “Personal Pace” is derived. My concerns related to the fact that the power assist must be engaged in order to operate the mower. The bar on which the user must push in order to operate the mower is, in fact, the throttle for the power assist; the “dead man’s” control fits into a groove in the throttle. The power assist cannot be disengaged; only its speed can be altered, and therein lies the rub. Following are the issues I have with this product, which I sent to Toro earlier today:
(1) The power is in the rear wheels. Why is this a problem? It makes pivoting difficult, especially if you need to pivot 180 degrees. The only way to make a pivot is to push down on the handle and lift the front wheels. With the power in the rear wheels, turning is difficult. It also takes away an element of control over the machine (see #2 and #3, below). (2) You can’t turn off the power assist – it is always on. This basically means that the user has lost an element of control over the machine. Lawn mowers can be dangerous, and the last thing a user needs is to lose control of a dangerous machine. (3) Perhaps the worst flaw in this machine is that the power control is in the push handle. Yes, I know this is supposed to be a “feature”, but it has serious drawbacks. If your lawn has ANY bumps (and whose does not have bumps) the power bar moves, uncontrollably, when you hit a bump, causing the mower to lurch. This is disconcerting at best, and makes mowing an even bigger chore than it is already. AND, once again, it causes the user to lose control of the machine.
I believe the “Personal Pace” feature of this lawn mower is a total failure of engineering and tells me that Toro engineers do not use their own products, at least not in real world conditions. I find it hard to believe that anyone could have my experience with this mower and come away thinking it was a good idea.
- Model
- Toro Recycler 22 in. Model #20334
- Serial number
- 400334189
- Bought from
- Village Hardware
- Bought
- Mar 3, 2017
- Where
- Alexandria, Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hospital admission Made Dec 27, 2016, sent to the company Jan 5, 2017, published by CPSC Jan 23, 2017
The product, in the report: A 22 inch Recycler Gas Powered Push Lawnmower. A photograph of the Manufacturer’s information label on the lawnmower is included as an attachment.
We filed a verbal report on behalf of [REDACTED] on 12/06/16 without providing full details. The following summary and the attached completed report form which includes relevant photos provide a complete report.
My office is affiliated with a consumer by the name of [REDACTED] who resides at [REDACTED]. I am filing this report on [REDACTED] behalf in regard to a hazardous incident involving an unsafe consumer product.
The details of the hazardous incident are as follows. A Toro Lawnmower was purchased from The Home Depot on 5/16/13. It was used on a moderate basis to mow a residential yard from May, 2013 until the hazardous incident occurred on 6/11/15. The mower worked properly without any problems until the 6/11/15 incident. On the afternoon of 6/11/15 while [REDACTED] was mowing a flat, level area of his yard, the lawnmower blade broke and a piece of the blade about three inches long flew out from under the mower and imbedded in [REDACTED] lower right leg. As a result of [REDACTED] right leg injury, he was treated at the Emergency Room, underwent surgery to remove the blade from his leg and was admitted overnight at a hospital. The significant puncture wound to [REDACTED] right lower leg required a long period convalescence and has resulted in nerve damage and a large bump/scar on [REDACTED] leg. Two photos of the blade imbedded in [REDACTED] leg, a photo of the broken blade, a photo of the Toro Lawnmower, a photo of the area of [REDACTED] yard where the hazardous incident occurred and a photo of the Toro Company sticker which shows the Model number and Serial number of the mower in question are attached hereto. I would note that the lawnmower was red in color when purchased and at the time of the hazardous incident. It was subsequently painted green after the accident when a new blade was installed.
A completed report form is also attached hereto.
Although the Toro 22” Recycler Lawnmower Model No. 20330 does not appear to have been included in the prior Toro recalls with recall numbers 14-046 (12/10/13) and 15-729 (4/16/15), it is very similar to the Toro Lawnmowers that were the subjects of the prior recalls. Additionally, the safety hazard appears to be similar to the hazard in the prior recalls where mower blades were breaking because the mowers were assembled with an incorrect blade driver and blade combination. There is also a possibility in this case that the steel blade itself was defective.
All of the other required information concerning this CPSC Report is included on the completed form report which is attached hereto.
- Model
- 20330
- Serial number
- 310089873
- Bought from
- The Home Depot, Georgia
- Bought
- May 16, 2013
- Where
- Elmira, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 34, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Client, Patient, Student, Etc. (professional relationship)
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Hospital Admission
-
First aid Made Jun 14, 2016, sent to the company Jun 22, 2016, published by CPSC Jul 14, 2016
The product, in the report: Toro push lawn mower recycler
Toro lawn mower caught fire from plastic directly over the muffler mowed lawn parked lawn mower was cleaning out pool and my son came running fire and he tried to put it out and I stop him grabbed the hose put it out but my whole upstairs was filled with smoke had to scrub walls clothes and still smells called toro talked to someone there took my report but never responded so I am left no lawnmower damage to my house clothes and everything over a cheap product I told toro all I wanted was the same lawnmower with a [REDACTED] engine not the Kohler that caught fire I can’t risk another catching fire l paid good money for what was supposta be a good product and the best visit is guaranteed to start for two years don’t buy toro go [REDACTED]
- Bought from
- Home depot
- Bought
- Jun 15, 2015
- Where
- Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
-
No one hurt Made May 31, 2016, sent to the company Jun 8, 2016, published by CPSC Jun 22, 2016
The product, in the report: Self Propelled Lawn Mower Toro TimeMaster 30” with electric start
Toro Timemaster 30” mower blade detached and retaining bolt shattered, sending sparks and debris flying from beneath mower. This was first ever attempted use of product, purchased new from torodealer.com and delivered by Young’s Mower KC.
- Model
- Model 20200
- Serial number
- 316003674
- Bought from
- ToroDealer.com via Young’s KC Mower
- Bought
- May 24, 2016
- Where
- Leawood, Kansas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 35, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 23, 2016, sent to the company Jun 16, 2016, published by CPSC Jun 30, 2016
The product, in the report: TimeMaster Lawn Mower
The consumer indicates that she turned her unit on and the motor engaged and it was fine. The consumer proceeded to pull the lever down to engage the unit’s blades; when they did, they made a very tremendous noise. The consumer immediately let go of the lever, flipped it over on its side, and noticed that the blades were chewed off at the ends because they hit each other. The consumer also noticed that one of the blades was not moving freely.
The consumer contacted the manufacturer and explained the situation. The representative she spoke to informed her that her unit is not included in a recall, and suggested to local shops where she can have her unit repaired.
The consumer indicates that she uses the lawn mower approximately once a week from Summer to Fall.
The consumer plans to purchase a different machine, and no longer feels safe with this system or unit.
The submitter added:
The lawn mower is less than two years old, and his wife was mowing today and the machine made a loud noise and blades slammed together. The submitter also noted while reviewing the machine he found the following:
“Pulley Sheered off and destroyed the internal drives and belts wedged itself in -between pulley’s and cut the belts. Allowing the blades to slam together shattering the edges..His wife and pets could have been seriously hurt by metal fragments but fortunately were not.”
- Model
- 20200
- UPC
- Unknown
- Serial number
- 314002753
- Bought from
- Cocheco Equipments, New Hampshire
- Bought
- May 15, 2014, about then
- Where
- Berwick, Maine: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 15, 2016, sent to the company May 23, 2016, published by CPSC Jun 7, 2016
The product, in the report: Toro TimeMaster 30in Lawn Mower
I was cleaning my lawn mower, timemaster 30 in Lawn Mower; model 20199; serial number 314009417, and suddenly the blades collided against each other and a piece hard plastic came flying out
- Model
- 20199
- Serial number
- 314009417
- Bought from
- Home Depot
- Bought
- Apr 4, 2015, about then
- Where
- Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 58, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Seen by a doctor or nurse Made Apr 12, 2016, sent to the company May 10, 2016, published by CPSC May 24, 2016
The product, in the report: Lawn mower
Caller stated that the lawn mower pull cord caused him to hurt his back. He stated that there is a design flaw in the product which causes him to pull very hard on the cord and twist his body to start the unit. (4/11) He received medical attention from his physician and was given pain medication. (4/12) He requested an exchange for a different model but the retailer refused because of the store policy.
The manufacturer was not contacted as yet.
Caller feels that this mower is unsafe.
- Model
- 20381
- Serial number
- unknown
- Bought from
- Leonard’s Farm & Ranch
- Bought
- Apr 8, 2016
- Where
- North Richland Hills, Texas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 78, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
-
No one hurt Made Dec 8, 2015, sent to the company Dec 16, 2015, published by CPSC Dec 31, 2015
The product, in the report: Toro 22 self propelled lawn mower. Mower deck: Model - 20371 SN - 313082860 Motor: PH-xt675-2034 4233120288
I have a Toro Lawn mower I purchased last year. Gas is leaking out of the top of the gas tank where the cap screws on. I took it to a dealer, and they suggested it was a gas cap. So I purchased a cap, and it still leaks. Toro has suggested I take it back to the dealer, as it is still leaking. However they are not committed to a warrantee on it - meaning I might have to pay for it. As a consumer, I should not have to be dealing with gas leaking on a hot lawn mower. I looked on line, and it appears other people have had a similar issue. Here is the lawn mower information:
Mower deck: Model - 20371 SN - 313082860
Motor: PH-xt675-2034 4233120288
I would have reported it sooner but I have not had time to deal with this. Toro should warrantee a gas tank that is leaking.
- Model
- Model - 20371
- Serial number
- 313082860
- Bought from
- Home Depot, Massachusetts
- Bought
- May 6, 2014
- Where
- Bridgewater, Massachusetts: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by KOHLER CO.
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 18, 2015, sent to the company Oct 26, 2015, published by CPSC Nov 9, 2015
The product, in the report: Red, Toro 22” (56 cm) Personal Pace® Recycler Lawnmower
I was mowing and I heard a very loud pop, and the motor stopped running and a bunch of white smoke billowed up from the mower. When the smoke cleared, I could see large, sharp metals shards that had shot out from the right side of the motor.
- Model
- 20332
- UPC
- 2103820332
- Serial number
- 314084083
- Bought from
- Home Depot
- Bought
- May 15, 2015
- Where
- Olathe, Kansas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 47, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 1, 2015, sent to the company Jul 10, 2015, published by CPSC Jul 24, 2015
The product, in the report: Toto Super Recycler GTS XL 6.0 HP lawnmower
Several years ago, we received a secondhand Toro Super Recycler GTS XL 6.0 HP lawnmower my father-in-law purchased at a garage sale. Since we have a perfectly good lawnmower already, this 2nd mower mostly sat in the garage & was only used a few times. It has not been used in 1-2 years at least. Today, my teenaged son was moving the mower to retrieve a couple scooters (things had been moved around because we just had to replace our garage door). When he unfolded the handle there was a very loud popping sound, like a backfire (the engine was not turned on), & the portion of the mower where the air filter & gastank is burst into flames. He doused the fire w/water. There was very little gas in the tank. We feel very fortunate there wasn’t an explosion.
- Model
- Super Recycler GTS XL 6.0 HP
- Where
- Berea, Ohio: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 13, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Child
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 8, 2015, sent to the company Jun 16, 2015, published by CPSC Jun 30, 2015
The product, in the report: Toro 20200 lawn master walk behind self propelled
Purchased Toro time master 20200 walk behind mower. Gas tank now sprays gasoline all over engine. Fire and explosion hazard. Called Toro referred to Briggs who refers to local dealer site as they will not send parts to consumer.
gas tank was not overfilled had air space at top unable to determine if cap or tank is cause.
- Model
- 20200
- Serial number
- 314001721
- Bought from
- mowers direct
- Bought
- May 18, 2014
- Where
- liverpool, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 60, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 10, 2012, sent to the company May 18, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 4, 2012
The product, in the report: Toro Lawn Walk Mower with 6.5 HP Briggs engine
Toro Lawn Mower leaks gas through the air filter when not running. Model 20330 with Briggs 6.5 HP engine. Serial number 290018687
- Model
- 20330
- Serial number
- 290018687
- Bought from
- Home Depot, Oregon
- Bought
- May 10, 2009, about then
- Where
- Unspecified: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 8, 2012, sent to the company May 16, 2012, published by CPSC May 31, 2012
The product, in the report: toro model 20199 timemaster 30 inch
toro lawn mower model 20199 purchased on 4/3/12. mowed grass 2 times went to work come home my house is full of gas fumes.took back to the dealer said they fixed the gas dripping from the carb.took it home mowed the grass put it back in the garage. went to work come home house is full of gas fumes . i called toro to tell them they said take back to the dealer.i started looking at reviews on my computer to see this is happening to alot of people just not me this is a danger.home depo reviews alone have 2 commets of gas coming out of the carb.this is a new lawn mower out and this needs to be looked at fast this mower is a timemaster 30 inch
- Model
- 20199
- Serial number
- 312003570
- Bought from
- do cut, Ohio
- Bought
- Apr 3, 2012
- Where
- youngstown, Ohio: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 7, 2012, sent to the company Jun 7, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 21, 2012
The product, in the report: lawn mower (walk behind)
The consumer stated that he was using the lawn mower according to the instruction. While cutting the lawn sideways uphill, he noticed that the gas was pouring out of the air cleaner onto the the motor. There is no warning about this that it can tilt and cause a hazardous condition.
5/7/12 The manufacturer was contacted and he was advised not to use the lawn mower uphill anymore because this incident would occur.
The consumer stated that this lawn mower has a faulty design with the gas being unable to stay without pouring out when going uphill. He is concerned of the safety hazard it poses.
- Model
- 20192
- UPC
- n/
a - Serial number
- 311001393
- Bought from
- Riley’s Hardware, Michigan
- Bought
- Apr 23, 2012
- Where
- Grand Rapids, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 23, 2012, sent to the company May 1, 2012, published by CPSC May 15, 2012
The product, in the report: e-Cycler™ Cordless (20360)No Gas, No Oil, No Emissions Lightweight - Only 77 lbs (35 kg) 36 Volt System 432 Watt-Hours of Power
I purchased a Toro e-cycler electric lawn mower last summer. For the past two weeks, the automatic shutoff safety feature has failed to work. I let go of the handle, and the lawn mower continues to run at normal speed. I actually have to pry the handle over to get this machine to shut down.
Inasmuch as Toro has made it clear to me that they will not stand behind their product with respect to past complaints, I feel it now necessary to report this condition to you for handling.
[REDACTED]
- Model
- e-Cycler 20360
- Bought from
- Meadow Lane QP Ace Hardware, Nebraska
- Bought
- Apr 15, 2012, about then
- Where
- Lincoln, Nebraska: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unknown
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 6, 2012, sent to the company Apr 10, 2012, published by CPSC Apr 24, 2012
The product, in the report: Walk behind Lawn Mower
The consumer stated that the lawn mower gas tank is leaking around the motor, the seam is broken which causes to gas to spill.
The consumer feels that this gas spilling on the motor will cause a fire or explosion.
9/2011 The manufacturer was contacted and he was advised that there was known problem with tanks and he would need to take it to an authorized dealer, however, the tanks have been on back order since last year and he is unable to get it replaced.
The consumer is concerned that this lawn mower gas tank is a safety hazard and should be reported.
- Model
- 200074
- UPC
- unknown
- Serial number
- 270040754
- Bought from
- Home Depot, Illinois
- Bought
- Apr 27, 2007
- Where
- Highland, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Nov 17, 2011, sent to the company Nov 28, 2011, published by CPSC Dec 12, 2011
The product, in the report: TORO 22 in recycler lawn mower model 20071
Gas from toro 22 in recycler lawn mower model 20071 was leaking from the seam of the back of fuel tank. It was unnoticed until I was trying to start the engine. Fortunately, the gas did not catch fire.
- Model
- 20071
- Bought from
- Home depot, Texas
- Bought
- Aug 3, 2007
- Where
- Plano, Texas: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 53, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Sep 20, 2011, sent to the company Sep 28, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 13, 2011
The product, in the report: Toro Model 20066 self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower, serial number 280037564
[REDACTED] [REDACTED] 20 SEP 11 The Toro Company 8111 Lyndale Avenue South Bloomington, Minnesota 55420
Re: SAFETY REPORT Part ejection from lawn mower No injury from this incident
Dear Toro Company
I like my Toro self-propelled walk-behind lawnmower Model 20066, serial 280037564, but it surprised me earlier this month when it forcefully ejected the plastic trailing shield that is mounted horizontally at the lower back edge of the deck, and usually drags along, protecting my boots, shins and toes from objects slung backward by the rotating mower blade.
FACTS
This happened just as I was making a 180-degree turn to start another row of cutting, which involves a sharp turn and sometimes a little backward motion of the mower to line up for the next row of cutting. While the mower continued to run, there was a loud bang sound, a perceptible sudden movement of the mower handle, as if the blade had hit something solid, and the entire trailing shield shot out about two feet to the front (fortunately for me) of the mower. I was startled, but not hurt in any way.
I stopped the mower to check for damage, and noted a hole (with adhering flap of plastic) in the plastic disk of the mower’s right front wheel, with the flap signaling that the impact had been from the inside of the wheel.
The plastic trailing shield bears two numbers debossed or stamped into both sides of the black plastic part: 114-1585 near one end, and J0108 near the other end. I cannot be sure whether the second and fourth characters are the numeral 0 or the letter O. The shield, which seemed normal and in good condition prior to this mowing, has been sliced by something, causing a roughly V-shaped cut, straight on one leg of the V, but puckered and curly on the other. The shield’s straight bar, which fits into the holes at either side of the back of the mower deck supporting it in place, and allowing it to rotate on the horizontal axis to stay in touch with the grass, is now slightly bent and scraped, but is not completely cut.
I had adjusted all the wheels on the mower that day to the cutting height just below the center option. In your manual, this corresponds to a nominal cutting height of 2 3/8 inches (60 mm). I estimate that the top 1 1/2 inches of the blades of the dry grass was being cut at the time, and the mower was running at normal speed, without lugging, and before I had started pushing forward on the handle that engages the self-propelled feature.
I have retained the trailing shield, which either you or CPSC may examine and test at your convenience, if you bring me a replacement for it. My contact information is at the end of this letter.
SPECULATION I think that the trailing shield jammed and dug its usually-trailing edge in the grass as I pulled the lawn mower slightly backward, which caused the flexible shield and its rod to bow toward the front of the lawnmower, enough to allow one end of the shield to pop out of the retaining holes in the deck, and that end of the shield was free to flip a short way into the rotating mower blade, which pierced it, slung it forward with enough force for one end of the shield’s rod to poke a hole-with-a-flap in the right front wheel, but the momentum of the shield was enough to carry it forward of the mower.
CONCERN This is likely to happen with other mowers that include this shield, and the ejection may not always be to the front. I was not hurt, but someone else may be hurt, either by the ejected shield, or (if they rolled over it with the mower running) parts of the shield if the blade caught it and chopped it up and threw it out.
SUGGESTION Consider mounting a trailing shield in a different way, to prevent the possibility of it being bowed out of the side holes in the deck. Perhaps a piano-type hinge, with multiple support points. Consider shaping the trailing shield a different way, to reduce the possibility of it catching and jamming in the grass if the mower is momentarily pulled backward as is frequently necessary in lawn cutting. Consider a fabric trailing shield (ballistic nylon?).
If you are willing to replace this shield, please do so within the next two weeks. If you have further questions, or want to examine the lawn mower and the shield, please let me know within the next two weeks.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED]
mailing address above [REDACTED] cc: Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Model
- 20066
- Serial number
- 280037564
- Bought from
- Rockingham New Holland, Inc.
- Bought
- Apr 3, 2008
- Where
- Penn Laird, Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Aug 7, 2011, published by CPSC Aug 29, 2011
The product, in the report: Toro Super Recycler Lawn Mower
After mowing the grass, I put the mower away. I came back about 3 hours later to the strong smell of gasoline. I discovered that gasoline was leaking out of the air filter and unto the mower housing and then onto the floor. I removed the fuel filter and observed a steady stream of gasoline coming out of the carburetor. This was a definite safety hazard. A spark could have ignited and burned down the entire house. This was a Toro Super Recycler mower. Model 20095. Serial # 280004701. I reported this to toro and they informed me there was no recall for this problem.
- Model
- 20095
- Serial number
- 280004701
- Bought from
- JD Lawn and Tractor, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- May 16, 2008
- Where
- PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand TORO, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 2, 2011, published by CPSC Jul 26, 2011
The product, in the report: 22” self-propelled walk-behind mower with electric start Toro Recycler
I was cutting my front lawn with the Toro Recycler 22” self-propelled mower. After fifteen minutes or so I noticed white smoke wafting up from the back of the engine. The mower deck on the back left side appeared wet.
I immediately shut off the mower. When I looked at the mower, I noted that the gas tank itself was very wet from about halfway down. I pushed the mower to a spot in the yard away from the house and sidewalks and let it cool down thoroughly. It first appeared that there was about a three-inch long crack in the plastic gas tank. I took off the top cover of the mower, removed and drained the gas tank. Upon closer examination I found the tank to be cracked/split clear across the width at a spot about a half inch above the seam in the tank, at an area where the tank bends 90 degrees.
It seems to be an obvious defect in the manufacture of the plastic tank. My concern, of course, is that someone may have a similar problem and not notice it before the gasoline ignites.
- Model
- 20074
- Serial number
- 270050750
- Bought from
- Home Depot, Ohio
- Bought
- Apr 8, 2008, about then
- Where
- Richmond, Indiana: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 23, 2011, published by CPSC Jun 15, 2011
The product, in the report: Toro 22 Inch Recycler Mower ( model 20067)
My safety concern is with the Toro 22 inch Recycler Mower (Model 20067). The seam around the gas tank leaks alot. You can only put about a quarter tank of gas in order to avoid it leaking. My concern that this could be a serious safety hazard. We have only had the mower since July 2009.
- Model
- 22 inch Recycler Mower, 20067
- Serial number
- 280059008
- Bought from
- Home Depot, Florida
- Bought
- May 29, 2009
- Where
- North Port, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand Toro, made or sold by The Toro Company
- 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 Nov 4, 2026 and checked Nov 4, 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.