Stihl leaf blowers

9 reports to CPSC, the latest made Nov 18, 2021. A report isn’t a recall.

Watch it to hear when CPSC publishes new reports about it. CPSC’s own search

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.

9reports to CPSC
Nov 18, 2021the latest report was made
May 25, 2011the earliest
5with the company’s comments

Brand: Stihl
Maker: STIHL, INC.Makers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
Product: Leaf blowersCPSC’s product type: Leaf Blowers (code 1461), in Yard & Garden: Lawn Mowers, Leaf Blowers and Lawn Vacuums

By month

1 report from December 2020 to November 2021; the most in November 2021, 1. 8 earlier reports, since May 2011, are in the table.

The numbers, as a table

Reports to CPSC by the month each was made, newest first
Month	Reports
November 2021	1
November 2020	1
July 2018	4
March 2018	1
October 2014	1
May 2011	1

How badly anyone was hurt

Hurt, no treatment 1 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
No one hurt 8 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.

No one hurt
Made Nov 18, 2021, sent to the company Nov 22, 2021, published by CPSC Dec 14, 2021

The product, in the report: Stihl. BR350 leaf blower

The fuel cap of my Stihl leaf blower BR350 does not reliably seal fuel tank. This resulted in spilled fuel on me when lifting the blower. In addition to being annoying, this could result in a fire if near an ignition source, including the muffler of the blower. I contacted the manufacturer and requested a replacement fuel cap but the manufacturer refused.

Model
BR350
Bought from
Ace Hardware, Georgia
Bought
Sep 1, 2020, about then
Where
Milton, Georgia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Female
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(2/9/2022) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated the safety and reliability of our products are top priorities. Upon learning of this matter, STIHL Incorporated asked the customer to take the blower to a local independent STIHL dealer for inspection. To our knowledge, the customer has not visited a STIHL dealer for an inspection.
Fuel leakage could be attributable to a number of sources, including damage to the fuel filler opening, the fuel cap, or the fuel tank, or misuse/abuse, which is why simply sending a replacement fuel cap would not address the alleged issue.
STIHL appreciates your business, and we hope we can satisfy your future outdoor power equipment needs. If you would like to discuss this report further, please call us at 1-800-GO-STIHL.

CPSC report 20211118-FAB6B-2147358727. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Hurt, no treatment
Made Nov 13, 2020, sent to the company Dec 10, 2020, published by CPSC Dec 28, 2020

The product, in the report: Stihl BR 800 C-E MAGNUM® To tackle large properties and heavy debris, there is nothing like the clean-up power of the BR 800 C-E MAGNUM®. Built in America*, the most powerful backpack blower in the STIHL line offers maximum blowing force as well as optimal comfort. Ideal for professional landscapers, it features a multi-function control handle allowing users to effortlessly access all the controls on one comfortable handle. This blower completes tasks with 20% more power than the BR 700, and can be hung for storage. Its telescopic tube is easily adjustable for various user heights without the use of tools. The BR 800 C-E MAGNUM® also features a starting handle on the side of the unit, allowing users to start and restart the engine while continuing to wear the blower on their back, and a one-touch stop switch that can turn off the engine with the simple press of a button.

My Stihl backpack [leaf] blower has a dangerous problem. When opening the gas cap to add gasoline to the tank, a lot of built up pressure is released and sprays gasoline upward at the user! This has happened to me many times now. Sometimes gasoline droplets have landed on my face! This appears to be a design flaw in that extreme pressure is allowed to accumulate in the fuel tank.

Model
BR 800 C-E
Bought
Nov 11, 2019, about then
Where
Boxford, Massachusetts: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received

The company’s comments, in its own words

(6/29/2021) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated we care about our customers, and the safety and reliability of our products are top priorities. It is well known that an expulsion of fuel, vapors and fumes, sometimes referred to as “fuel spray” or “geysering,” can occur anytime there is fuel, heat and pressure. When gasoline in a sealed container is heated by ambient temperatures, heat from an engine, or other sources, vapor pressure will increase inside the fuel container. If the container pressurizes, removing the fuel cap improperly, or without allowing the equipment to cool adequately, can allow fuel to be forcibly ejected from the container’s opening, much like what happens when the cap is opened too quickly on an overheated automobile radiator. This phenomenon is neither unique to STIHL products, nor is it limited to gasoline-powered tools. U.S. Forest Service research and reports, for example, have included fuel geysering incidents with several different brands of chain saws, water pumps, ATVs, other gasoline-powered products, as well as portable fuel containers that have no engine, including fuel bottles and fuel cans. For more information about fuel tank pressurization and how to open the fuel tank of your STIHL product safely, please review the warnings and instructions contained in the Instruction Manual. STIHL Incorporated also has a public video with information about fuel geysering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjSczH0Yli8. Please feel free to call us at 1-800-GO-STIHL if you would like to discuss this further.

CPSC report 20201113-20944-2147368125. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Jul 16, 2018, sent to the company Aug 1, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 15, 2018

The product, in the report: Leaf Blower

While using a leaf blower, experienced a fuel geyser, the forceful expulsion of fuel in vapor and liquid form due to the rapid depressurization of the fuel tank. It is similar to a BLEVE, Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

Model
BR600
Where
Virginia: Other
Who was involved
Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

CPSC report 20180716-22F7F-2147386762. Submitter: Federal Government Agency Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Jul 16, 2018, sent to the company Jul 27, 2018, published by CPSC Sep 12, 2018

The product, in the report: Leaf Blower

While using a leaf blower, experienced a fuel geyser, the forceful expulsion of fuel in vapor and liquid form due to the rapid depressurization of the fuel tank. It is similar to a BLEVE, Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

Model
BR600
Where
Kentucky: Unspecified
Who was involved
Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

CPSC report 20180716-6898E-2147386755. Submitter: Federal Government Agency Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Jul 16, 2018, sent to the company Aug 1, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 15, 2018

The product, in the report: Leaf Blower

While using a leaf blower, experienced a fuel geyser, the forceful expulsion of fuel in vapor and liquid form due to the rapid depressurization of the fuel tank. It is similar to a BLEVE, Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

Model
BR600
Serial number
560C
Where
Utah: Other
Who was involved
Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

CPSC report 20180716-6D88C-2147386761. Submitter: Federal Government Agency Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Jul 16, 2018, sent to the company Jul 27, 2018, published by CPSC Sep 7, 2018

The product, in the report: Leaf Blower

While using a leaf blower, experienced a fuel geyser, the forceful expulsion of fuel in vapor and liquid form due to the rapid depressurization of the fuel tank. It is similar to a BLEVE, Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

Model
BR600
Where
West Virginia: Other
Who was involved
Unspecified
The reporter’s relation to them
Unspecified
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

CPSC report 20180716-FDC99-2147386749. Submitter: Federal Government Agency Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Mar 22, 2018, sent to the company Jun 29, 2018, published by CPSC Aug 20, 2018

The product, in the report: Stihl 700x backpack blower

I bought a new Stihl 700x backpack blower and it immediately developed a significant gas leak.

Bought from
Ralph Helm, Illinois
Bought
Mar 20, 2018
Where
St Charles, Illinois: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 70, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(9/14/2018) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated the safety and reliability of our products are top priorities. We’re sorry you were unsatisfied with your purchase. We understand that your local STIHL dealer was able to repair the blower and offered you the option to exchange it for a different product of your choice. STIHL appreciates your business and we hope we can satisfy your future outdoor power equipment needs. If you would like to discuss this report further, please call us at 1-800-GO-STIHL.

CPSC report 20180322-CB173-2147389095. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Oct 16, 2014, sent to the company Oct 24, 2014, published by CPSC Nov 7, 2014

The product, in the report: Gasoline powered leaf blower

I have a Stihl model BG 55 gas powered leaf blower. The fuel tank leaks and spills gasoline on whatever is under it. Fire hazard!

Model
BG 55
Serial number
277991259
Bought from
Homeworth Sales & Service
Bought
Oct 22, 2009
Where
Alliance, Ohio: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 69, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(12/11/2014) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we are sorry to hear about your experience with your STIHL product.
A STIHL dealer recently inspected the BG 55 blower (“the blower”) that you claim was leaking fuel, and he was unable to verify the existence and location of any such fuel leak. The dealer noted several issues with the maintenance of your blower, including the fact that the blower’s air filter was clogged and dirty and had not been properly maintained in accordance with the instructions in the blower’s Instruction Manual. The dealer serviced your blower and cleaned the air filter.
We had requested that you bring the blower in to your local dealer for inspection at the time we first received notice of your report to the CPSC. Some weeks later, you informed the dealer that you wanted to continue to use the blower for blowing leaves and brought it in after you no longer needed it for that purpose this season. However, if the blower was leaking fuel, it should have been inspected before being used again. Please remember that the BG 55’s Instruction Manual warns against the use of damaged or improperly assembled blowers.
Our records show that you have owned your blower since October 2009 without any prior reports of leaking. A number of factors unrelated to the blower’s design could have caused fuel to leak from the BG 55, including poor maintenance, improper use or improper installation of the fuel cap. Any fuel cap will leak if not properly installed. Please check the BG 55’s instruction manual which provides detailed instructions on fueling as well as instructions on properly opening and closing the fuel cap.
Your safety is definitely our concern so we encourage you to contact us at 1-800-GO-STIHL if you wish to discuss this further. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
Sincerely,
STIHL Incorporated

CPSC report 20141016-7F9EE-2147440022. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made May 25, 2011, published by CPSC Jun 16, 2011

The product, in the report: Backpack Blower

I just noticed a recall of the Stihl backpack blowers. I have one of these, Model BR550. On at least 2 occasions, I filled the unit with gasoline, replaced the fuel cap which seemed to go on oddly but looked tight. After starting the unit and putting it up on my back, I felt gasoline spilling down my leg. As an emergency physician myself, I decided on the second event to quit using the unit and took it to the local dealer and complained. He acted like he knew there was a problem and immediately replaced the gas cap. This was last fall. This seems to have corrected the problem.
I am thankful that this is being recalled before someone gets badly burned by this defect; however, Stihl should have a MANDATORY recall of these products. If any questions, give me a call.
[REDACTED]

Model
BR 550
Serial number
270415327
Bought from
PASS, Inc., Dellslow, WV
Bought
Apr 18, 2008
Where
Morgantown, West Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 62, Male
The reporter’s relation to them
Self
As this report names them
Brand Stihl, made or sold by STIHL, INC.
How badly, in CPSC’s words
Incident, No Injury

The company’s comments, in its own words

(6/20/2011) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we are sorry to hear that you experienced fuel spillage while using your STIHL BR 550 backpack blower. While you indicated that the replacement fuel cap you received appears to have corrected the issue with your BR 550, the BR 550 was one of a number of STIHL products that were voluntarily recalled by STIHL in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission on May 25, 2011.
The Recall addresses potential hazards associated with distortion of some toolless fuel caps utilized on certain STIHL products due to abnormal fuel mixtures in some parts of the U.S. Therefore, it is important that you immediately stop using your BR 550 and bring it to an authorized STIHL dealer so that they can determine whether a replacement of your fuel cap is necessary.
For additional information about the Recall and for instructions on identifying these toolless fuel caps, contact STIHL toll-free at (800) 233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.stihlusa.com or e-mail to stihlrecall@stihl.us.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED]

CPSC report 20110525-1CB65-2147478853. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov

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

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.

Stihl leaf blowers

At a glance

By month

How badly anyone was hurt

The reports, as CPSC published them

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources

How to read a record

Every fact names its source.

A number never stands alone.

What needs attention is marked.

The public record comes first.