Stihl string trimmers and edgers

6 reports to CPSC, the latest made Aug 21, 2023. 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.

6reports to CPSC
Aug 21, 2023the latest report was made
Jun 7, 2011the earliest
5with the company’s comments

Brand: Stihl
Maker: STIHL, INC.Makers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
Product: String trimmers and edgersPowered, not brush cuttersCPSC’s product type: Lawn Trimmers or Edgers, Powered (Excl. Brushcutters) (code 1464), in Yard & Garden: Gardening & Landscaping

By month

1 report from September 2022 to August 2023; the most in August 2023, 1. 5 earlier reports, since June 2011, are in the table.

The numbers, as a table

Reports to CPSC by the month each was made, newest first
Month	Reports
August 2023	1
October 2011	1
August 2011	1
July 2011	1
June 2011	2

How badly anyone was hurt

Seen by a doctor or nurse 1 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
First aid 2 CPSC: Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
No one hurt 3 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.

First aid
Made Aug 21, 2023, sent to the company Aug 22, 2023, published by CPSC Sep 13, 2023

The product, in the report: Stihl model FS56RCE string trimmer

Received 2nd degree burn from laying my arm on the top of an operating string trimmer housing

Model
FS56RCE
Serial number
517345107
Bought from
Doc’s Lawn and Garden
Bought
Apr 30, 2019
Where
Orrville, Ohio: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 73, 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, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional

CPSC report 20230821-B07D4-2147345668. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Oct 2, 2011, sent to the company Oct 11, 2011, published by CPSC Oct 25, 2011

The product, in the report: Gasoline powered edger

Gas cap on Stihl Edger Model F 70C-EZ would not seat properly. As a result the cap dislodged during operation throwing gasoline on operator and hot engine. The gasoline fortunately did not ignite.

Model
FC 70C-ez
Serial number
281117132
Bought from
Heil Brothers
Bought
Sep 6, 2010, about then
Where
Beavercreek, Ohio: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 65, 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

(10/24/2011) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we regret to hear that you experienced fuel spillage while using your STIHL FC 70 C-E edger. The FC 70 C-E 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, including fuel spillage, 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 consumers immediately stop using any STIHL products involved in the Recall and bring them to an authorized STIHL dealer for an updated fuel cap. When we contacted you, we were pleased to discover that after you filed this report, you took your FC 70 C-E edger to your local STIHL dealer and had your fuel cap replaced and since then have had no further issues with your edger.
For additional information about the Recall and for instructions on identifying these toolless fuel caps, visit http://www.stihlusa.com/recalls/recall_toolless_cap/, contact STIHL toll-free at (800) 233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or e-mail stihlrecall@stihl.us.
Sincerely,
STIHL Incorporated

CPSC report 20111002-55534-2147474756. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Aug 9, 2011, published by CPSC Sep 22, 2011

The product, in the report: Stihl [TRIMMER] 4144-020-3002-B FS 40C

When the [TRIMMER] was delivered it was filled with gasoline. When needing to remove the gas cap to fill the tank, consumer had problems removing cap. He took it back where it was purchased and replaced the cap. That did not solve the problem- then Stihl replaced the fuel tank and put in a new cap. That did not solve the problem. When putting the cap back on the tank, it would not seal. Consequently, gas would spill on your clothes and surfaces, creating a serious fire and health hazard.
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED] [REDACTED]

Model
4144-020-3002-B
Bought
Mar 29, 2009
Where
Unspecified: 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

The company’s comments, in its own words

(9/30/2011) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we are sorry to hear that you have had issues with the fuel cap on your FS 40 C trimmer. STIHL has investigated the matter and learned that your trimmer was included in a recent recall of the toolless fuel cap. Our records show that you received a letter from STIHL notifying you of this recall and providing you with directions on how to obtain a replacement toolless fuel cap for the unit free-of-charge from your local STIHL dealer. When we contacted you, we learned that the replacement cap you received from your dealer in the spring of 2011 was prior to the announcement of the recall. Therefore, you have not received the new fuel cap that is available pursuant to the recall. Please take your trimmer to your dealer for replacement of the cap, which should remedy the issues you are currently experiencing. More information on the recall is available at http://www.stihlusa.com/recalls/recall_toolless_cap/ .
If you still have any questions or concerns about the operation, safety or performance of your FS 40 C trimmer or any other STIHL products, please contact us directly at 1-800-GO-STIHL and press “2” for Technical Services. We thank you for calling this matter to our attention.
Sincerely,
STIHL Incorporated

CPSC report 20110809-122D0-1196173. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
Seen by a doctor or nurse
Made Jul 15, 2011, published by CPSC Aug 5, 2011

The product, in the report: Gas-powered Weed and Grass Trimmer

Property owner was attempting to start his recently purchased gas-powered weed trimmer when it caught fire, resulting in minor burns to his hands and arms

Model
FS 40
UPC
Unknown
Serial number
Unknown
Where
Buena Vista, Pennsylvania: Home/Apartment/Condominium
Who was involved
Age 40, Male
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
Injury, Seen by Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(8/4/2011) STIHL, INC.: We are sorry to hear that a property owner received minor burns to his hands and arms while starting a FS 40 trimmer. At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we appreciate your bringing this matter to our attention. Our investigation revealed that the FS 40 at issue had been purchased approximately 7 months before the incident but had reportedly not been put into service until about 6 weeks before the incident. According to the homeowner, he had just refueled the unit 10 minutes before the fire. According to the fire department, which reported this incident to the Consumer Product Safety Commission database, the property owner had started the trimmer on two bales of hay inside his garage. At least one of the bales of hay caught fire and had to be dragged out of the garage and extinguished. STIHL inspected the product and noted that the fuel cap is still on the burnt trimmer. Because of the burn damage to the trimmer, it is impossible to determine if the cap had been on tightly at the time of the incident. It is unclear what the source of the ignition was for this fire.
The FS 40 trimmer 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, including fuel spillage, 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 consumers immediately stop using any STIHL products involved in the Recall and bring them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. At this time, STIHL is not aware of any evidence that relates this incident to the issues involved in the recall or to an issue with the STIHL FS 40 trimmer.
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,
STIHL Incorporated

CPSC report 20110715-85C53-2147477172. Submitter: Public Safety Entity Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
No one hurt
Made Jun 12, 2011, published by CPSC Jul 5, 2011

The product, in the report: Weed trimmer

My Stihl FS 55 weed trimer has a fuel leak at the top of the fuel tank at the rubber grommet. The rubber grommet contains the fuel line and is press-fit into the top of the tank. Gas leaks from the machine making it dangerous and unusable.

Model
FS 55
Serial number
247902843
Bought from
Ahearn Equipment
Bought
Apr 1, 2001, about then
Where
Brookfield, Massachusetts: Home/Apartment/Condominium
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

The company’s comments, in its own words

(6/30/2011) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we are sorry to hear that you experienced fuel leakage at the fuel line grommet on the fuel tank of your FS 55 trimmer. Our records indicate that your unit was purchased June 10, 2002. While we cannot determine from your description whether the grommet or some related part was damaged in some way, with a nine year old machine normal wear and tear can obviously affect the performance of various components. Please stop using your unit and take it to your nearest servicing STIHL dealer (www.stihldealer.net/locator), who should be able to correct the problem you identified and inspect your trimmer for any other needed repairs or maintenance.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED]

CPSC report 20110612-54E0C-2147478297. Submitter: Consumer Search for it on SaferProducts.gov
First aid
Made Jun 7, 2011, published by CPSC Jun 29, 2011

The product, in the report: Stihl FS75 Weedeater standard setup ,,,not the handle bar unit

While using a Stihl FS75 weedeater over the past 2 yrs , I have burnt my right arm several times on the engine cover covering the muffler. Each time the the burn is about the size of a m&m to about the size of a dime. Also I have been weedeating on a hill side and after 30min or more.. I just sent Stihl a email concerning this same problem... asking them if have had any complaints or a correction to this problem.

Model
FS75 appx 3-4 yrs old
Serial number
3a8xs.0254rb
Bought from
PASS
Where
Morgantown, United States: Other Public Property/Office
Who was involved
Age 60, 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, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional

The company’s comments, in its own words

(6/28/2011) STIHL, INC.: At STIHL Incorporated, safety is a top priority, and we are sorry to hear that you burned your arm while using a FS 75 trimmer. Our records indicate that this unit was manufactured in 2003. During our inspection of the unit, you stated that the spark arresting screen in the FS 75’s muffler had been plugged up with carbon deposits and that you had cleaned it off just prior to our arrival. The plugged-up condition of the spark arresting screen most likely led to an increase in the temperature of the FS 75’s engine, muffler and outer shroud covering the muffler.
As outlined in the Instruction Manual for the FS 75, STIHL recommends that the spark arresting screen be inspected after finishing work daily and cleaned as required to ensure the engine and the muffler do not overheat and to maintain proper engine performance.
If you have any questions or concerns about the safety or performance of any STIHL products, please contact us directly at 1-800-GO-STIHL and press “2” for Technical Services. We thank you for calling this matter to our attention.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED] [REDACTED] STIHL Incorporated

CPSC report 20110607-88276-2147478440. 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 string trimmers and edgers

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.