Go Backs
HomeCategoriesStatesCheck Your Home
Go Backs

Track product recalls and safety alerts from CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, and USDA. Stay informed and keep your family safe.

Browse

  • Categories
  • States
  • Check Your Home
  • Risk Levels

Agencies

  • CPSC
  • FDA Food
  • FDA Drug
  • FDA Device
  • FDA Veterinary
  • NHTSA
  • USDA

Company

  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
Buy Me a Coffee

Recall data is sourced from official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, USDA) and processed using AI to improve readability. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Always refer to the original agency notice for authoritative information.

ยฉ 2026 Go Backs. All rights reserved.

Medium RiskCPSC
Tools & Hardware/Power Tools

STIHL Recalls Chain Saws Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Agency Publication Date: February 23, 2017
Share:
Sign in to monitor this recall

Summary

About 100,000 STIHL MS 461 and MS 461 R gas-powered chain saws are being recalled because the fuel line can leak. This defect creates a fire and burn risk for the user, and the company has already received 117 reports of pinched or leaking lines. These orange and gray saws were sold at authorized STIHL dealers nationwide between July 2012 and December 2016 for approximately $1,000. Consumers should immediately stop using these saws and return them to a dealer for a free repair.

Risk

The fuel line inside the engine can leak fuel, which may ignite while the saw is running or hot, potentially causing fires and serious burn injuries to the operator.

What You Should Do

  1. Locate the model number on the plate on the starter cover to see if you have a STIHL MS 461 or MS 461 R (wrap handle) chain saw.
  2. Check the serial number on the engine housing's sprocket side, located under the front hand guard. Affected serial numbers are between 173092800 and 181993952.
  3. Immediately stop using the recalled chain saw to avoid any risk of fuel leakage or fire.
  4. Return the recalled chain saw to any authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and a free repair of the fuel system.
  5. Contact STIHL Inc. at 800-233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email stihlrecall@stihl.us for help finding a dealer or for more information.
  6. Visit www.stihlusa.com and click on 'Information' then 'Product Recalls' to view recall details online.
  7. Call the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772 if you have additional questions regarding this safety recall.

Your Remedy Options

๐Ÿ”งFree Repair

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and free repair.

Contact: STIHL Inc. at 800-233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email stihlrecall@stihl.us or online at www.stihlusa.com and click on Information and then Product Recalls for more information.

Affected Products

Product: STIHL MS 461 gas-powered chain saw
Model:
MS 461
Lot Numbers:
Serial numbers 173092800 through 181993952
Date Ranges: Sold between July 2012 and December 2016
Product: STIHL MS 461 R gas-powered chain saw (wrap handle)
Model:
MS 461 R
Lot Numbers:
Serial numbers 173092800 through 181993952
Date Ranges: Sold between July 2012 and December 2016

Product Images

MS 461

MS 461

MS 461 R

MS 461 R

Location of serial number under front hand guard on sprocket side

Location of serial number under front hand guard on sprocket side

Additional Information

Agency: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Recall ID: 17095
Status: Active
Manufacturer: ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG
Sold By: Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from July 2012 through December 2016 for about $1,000.
Manufactured In: Germany
Units Affected: About 100,000
Distributed To: Nationwide
Importer: STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Contact: STIHL Inc. at 800-233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email stihlrecall@stihl.us or online at www.stihlusa.com and click on Information and then Product Recalls for more information.
Agency Last Updated: February 23, 2017

Were You Affected by This Recall?

If you or a family member were harmed by this recalled product, you may have legal rights. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney to understand your options for compensation.

Find an Attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Go Backs is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

AI-Enhanced Content: The summary, action steps, and risk assessment on this page were generated by AI from official government recall data to improve readability. This is not legal or medical advice. Always refer to the official agency sources below for authoritative information.

Sources: CPSC Notice ยท Raw API Response