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CPSC recall · Reported April 24, 2001

Backpack Blowers Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA

The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Recall #
01128a
Affected scope
About 3,000
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
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Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif. recalled The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, … - a moderate-severity action.

Backpack Blowers Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA was recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif. in April 24, 2001. Reason: The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON…. Verify recall #01128a with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers..

Moderate
severity level
April 24, 2001
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #01128a with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #01128a) was formally reported on April 24, 2001. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 3,000.

The documented reason for this recall is: The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Vehicles recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 7,642 vehicles recalls on record

0200400600 20052008201120142017202020232026 82
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 3,000

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, each uses a TEX54D Kawasaki engine: -The ASTRON KB-541, which was distributed by Star Garden Supply, model has a red fan case, with a white fuel tank and black frame. The words, "Astron Backpack Blower" and the model number are on a label on the gas tank and on a cap right above the tank. -The TMC KTBL-5600XA, which was distributed by TMC Power Equipment, has a white fan case and fuel tank, with a black frame. The model name, "TMC," and the model number are on a label on the fuel tank, and the name "Kawasaki" is on a cap right above the tank. The blower serial numbers can be found on the blower base of the ASTRON products, and on the fan case of TMC products. The engine serial numbers can be found at the bottom of the recoil starter: Product Model Blower Serial No. Ranges Engine Serial No. Ranges ASTRON KB-541 0950001 through 0950700 0X50001 through 0X50700 0Y50001 through 0Y50700 TEX54D-AE80 159675 through 160384 TEX54D-AE80 160901 through 161600 TEX54D-AE80 162056 through 162755 TMC KTBL-5600XA 56010001 through 56011050 TEX54D-AF70 161701 through 16205 TEX54D-BF70 172943 through 173642

Reason for recall

The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 01128a
Date reported April 24, 2001
Date initiated April 24, 2001
Recalling firm Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.
Affected scope About 3,000
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair.

  • Check the recall number (01128a) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, each uses a TEX54D Kawasaki engine: -The ASTRON KB-541, which was distributed by Star Garden Supply, model has a red fan case, with a white fuel tank and black frame. The words, "Astron Backpack Blower" and the model number are on a label on the gas tank and on a cap right above the tank. -The TMC KTBL-5600XA, which was distributed by TMC Power Equipment, has a white fan case and fuel tank, with a black frame. The model name, "TMC," and the model number are on a label on the fuel tank, and the name "Kawasaki" is on a cap right above the tank. The blower serial numbers can be found on the blower base of the ASTRON products, and on the fan case of TMC products. The engine serial numbers can be found at the bottom of the recoil starter: Product Model Blower Serial No. Ranges Engine Serial No. Ranges ASTRON KB-541 0950001 through 0950700 0X50001 through 0X50700 0Y50001 through 0Y50700 TEX54D-AE80 159675 through 160384 TEX54D-AE80 160901 through 161600 TEX54D-AE80 162056 through 162755 TMC KTBL-5600XA 56010001 through 56011050 TEX54D-AF70 161701 through 16205 TEX54D-BF70 172943 through 173642. Recalled by Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.. Units affected: About 3,000.
Why was this product recalled?
The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately, and call their local ASTRON or TMC dealer for a free repair.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on April 24, 2001. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 01128a.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (01128a) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported April 24, 2001. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.