CPSC, Stihl Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws

Fuel can leak out of the chain saw's tank, which could cause a fire or injury hazard to consumers.

Recall #: 03037
Affected scope: About 3,000

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher. · Updated September 2026

Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. recalled The recalled Stihl chain saws include model number MS 170 and MS 180 C with serial number….

CPSC, Stihl Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws was recalled by Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. in November 13, 2002. Reason: Fuel can leak out of the chain saw's tank, which could cause a fire or injury hazard to consumers.. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the chain saws immediately and return them to the dealer wher…. Verify recall #03037 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. issued this CPSC recall-Fuel can leak out of the chain saw's tank, which could cause a fire or injury hazard to consumers..

None
agency class: November 13, 2002
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03037 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above 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.

Product description

The recalled Stihl chain saws include model number MS 170 and MS 180 C with serial numbers 255120848 through 255122797 and 255739074 through 255741150. The name "Stihl" and the model numbers are located on the starter housing. The serial number is printed on the housing near the bumper spikes.

Reason for recall

Fuel can leak out of the chain saw's tank, which could cause a fire or injury hazard to consumers.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should stop using the chain saws immediately and return them to the dealer where purchased, for a free repair.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute	Value
Agency	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class	Not classified by agency
Status	Active
Recall number	03037
Date reported	November 13, 2002
Date initiated	November 13, 2002
Recalling firm	Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
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 chain saws immediately and return them to the dealer where purchased, for a free repair.

Check the recall number (03037) 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? ▼

Why was this product recalled? ▼

Fuel can leak out of the chain saw's tank, which could cause a fire or injury hazard to consumers.

What should consumers do? ▼

Consumers should stop using the chain saws immediately and return them to the dealer where purchased, for a free repair.

Which agency issued this recall? ▼

This recall was issued by the CPSC on November 13, 2002. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 03037.

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.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

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Similar severity · nearest report date

Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.

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This recall: CPSC, reported November 13, 2002. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026