CPSC recall · Reported May 29, 2003
CPSC, Stihl Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws
In some units, the fuel tank vent could be installed incorrectly and become dislodged. If this occurs, fuel could leak and result in a fire.
Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. recalled Stihl and model number, MS 270C, MS280, or MS280C are printed on the starter housing. The….
CPSC, Stihl Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws was recalled by Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. in May 29, 2003. Reason: In some units, the fuel tank vent could be installed incorrectly and become dislodged. If this occurs, fuel c…. Remedy: Authorized Stihl dealers will replace all fuel tank vents. If you own one of the recalled…. Verify recall #03541 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. issued this CPSC recall-In some units, the fuel tank vent could be installed incorrectly and become dislodged. If this occurs, fuel c….
- None
- agency class
- 13K units
- affected scope
- May 29, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03541 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.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,089 household products recalls on record
Product description
Stihl and model number, MS 270C, MS280, or MS280C are printed on the starter housing. The serial number is inscribed into the surface of the housing and can be seen by looking at the surface of the chain saw next to and above the bumper spikes. Saws with serial numbers from 255923345 through 260340097 are included in this recall.
Reason for recall
In some units, the fuel tank vent could be installed incorrectly and become dislodged. If this occurs, fuel could leak and result in a fire.
Remedy, what to do
Authorized Stihl dealers will replace all fuel tank vents. If you own one of the recalled chain saws, stop using it until the fuel tank vent has been replaced.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03541 |
| Date reported | May 29, 2003 |
| Date initiated | May 29, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. |
| Affected scope | 13,000 |
| 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
Authorized Stihl dealers will replace all fuel tank vents. If you own one of the recalled chain saws, stop using it until the fue…
- Check the recall number (03541) 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.
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Similar severity · nearest report date
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Similar Household Products · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026