Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
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.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. recalled Stihl and model number, MS 270C, MS280, or MS280C are printed on the starter housing. The… - a moderate-severity action.
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 moderate-severity CPSC recall-In some units, the fuel tank vent could be installed incorrectly and become dislodged. If this occurs, fuel c….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 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 CPSC action (record #03541) was formally reported on May 29, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 13,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. 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: 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. - 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.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record
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.
Affected scope
13,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
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 | Moderate |
| 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
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.. Recalled by Stihl Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.. Units affected: 13,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
What should consumers 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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 29, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03541.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03541) 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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Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
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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 May 29, 2003. 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.