Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported February 14, 2012
STIHL Recalls Chain Saws Due to Risk of Injury
The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystanders, posing a risk of injury.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. recalled This recall involves STIHL MS 391 gas-powered chain saws with an orange top casing, gray … - a moderate-severity action.
STIHL Recalls Chain Saws Due to Risk of Injury was recalled by Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. in February 14, 2012. Reason: The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystand…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an aut…. Verify recall #12108 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystand….
- Moderate
- severity level
- February 14, 2012
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #12108 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #12108) was formally reported on February 14, 2012. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 3,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystanders, posing a risk of injury. 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 immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for the installation of a free replacement flywheel. - 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
About 3,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
This recall involves STIHL MS 391 gas-powered chain saws with an orange top casing, gray base and black front handle and hand guard. "STIHL" and "MS 391" are printed in an orange circle on the starter side of the unit. The serial number is located on the crankcase to the right of the muffler when viewed from the rear of the saw. Serial numbers included in the recall are: 28535 1759 through 28535 1956 28664 5278 through 28664 6277 28665 1283 through 28665 5577 28724 4317 through 28724 4480 28735 3627 through 28735 3647
Reason for recall
The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystanders, posing a risk of injury.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for the installation of a free replacement flywheel.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 12108 |
| Date reported | February 14, 2012 |
| Date initiated | February 14, 2012 |
| 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 immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for the installatio…
- Check the recall number (12108) 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? ▼
This recall involves STIHL MS 391 gas-powered chain saws with an orange top casing, gray base and black front handle and hand guard. "STIHL" and "MS 391" are printed in an orange circle on the starter side of the unit. The serial number is located on the crankcase to the right of the muffler when viewed from the rear of the saw. Serial numbers included in the recall are: 28535 1759 through 28535 1956 28664 5278 through 28664 6277 28665 1283 through 28665 5577 28724 4317 through 28724 4480 28735 3627 through 28735 3647. Recalled by Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.. Units affected: About 3,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystanders, posing a risk of injury.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for the installation of a free replacement flywheel.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on February 14, 2012. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 12108.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (12108) 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 February 14, 2012. 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.