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CPSC recall · Reported November 12, 2015

STIHL Recalls Edgers, Trimmer/Brushcutters, Pole Pruners and KombiMotors Due to Fire Hazard

The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation and cause fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Recall #
16031
Affected scope
About 140,000 (in addition, about 16,000 were sold in Canada)
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Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. recalled This recall involves STIHL edgers with model number FC 56 C, trimmer/brushcutters with mo….

STIHL Recalls Edgers, Trimmer/Brushcutters, Pole Pruners and KombiMotors Due to Fire Haza… was recalled by Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. in November 12, 2015. Reason: The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation and cause fuel to leak, pos…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to an autho…. Verify recall #16031 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va. issued this CPSC recall-The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation and cause fuel to leak, pos….

None
agency class
November 12, 2015
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #16031 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, 3 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 - 7,783 vehicles recalls on record

200300400500600 20052008201120142017202020232026 222

Product description

This recall involves STIHL edgers with model number FC 56 C, trimmer/brushcutters with model numbers FS 40 C, FS 50 C, FS 56 C and FS 56 RC, pole pruners with model number HT 56 C and KombiMotors with model number KM 56 RC. The model number is located on the starter cover at the rear of the engine. The engine size is about 28 cc. The products are gray and orange with "STIHL" on the engine cover. The serial number range for all of the recalled units is 501830112 through 504083576. The serial number is located on the label on the bottom of the engine.

Reason for recall

The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation and cause fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and 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 16031
Date reported November 12, 2015
Date initiated November 12, 2015
Recalling firm Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Affected scope About 140,000 (in addition, about 16,000 were sold in Canada)
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 products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection…

  • Check the recall number (16031) 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 edgers with model number FC 56 C, trimmer/brushcutters with model numbers FS 40 C, FS 50 C, FS 56 C and FS 56 RC, pole pruners with model number HT 56 C and KombiMotors with model number KM 56 RC. The model number is located on the starter cover at the rear of the engine. The engine size is about 28 cc. The products are gray and orange with "STIHL" on the engine cover. The serial number range for all of the recalled units is 501830112 through 504083576. The serial number is located on the label on the bottom of the engine.. Recalled by Stihl Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.. Units affected: About 140,000 (in addition, about 16,000 were sold in Canada).
Why was this product recalled?
The gasoline tank vent can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation and cause fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free inspection and repair.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on November 12, 2015. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 16031.
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

Consumer-product notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.

Compare this recall with KTM North America Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Risk … → · All Vehicles recalls

This recall: CPSC, reported November 12, 2015. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026