Stihl Chain Saw Recall: Defective Flywheel Could Cause Injuries

About 3,000 STIHL MS 391 chain saws have been pulled from the market due to a defect that may cause parts to fly out and injure users or bystanders. 

The STIHL chain saw recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)on February 14, after it was discovered that the chain saws have a flywheel that may crack.

Although there have been no injuries or incidents reported, if the defective chain saw flywheel fails, it could result in parts of the flywheel being ejected from the chain saw that could cause serious injury.

The chain saw recall affects the STIHL MS 391 gas-powered chain saws. The affected chain saws have serial numbers of 28535 1759 through 28535 1956, 28664 5278 through 28664 6277, 28665 1283 through 28665 5577, 28724 4317 through 28724 4480, and 28735 3627 through 28735 3647. The serial numbers are located on the crankcase to the right of the muffler when viewing the chain saw from behind. The chain saws have an orange top casing, black front handle and hand guard and gray base. “STIHL” and “MS 391” are printed in an orange circle on the side of the chain saw.

The chain saws were sold at STIHL dealers nationwide from March 2011 through July 2011 for about $530 to $550. They were made in the United States.

The CPSC recommends that any consumers who have the affected chain saws stop using them immediately and return the units to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair that includes a replacement flywheel. Consumers with questions can call STIHL at (800) 610 6677 or visit the company’s website at www.stihlusa.com.