Exmark Quest QTS fuel filter brittleness fire-hazard recall (CPSC 2015)

## Affected machines The 2015 Exmark Quest riding mowers are red, black, and gray. "Exmark" is printed on the sides and in front of the operator seat. "Quest" is printed on the front of the riding mowers. The model number and serial number are on a decal affixed to the frame, **under the seat**. ### Affected model and serial-number range | Model | Serial range | |---|---| | QTS452CEM34200 | 315606482 – 315628458 | The SKU encoding: **QTS** = Quest top-shelf residential generation; **45** = 45.5" deck; **2** = revision; **CEM** = Kohler/Exmark commercial residential designation. ## Issue The **fuel filters** on the recalled mowers can become **brittle and fracture** during use. A fractured fuel filter allows fuel to leak from the filter housing, and fuel near a hot engine creates a fire hazard. This recall is part of a **Kawasaki/Walbro-supplied fuel filter** issue that affected multiple brands sold by The Toro Company family. The Toro TimeCutter portion of the same fuel-filter family is covered by **TNB02600023**. Reported field incidents at time of recall: - 1 report of fuel leaking - 0 injuries ## What to do 1. Check your model and serial number against the table above. The model/serial decal is under the seat. 2. If your mower is in scope, **stop using it immediately**. 3. Contact Exmark at (800) 667-5296 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT, or visit https://www.exmark.com and follow Service & Support → Safety → Recalls. 4. Owners with **registered mowers** received a letter and a fuel filter, and may install the replacement themselves or contact an Exmark Dealer for a free repair if they are not comfortable performing the replacement. ## Hazard Severity is rated **critical** because of the fire risk from a leaking fuel system. ## Related bulletins - **TNB02600023** covers the Toro TimeCutter portion of the broader fuel-filter recall. Toro TimeCutter and Exmark Quest were sister products in the mid-2010s residential ZT line, sharing the affected fuel-filter components. ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Exmark Recalls Quest Riding Mowers," November 24, 2015. - Exmark recall page: https://www.exmark.com/service/safety/recalls - Sold at hardware, lawn and garden stores nationwide from November 2014 through October 2015 for about $3,700. ## Library notes The QTS452CEM34200 SKU is added in this same migration as a production-window-specific row in the 'Quest QTS Series' under the year_end=2016 marker (Quest QTS line discontinued shortly after this recall).