Stihl MSA 300 battery chainsaw delayed-brake laceration hazard (CPSC Aug 31, 2023)

## Affected machines Stihl **MSA 300** battery-powered chainsaws with serial numbers **lower than 447457319**. The chain saw is **gray and orange**. "STIHL" and "MSA 300" are displayed on the side of the unit. The serial number is on a **label on the rear hand guard**. The MSA 300 is a high-end battery-powered professional chainsaw using Stihl's AP-system batteries (sold separately). It was Stihl's flagship battery chainsaw at launch. ### Production / sales window Sold at **authorized Stihl independent dealers nationwide** from **October 2022 through July 2023** for **about $800** (powerhead only; battery and charger sold separately). ## Issue The chainsaw can **take longer to brake than expected** when the chain brake is engaged, posing a laceration hazard to the operator. A chain brake is the operator-presence safety system on a chainsaw. When the operator's hand strikes the front hand guard (during kickback or when the operator releases the saw), the chain should stop **within fractions of a second** to prevent the moving chain from contacting the operator. Industry standard for chain stop time on a properly functioning brake is well under 1 second. The recalled MSA 300 units take **longer than the design specification** to stop the chain. This defeats the kickback safety system that is the primary protection against severe chainsaw lacerations. The remedy involves **replacing the brake drum and brake band** — the two components of the chain brake mechanism that determine stopping time. Reported field incidents at recall time: - 0 injuries reported - (CPSC notice does not list a specific report count) ## What to do 1. Find the **serial number label on the rear hand guard** and confirm whether it is **lower than 447457319**. 2. If your chainsaw is in scope, **stop using it immediately**. 3. Bring the unit to an **authorized Stihl servicing dealer** for free replacement of the brake drum and brake band. 4. Or call Stihl Inc. toll-free at **800-233-4729** Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET. 5. Online: https://www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/msa300 ## Hazard Severity is rated **warning** because no injuries had been reported at recall time. However, this defect specifically degrades the chain brake — the primary operator safety system on a chainsaw — and chainsaw kickback lacerations are typically severe. Owners should treat this with urgency. ## Related bulletins - **TNB02600078** — Stihl BR 800 backpack blower fan wheel recall (CPSC Nov 2025). Most recent Stihl recall. - **TNB02600080** — Stihl MS 461 / MS 461 R chainsaw fuel-line pinch fire hazard (CPSC Feb 23, 2017). - **TNB02600081** — Stihl MS 391 chainsaw flywheel projectile hazard (CPSC Feb 14, 2012). - **TNB02600082** — Stihl MS 361 C-Q chainsaw throttle trigger sticking laceration hazard (CPSC Dec 23, 2010). Same hazard class (laceration from defective chainsaw safety system) but on a gas-powered saw. ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "STIHL Recalls MSA 300 Chain Saws Due to Laceration Hazard," August 31, 2023. - Manufacturer / importer: Stihl Incorporated, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. - Stihl recall page: https://www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/msa300