Stihl Gasoline Tank Vent fire-hazard recall on FC 56 C / FS 40-56 C / HT 56 C / KM 56 RC (CPSC March 2016)

## Affected machines This bulletin covers Stihl 28cc-engine variants where the gasoline tank vent can dislodge and leak fuel. These are the **C-suffix** (without -E) variants - distinct from the C-E variants covered by the Toolless Fuel Cap recall (TNB02600106). Sold at authorized Stihl dealers nationwide from **November 2014 through September 2015** for between $200 and $400. ### Affected models | Category | Model | |---|---| | Edger | FC 56 C | | Trimmer/brushcutter | FS 40 C, FS 50 C, FS 56 C, FS 56 RC | | Pole pruner | HT 56 C | | KombiMotor | KM 56 RC | All affected units share the **28cc engine** and a single serial-number range: **501830112 through 504083576**, located on the label on the bottom of the engine. The model number is on the starter cover at the rear of the engine. The products are gray and orange with "STIHL" on the engine cover. ## Issue The **gasoline tank vent** can become dislodged due to incorrect factory installation, allowing fuel to leak out of the tank. Leaking fuel near a hot engine creates a fire hazard. Reported field incidents at time of recall: - 319 reports of fuel tank vents coming loose and fuel leaking - 0 fires - 0 injuries ## What to do 1. Locate the model number on the starter cover at the rear of the engine. 2. Locate the serial number on the label on the bottom of the engine. 3. If the unit is in the listed range, **stop using it immediately**. 4. Take it to an authorized Stihl dealer for free inspection and repair. 5. Contact Stihl Inc. at (800) 610-6677 or email stihlrecall@stihl.us with questions. ## Hazard Severity is rated **critical** because of the fire risk from a leaking fuel tank vent on a hot engine - the same severity calibration applied to other Stihl fuel-system fire-hazard bulletins (TNB02600080 MS 461, TNB02600106 Toolless Fuel Cap, TNB02600111 TS 480i/500i). ## Related bulletins The Stihl recall page lists this as the "Gasoline Tank Vent Recall." It is the natural successor to the Toolless Fuel Cap recall (TNB02600106), affecting the next-generation 28cc C-suffix variants (without -E) of the same product lineup. ## Source - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "STIHL Recalls Edgers, Trimmer/Brushcutters, Pole Pruners and KombiMotors Due to Fire Hazard," March 2016. - Stihl Gasoline Tank Vent recall page: https://www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/gasoline-tank-vent/