Briggs & Stratton Snow Thrower Engines Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Briggs & Stratton OHV Snow Thrower Engines

Units: About 480,000

Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton Corp., of Wauwatosa, Wis.

Hazard: When the engines are primed, excess fuel can overflow into the carburetor and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Briggs & Stratton has received 48 reports of fire. There have been no reports of injury. The firm has received one report of minor property damage.

Description: The recall includes snow equipment with Briggs & Stratton OHV engines that have model numbers beginning with 12, 15, 20, or 21, and a date of manufacture (DOM) code between 000601xx and 070301xx. The engines were installed on the following brand snow throwers: Ariens, Canadiana, Craftsman, Frontier Equipment, Husqvarna, Poulan Pro, Simplicity and Snapper. The engine model number and DOM information are located on the cylinder shield or rocker cover. Call for more information about determining if your snow thrower engine is included in the recall.

Sold at: Various snow thrower dealers nationwide from June 2000 through February 2007 for between $630 and $2,350 for the snow thrower.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the snow throwers. Call or contact the firms listed below to arrange for the free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Briggs & Stratton toll-free at (866) 478-7855 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Website at www.briggsandstratton.com - Dealers can be found by using the Dealer Locator at the Briggs & Stratton's Web site. Consumers with Craftsman brand snow throwers should call Sears toll-free at (877) 659-7017 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday.

Note: Keep fuel or equipment with fuel in tank away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters or other appliances that have a pilot light or other ignition source, because they can ignite vapors.

Locations of engine numbers


A – Cylinder Shield, or B – Rocker Cover