Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, CPSC NEWS—HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS—Carbon monoxide risk prompts recall of 53K pressure washers, (Apr 29, 2022)
Organizations Mentioned:Generac Power Systems Inc.
By Susan Lasser, J.D.
Consumers should contact the company to arrange to have an authorized dealer replace the start/stop switch on the pressure washer free of charge.
Generac Power Systems Inc. (Electric Start Pressure Washer), of Waukesha, Wisconsin, has recalled about 53,000 Electric Start Pressure Washers because the electronic start/stop button on the pressure washer can malfunction and self-start, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the unit is in a confined space. In addition, 1,750 pressure washers were sold in Canada and are included in this recall (CPSC Recall Notice, No. 22-127, April 28, 2022).
Incidents and injuries. The firm has received nine reports of the pressure washers self-starting and operating without being connected to a water supply. No injuries or property damage have been reported.
Product description. This recall involves Generac and DR Power brand electric start pressure washers with model numbers DPW3100DEN, DPW3101DEN, DPW3102DEN, G0071320, G0071321, G0071430, and G0071431. The electric start pressure washers have an electric start/stop button for the unit’s gasoline-powered engines, as well as a rechargeable battery used to power the button. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located on the product’s frame. Consumers can check specific unit type, model number and serial number location information at www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup. This recall involves only the following Generac and DR Power brand electric start pressure washers:
DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100-Model No. DPW3100DEN; Serial No. Range: 3003024185-3004600505
DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100-Model No. DPW3101DEN; Serial No. Range: 3003074891-3004603299
DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100-Model No. DPW3102DEN; Serial No. Range: 3006177112-3008763507
3125 CON GAS PW ES CARB EPA3-Model No. G0071320; Serial No. Range: 3002690991-3005933713
3125 CON GAS PW ES CARB EPA3-Model No. G0071321; Serial No. Range: 3003692980-3009910753
3125 CON GAS PW ES SPEEDWASH CARB EPA3-Model No. G0071430; Serial No. Range: 3002778837-3005933361
3125 CON GAS PW ES SPEEDWASH CARB EPA3-Model No. G0071431; Serial No. Range: 3006132052-3006132052
The pressure washers were manufactured in the United States. They were sold at major home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online, including Ace Hardware, Amazon, City Electric Supply, Costco, Do It Best, eBay, Essendant, Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe’s Stores, Menard’s, Orgill, Power Equipment Direct, Ravitsky Bros., Tractor Supply, True Value, and Walmart, from February 2018 through February 2022 for between $450 and $650.
Remedy. Consumers should stop using the recalled pressure washers immediately, unless they have removed the rechargeable battery, and contact Generac to arrange to have an authorized dealer replace the start/stop switch on the pressure washer free of charge. The pressure washer can continue to be used with the battery removed by using the pull-start option to start the unit. Generac is contacting known consumers directly to provide more details about the repair.
Customer contact. For more information, customers may contact Generac Power Systems toll-free at 855-625-2933 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday; or online at www.generac.com and click on “Important Recall Information” located at the bottom of the page or go to http://www.generac.com/estartpressurewasher.
Companies: Generac Power Systems Inc.
ProductRecalls: ProductRecallsNews HouseholdProductsNews RecallNewsStory GCNNews