Generac and DR Generators Recalled Again Due to Finger Amputation and Crushing Injury
More than 300,000 Generac and DR 6500-watt and 8000-watt portable models are involved, CPSC says
The Consumer Product Safety Commission today reannounced the recall of 321,160 Generac and DR 6500-watt and 8000-watt portable generators sold in the United States, plus another 4,575 sold in Canada. This second recall came in the wake of a finger amputation and crushing injury following an original recall of the same generators in July 2021.
An unlocked handle can pinch users’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards, the announcement said.
According to the CPSC, Waukesha, Wis.-based Generac Power Systems, which owns the DR brand, has received a total of 37 reports of injuries, 24 resulting in finger amputations and five in finger crushings. The original, 2021 recall reported eight injuries—seven resulting in finger amputations and one in a crushed finger. A Generac spokesperson told CR that of the 37 total incidents, one occurred after the original recall—and remedy—were issued.
Judy Echavez, a spokesperson for the CPSC, said the agency reannounces recalls from time to time, and the reasons vary. "It could be a slow response to the first recall, or additional incidents," she said. "Sometimes the companies request a reannouncement."
The Generac spokesperson said the company has developed a new repair kit consisting of a set of spacers that can be added to the unit to move the handle away from the frame.
Recall Details
Product recalled: This recall involves 6500-watt and 8000-watt Generac portable generators with unit type numbers XT8000E XT8000EFI, GP6500, GP6500E, GP8000E and HomeLink 6500E portable generators, and DR models PRO 6500M and PRO 6500E portable generators. The unit type is identified on the front of the product. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the product. Consumers can also check specific unit type, model number, and serial number location information on the CPSC recall page, or at www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup.
Sold at: Major home improvement and hardware stores nationwide and online, including Ace Hardware, Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, City Electric Supply, Costco, Do It Best, Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe’s stores, Napa Auto Parts, Northern Tool + Equipment, Orgill, Power Equipment Direct, Ravitsky Bros., True Value, and W. W. Grainger. Dates of sale are from June 2013 through June 2021 for between $790 and $1,480. This recall also involves all of these generators listed above purchased from July 29, 2021 through November 3, 2022, containing a repair kit that includes full cover handle guards.
Units sold: About 321,160 (In addition, 4,575 were sold in Canada).
The problem: An unlocked handle can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards.
The fix: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator. They should contact Generac for a free repair kit consisting of a set of spacers to move the handle away from the frame, eliminating the pinch point. Customers who responded to the original July 29, 2021 recall will automatically be sent a new kit.
How to contact the manufacturer: To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go to SaferProducts.gov.
