Generac reissues portable generator recall after finger amputation reports more than triple

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Generac Power Systems on Thursday re-announced its August 2021 recall of more than 325,000 portable generators after 24 finger amputations and five finger-crushing incidents were reported.

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The recall affects 321,160 Generac and DR 6,500-watt and 8,000-watt generators in the United States, as well as an additional 4,575 sold in Canada, because an unlocked handle can pinch consumers’ fingers against the product’s frame when it is moved.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator. If the locking pin has not been inserted, consumers are urged to contact Generac for a free repair kit, the recall notice stated.

Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Generac has fielded a total of 37 injury reports linked with the recall, including 24 finger amputations and five finger-crushing incidents. Those figures represent a statistically significant increase from the eight injury reports resulting in seven finger amputations and one finger-crushing incident fielded when Generac issued the original recall 15 months ago.

The affected models were sold online and at major home improvement and hardware stores between June 2013 and June 2021 for between $790 and $1,480.

Click here for a complete list of the unit types, model numbers and serial numbers associated with the recall.

Consumers may contact Generac by calling 844-242-3493 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, or online at www.generac.com/handlespacer.

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