Generac Power Systems Expands Recall of Generac and DR Power Electric Start Pressure Washers Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Carbon Monoxide Hazard; Includes Additional Models

What was recalled

In a significant safety update issued on May 14, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced an expanded recall involving specific electric start pressure washers manufactured by Generac Power Systems Inc. Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Generac has identified a critical defect in its product line that affects both its own branded units and those sold under the DR Power brand. This action underscores the importance of vigilance among homeowners and professionals who rely on these powerful cleaning tools for maintenance tasks around their properties.

The recall specifically targets certain models of electric start pressure washers that utilize a rechargeable battery to power an electronic start/stop button. These units are gasoline-powered engines equipped with this modern convenience feature, which allows users to initiate the engine without manual effort. However, it is precisely this electronic component that has been found to be defective. The affected Generac models include those with model numbers G0089111, G0088941, and G0088951. Additionally, the recall extends to DR Power branded electric start pressure washers bearing the model number DPW3109DEN. Consumers who own any of these specific model numbers should consider them part of this safety notice immediately.

While the provided recall facts do not specify the exact total number of units affected or the precise retail outlets where they were sold, it is important to note that these products are widely used in residential and commercial settings. The absence of specific sales location data in this summary does not diminish the urgency of the situation; rather, it highlights that owners should check their own equipment labels regardless of where or when the purchase was made. The model numbers and serial numbers are printed on a label located directly on the product's frame, making verification straightforward for any owner.

If you have recently purchased or still own one of these pressure washers, it is crucial to verify its identity against the list above. The inclusion of additional models in this expansion suggests that earlier warnings may not have covered all affected units. By confirming your model number now, you can determine whether your specific device is part of this recall and take appropriate action to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so serious, we first need to look at how the specific defect in these Generac and DR Power pressure washers works. The core issue lies in the electronic start/stop button system. Normally, you would press that button to initiate the engine’s ignition sequence. However, in the recalled units, this electrical component can malfunction in a way that causes it to "self-start." This means the machine can turn on without any physical input from you, essentially waking up while you might be standing nearby or even working on the unit.

This unexpected activation becomes dangerous specifically because of what these machines produce: carbon monoxide (CO). These pressure washers are powered by gasoline engines, which, like cars and lawnmowers, generate exhaust fumes as they run. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Because it has no scent or visual warning, humans cannot detect its presence without specialized equipment. When the engine runs, it continuously pumps this invisible gas out of the exhaust system.

The severity of the risk depends heavily on where the machine is being used. If you operate a pressure washer in an open area with plenty of wind and airflow, the carbon monoxide quickly disperses into the atmosphere and dilutes to safe levels. However, if the unit self-starts while it is located in a confined or partially enclosed space—such as a garage, shed, basement, or even under a covered patio with walls—the gas cannot escape. It begins to accumulate rapidly in the air you are breathing.

When carbon monoxide builds up in a confined space, it displaces oxygen and binds to hemoglobin in your blood much more effectively than oxygen does. This prevents your body’s tissues and organs from getting the oxygen they need to function. In a high-concentration environment, this can lead to unconsciousness within minutes, followed by severe brain damage or death. The danger is compounded by the fact that the machine starts on its own; you do not have the chance to turn it off before the gas begins to fill the room. This is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified this as a high-priority recall involving a risk of serious injury or death.

It is important to note that the hazard is not just about the noise or the mechanical operation of the washer, but specifically about the invisible chemical threat created by the engine running unexpectedly in an area where air cannot circulate freely. Even if you are not directly next to the exhaust pipe, breathing the ambient air in a closed room with a running gasoline engine can be fatal.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of anyone who owns or operates the specific Generac and DR Power electric start pressure washers listed above. Because the defect involves a mechanical failure where the unit can self-start without warning, any individual standing near the machine when it activates is immediately exposed to the hazard. This includes homeowners performing seasonal cleaning tasks, professional landscapers, contractors, and anyone else who relies on these machines for maintenance or work. The risk is not limited to the person pressing the button; it extends to family members, neighbors, or pets who may be nearby in a garage, carport, patio, or other enclosed area where the pressure washer might be stored or used.

The severity of the risk stems directly from the nature of carbon monoxide (CO). This odorless, colorless gas is produced by the gasoline-powered engines in these units. When the machine self-starts unexpectedly, it begins emitting CO immediately. If this occurs in a confined or semi-confined space—such as a closed garage, a shed, a covered porch, or even a tightly enclosed carport—the gas can accumulate to dangerous levels very quickly. In such environments, oxygen is displaced by carbon monoxide, creating an invisible threat that can lead to unconsciousness and death within minutes. Therefore, the physical location of use is just as critical as the user’s identity in determining risk level.

Within the population of users, certain individuals are physiologically more vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Children are at heightened risk because their breathing rates are faster than those of adults, meaning they inhale more air—and thus more CO—relative to their body size. Their developing bodies are also less equipped to handle the stress of oxygen deprivation. Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, such as heart disease, anemia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), face significantly greater danger. Even low levels of carbon monoxide can strain the heart and lungs in these populations, potentially leading to severe health complications or fatal outcomes much sooner than in healthy adults. Pregnant women are also at increased risk, as carbon monoxide can cross the placenta and harm fetal development.

It is important to note that this hazard affects everyone equally in terms of exposure, but the consequences are disproportionately severe for these vulnerable groups. A healthy adult might experience headaches or dizziness at lower concentrations, providing some warning before collapse, whereas a child or someone with a compromised health condition may succumb to poisoning more rapidly and with fewer early symptoms. This is why the recall emphasizes immediate cessation of use for all owners, regardless of their perceived health status or experience level.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, you must confirm whether your specific unit is part of this expanded recall. Because Generac Power Systems Inc. has included additional models in this notice, relying on general descriptions like "electric start pressure washer" is not enough. You need to verify the exact model and serial numbers against the official list. The recalled inventory consists of specific Generac brand electric start pressure washers with model numbers G0089111, G0088941, and G0088951. Additionally, the recall covers DR Power brand electric start pressure washers with the model number DPW3109DEN. These are gasoline-powered units that feature an electric start/stop button powered by a rechargeable battery, which is the component prone to malfunctioning and self-starting.

To identify your unit, you need to locate the identification label. This label is printed directly on the product's frame. It will clearly display both the model number and the serial number for your specific machine. Take the time to carefully read these numbers. If your model number matches one of the four listed above, your pressure washer is included in this safety recall regardless of when you bought it or where you purchased it. The recall does not distinguish by color, size, or retail price point; it is strictly based on the manufacturing specifications encoded in those model and serial numbers.

If you cannot find the label on your unit or if the numbers are worn off, do not guess. Visit the official Generac support page at https://www.generac.com/support/product-info-user-manuals. On that page, click on "Pressure Washers" located at the bottom of the screen. This resource will provide you with specific instructions on how to identify your unit type and where exactly to find the model and serial number information for your particular device. Confirming these details is critical because it ensures you are not unnecessarily discarding a safe product, nor keeping a potentially dangerous one in use.

Once you have confirmed your model number, stop using the recalled pressure washer immediately. Do not attempt to start it using the electric button, as this is where the carbon monoxide hazard lies. You may still use the unit safely if you remove the rechargeable battery and utilize the manual pull-start option, but the safest course of action is to contact Generac right away to arrange for a free repair at your dealer's location. This verification step is your first line of defense against serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have confirmed that your pressure washer is part of this recall, the most important thing to know is that Generac Power Systems Inc. has committed to fixing the problem for you at no cost. This is not a situation where you need to worry about spending money to make your tool safe again. The company is offering a free repair as their primary remedy for this specific carbon monoxide hazard. This means that the financial burden of correcting the manufacturing defect falls entirely on the manufacturer, allowing you to resolve the safety issue without any out-of-pocket expenses for parts or labor.

To initiate this process, you will need to contact Generac directly. They are asking consumers to reach out to them to arrange for a free repair to be performed at your local dealer’s location. This is a significant detail because it suggests that the repair may not be something you can do entirely on your own in your driveway, or at least that the official warranty work is best handled by their authorized network. By going through a dealer, you ensure that the correct components are used and that the repair meets Generac’s safety standards. Do not attempt to fix the electronic start/stop button yourself using third-party parts, as this could void any protections or create new hazards.

While you wait for your appointment with the dealer, there is a safe way to continue using your pressure washer if you absolutely must. The recall notice explicitly states that the unit can still be operated by removing the rechargeable battery and using the manual pull-start option instead. This is a crucial temporary workaround because it completely bypasses the malfunctioning electronic start/stop button that poses the risk of self-starting in confined spaces. However, please remember this is only a bridge until you get your official free repair. Once you have contacted Generac and scheduled your service, they will guide you through the next steps to ensure the electric start system is properly addressed.

If you have already purchased this equipment, keep your proof of purchase handy when you call. Although the recall is about safety rather than just consumer satisfaction, having your model number (G0089111, G0088941, G0088951 for Generac brands, or DPW3109DEN for DR Power brands) and serial number ready will speed up the process. You can verify these numbers on the label located on the product's frame, or look up specific location details online at https://www.generac.com/support/product-info-user-manuals by clicking on "Pressure Washers" at the bottom of the page. This ensures you are discussing the exact unit that is subject to this recall.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall involves carbon monoxide, the stakes are not merely about broken equipment or wasted money; they are about life and death. Carbon monoxide (CO) is often described as the "silent killer" because it is completely undetectable to human senses. It has no color, no odor, and no taste. Even if you are standing right next to the machine, you cannot smell the gas leaking from a malfunctioning engine or a faulty exhaust system. This invisibility means that by the time your body begins to register symptoms like a headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, your cognitive ability to recognize the danger and escape the situation may already be impaired.

The specific risk here stems from the electric start button malfunctioning and causing the engine to self-start unexpectedly. If this happens while the pressure washer is in use, or if it restarts on its own in an area where you are not prepared for it, the engine begins burning gasoline and expelling exhaust immediately. In a confined space—such as a garage, a shed, a basement, or even a tightly enclosed patio with poor ventilation—carbon monoxide can accumulate to lethal levels in a matter of minutes. The recalled units are gasoline-powered, meaning they produce this gas every time the engine runs. If you continue to use these machines despite knowing about the defect, you are essentially gambling with your safety in an environment where the air quality can turn toxic faster than you can react.

Ignoing the recall also means missing out on the free repair that Generac is offering. While the immediate danger is physical, there is a secondary consequence of delay: the longer you use a defective electrical system, the greater the risk of additional failures. A malfunctioning start button could potentially lead to electrical shorts, overheating, or other mechanical issues that complicate the eventual repair process. More importantly, every minute you continue to operate the unit in an enclosed or partially enclosed space is a minute where your household, neighbors, or pets are exposed to the risk of CO poisoning. Severe carbon monoxide exposure can lead to loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and death.

It is crucial to understand that this hazard does not require the machine to be "broken" in the traditional sense. It only needs the start button to behave erratically. Because you cannot predict when the self-starting will occur, you cannot safely plan around it. The only way to eliminate this risk is to stop using the electric start feature entirely until the free repair is completed. Continuing to use the recalled pressure washer is not a minor inconvenience; it is an active engagement with a known, serious, and potentially fatal hazard.

Staying safe: broader tips

When you deal with gasoline-powered equipment like pressure washers, generators, or power tools, the risks often extend far beyond simple mechanical failure. The most critical lesson from this recall is that carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless killer that demands respect in any environment where engines run. To stay safe, you must treat ventilation as a non-negotiable safety feature, not an afterthought. Never operate these units inside garages, sheds, basements, or even enclosed patios, regardless of how open the doors might appear. Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and can accumulate rapidly in low-lying areas, creating a silent hazard that can incapacitate you before you realize something is wrong. Always place your equipment at least 20 feet away from any structure, including windows, doors, and vents, to ensure exhaust fumes are carried safely away by the wind rather than drawn into your living space.

Equally important is the maintenance of your home’s early warning systems. Many carbon monoxide incidents occur because detectors were missing, dead, or improperly placed. Install battery-operated or hardwired carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test these alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year, or when the device chirps to signal low power. If an alarm sounds, treat it as a life-threatening emergency: evacuate everyone and the pets immediately, call 911 from outside, and do not re-enter the building until authorities declare it safe. This habit of vigilance protects you not just from pressure washer hazards, but from faulty furnaces, water heaters, and car exhausts that can also leak CO into your home.

Beyond immediate hazard prevention, proactive maintenance and awareness are your best defenses against equipment-related accidents. Regularly inspect the power cords, handles, and safety switches of all electrical appliances for signs of wear, fraying, or damage. For gasoline engines, ensure you are using fresh fuel and following the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and handling. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for electrical and chemical fires in your garage or workshop area. Furthermore, make checking for product recalls a routine part of your home maintenance calendar. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for their email alerts to stay informed about newly issued recalls. By staying informed and maintaining a culture of safety in your home, you protect your family from both known and unknown dangers.

• Always operate gasoline engines outdoors in well-ventilated areas, never in enclosed spaces.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Inspect all power tools and appliances regularly for damaged cords or faulty switches.
• Sign up for CPSC recall alerts to stay informed about new safety notices.