What was recalled
If you own a riding lawn mower from either Ferris or SCAG, it is important to know exactly which equipment falls under this specific safety notice. This recall, issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on March 23, 2023, targets a very specific set of engines manufactured by Kawasaki Motors USA. These engines were not sold directly to consumers as standalone units; rather, they were installed inside riding lawn mowers that were then sold under two well-known outdoor power equipment brands: Ferris and SCAG.
The affected products are primarily the Ferris IS 700Z ZTR, the Ferris ISX 800Z ZTR, and the Ferris ISX 2200Z ZTR models. Additionally, the recall covers mowers manufactured under the SCAG brand name, specifically the Tiger Cat II and V-Ride II models. It is crucial to look at the engine itself rather than just the mower frame, as the issue lies within the power unit that drives these machines.
The specific engines subject to this recall are the Kawasaki FT730V-EFI series. These are not new units; they encompass engines from model years 2018 through 2022. You can identify a recalled engine by looking for the text "Kawasaki FT730V EFI" printed directly on the engine air filter cover. The engine model and serial number information is located on the engine fan housing, which is essential for verifying if your specific unit is part of this batch.
The scope of this recall is defined by precise serial number ranges. It applies exclusively to EFI engines with model numbers AS41, BS41, CS41, DS41, AS42, BS42, CS42, and DS42. The eligible engine serial numbers range from FT730VA00107 up to FT730VA66205. If your engine falls outside this specific numerical window or has a different model specification code, it is not included in this particular safety action. While the exact total number of units sold worldwide is not explicitly stated in the provided recall facts, Kawasaki has confirmed that they are contacting all known purchasers directly to ensure no affected owner is left unaware.
These mowers were sold at various retail locations across the United States during the specified years. Because these engines were integrated into finished products by Ferris and SCAG, you may not have purchased a "Kawasaki engine" separately, but if your mower contains one of the listed models within the serial range, it is subject to this mandatory safety repair. Understanding exactly what was recalled helps prevent confusion and ensures you take the right steps to verify your equipment's status.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at what is happening inside the engine of your riding lawn mower. The core issue involves a specific component known as the high-pressure fuel line. Think of this line as a critical artery for your machine; its job is to carry gasoline under significant pressure from the fuel pump directly to the engine’s injectors. For the engine to run smoothly and efficiently, it needs a steady, pressurized flow of fuel. However, in the affected Kawasaki FT730V-EFI series engines, there is a design overlap that allows this line to come into physical contact with the fuel pump cover.
Under normal circumstances, you might not notice this contact because the parts are tucked away. But as your mower vibrates during operation or if it experiences minor bumps and jolts while cutting uneven terrain, that constant rubbing can take a toll. Over time, the friction wears down the protective outer layer of the high-pressure fuel line. This is not a sudden failure but a gradual process of wear and tear that compromises the integrity of the hose.
Once the protective casing is worn through, the high pressure inside the line becomes dangerous. Instead of staying contained within the metal or reinforced rubber tube, the fuel begins to spray or leak out onto hot engine components. This is where the hazard shifts from a mechanical issue to a serious safety risk. Gasoline is highly flammable, and riding lawn mower engines operate at very high temperatures. If leaking fuel comes into contact with these hot surfaces, it can instantly ignite.
The consequences of this ignition are twofold. First, there is the immediate risk of fire. While Kawasaki has received four reports of incidents involving leaks, including one confirmed fire, the potential for a larger blaze exists if the leak goes undetected while the mower is running or even shortly after it is turned off. Second, and perhaps more immediately dangerous to the operator, is the risk of burns. Gasoline spraying onto skin or clothing can cause severe chemical and thermal burns before the fuel even catches fire. The combination of high-pressure spray and flammable liquid creates a scenario where a minor mechanical defect can quickly escalate into an emergency situation.
It is important to note that while no injuries have been reported in the four known incidents, the potential for harm is significant. The heat generated by the engine block and exhaust components provides ample ignition source for any fuel that escapes. This is why the remedy involves a free repair rather than a simple adjustment; the goal is to physically separate or shield the fuel line from the pump cover to eliminate the possibility of wear and subsequent leakage entirely.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall includes homeowners and professional landscapers who own or operate riding lawn mowers manufactured by Ferris and SCAG that are powered by specific Kawasaki engines. Because the hazard involves a fuel leak leading to potential fire, anyone who has recently purchased or continues to use these machines is potentially exposed. The risk is not limited to just the operator; it extends to anyone in the immediate vicinity of the mower while it is running or even when it is parked if a leak occurs and ignites due to residual heat.
Among those at risk, children and older adults may face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the hazard. A fuel fire can spread rapidly, producing intense heat and toxic smoke. Children, who are naturally curious and may be playing nearby while an adult mows the lawn, might not recognize the danger signs of a leaking engine or small flame until it is too late. Their smaller size and slower reaction times can make escape more difficult in the event of a sudden fire. Similarly, elderly individuals or those with mobility issues might struggle to exit their homes quickly if a fire starts near the garage or entryway where the mower is stored.
Additionally, people living in densely populated neighborhoods or multi-unit housing complexes face increased risk because a fire involving a lawn mower can spread to nearby structures or vehicles. The recalled engines are found in high-end commercial and residential zero-turn radius mowers, which means they are often used for extended periods under heavy loads. This prolonged use increases the likelihood of wear and tear on components like the fuel line, making the defect more likely to manifest during typical operation. Therefore, users who rely on these machines for their livelihood or regular yard maintenance are at greater risk of encountering the issue than occasional users.
- Homeowners with Ferris IS 700Z ZTR, ISX 800Z ZTR, and ISX 2200Z ZTR mowers.
- Owners of SCAG Tiger Cat II and V-Ride II riding mowers.
- Professional landscapers using these models for commercial jobs.
- Family members or neighbors who spend time near the storage or operation area of these mowers.
It is important to note that while four incident reports have been received, including one fire, no injuries have been reported so far. This underscores the importance of early detection and remediation. By identifying and addressing the issue before a leak becomes severe, users can protect not only themselves but also their families and property from potential harm.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your lawn mower is part of this specific recall requires a bit of detective work, but don’t worry—it is straightforward once you know exactly where to look. The core issue here isn’t with the mower brand itself, but with the engine installed inside it. Therefore, your first step is to determine if your machine was manufactured by Ferris or SCAG and then verify the specific engine under the hood.
If you own a Ferris riding lawn mower, check your model nameplate carefully. This recall applies specifically to the IS 700Z ZTR, ISX 800Z ZTR, and ISX 2200Z ZTR models. If you have an SCAG mower, look for either the Tiger Cat II or the V-Ride II models. Knowing your mower brand and model narrows down the field significantly, but it does not confirm the recall status on its own, as engines can sometimes be swapped or varied by dealer options.
The definitive check lies in the engine itself. You need to locate the engine air filter cover, which is typically a prominent plastic component on top of the engine block. On this cover, you will find the text "Kawasaki FT730V EFI." This confirms you have one of the potentially affected engine series. However, not every FT730V engine is included in this recall. You must also inspect the engine fan housing, usually located on the side or top of the engine crankcase, where the model number and serial number are stamped or printed.
Your engine is part of this recall if it meets two criteria: it is a model year between 2018 and 2022, and its serial number falls within the specific range listed below. The affected engines are Kawasaki FT730V series engines with specification numbers AS41, BS41, CS41, DS41, AS42, BS42, CS42, or DS42. Crucially, the engine serial number must begin with FT730VA and end anywhere between 00107 and 66205. If your serial number is outside this range, or if it does not start with FT730VA, your engine is not part of this specific safety notice.
To ensure you do not miss a detail, please verify the following points:
- Engine Markings: Look for "Kawasaki FT730V EFI" on the air filter cover.
- Specification Numbers: Check for AS41, BS41, CS41, DS41, AS42, BS42, CS42, or DS42.
- Serial Number Range: Ensure your number is between FT730VA00107 and FT730VA66205.
If you are unsure how to read these numbers or cannot locate them, please do not guess. Contacting Kawasaki directly with your mower’s serial number and the engine details will provide a definitive answer. It is better to spend ten minutes verifying this information than to risk using a unit that may pose a fire hazard.
What to do — step by step
If you own a riding lawn mower equipped with a Kawasaki engine that falls within the scope of this recall, your immediate safety and peace of mind depend on acting quickly but calmly. The remedy outlined by Kawasaki Motors USA is straightforward: you must stop using the affected equipment immediately to prevent any potential burn or fire hazard, and then contact Kawasaki or an authorized dealer to schedule a free repair. Please do not attempt to fix the fuel line issue yourself, as this involves high-pressure fuel systems that require professional handling. Instead, follow these concrete steps to ensure you are covered under the recall program.
- Stop using the mower immediately. The first and most critical step is to cease all operation of any riding lawn mower that contains a recalled engine. This includes mowers sold under the Ferris brand (models IS 700Z ZTR, ISX 800Z ZTR, and ISX 2200Z ZTR) and those sold under the SCAG brand (models Tiger Cat II and V-Ride II). Even if you have not noticed a fuel leak or smell of gas, the high-pressure fuel line may be damaged by contact with the fuel pump cover. Continuing to use the machine poses a risk of fuel leakage, which can lead to serious burns or fire.
- Verify your engine details. While waiting for assistance, it is helpful to confirm that your specific unit is included in this recall. Look at the air filter cover on your engine; if it reads "Kawasaki FT730V EFI," you have one of the affected models from model years 2018 through 2022. The engine model and serial number are located on the engine fan housing. Ensure your serial number falls within the range FT730VA00107 to FT730VA66205 for specifications AS41, BS41, CS41, DS41, AS42, BS42, CS42, or DS42.
- Contact Kawasaki for a free repair. Reach out to Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA by calling their toll-free number at 866-836-4463. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.kawasakienginesusa.com/product-recall.html or go to the main homepage and click on "Product Recalls" at the top. Explain that you have a recalled engine and request to schedule a repair.
- Schedule the service appointment. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly, but if you have not heard from them, you must initiate the process. When you call or visit the website, arrange for your mower to be serviced at an authorized Kawasaki dealer. The repair will be provided free of charge to you. Do not pay for any parts or labor related to this specific fuel line issue.
By following these steps, you ensure that the defect is corrected professionally and safely. Remember, no injuries have been reported so far, but four incidents of fuel leaks (including one fire) have occurred. Taking these actions protects your home and family from potential harm while allowing you to get back to mowing with confidence.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have verified that your riding lawn mower contains one of the recalled Kawasaki engines, the most important thing to know right now is that you do not need to purchase a new engine or replace the entire mower. The remedy provided by Kawasaki Motors USA and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward and entirely free for consumers. Specifically, Kawasaki has committed to providing a free repair for all affected units. This means that the cost of labor and any necessary parts required to fix the high-pressure fuel line issue will be covered completely. You are not expected to pay out of pocket for this safety correction, which is a significant relief given the potential danger involved. To initiate this process, you have two primary options for contacting Kawasaki. The first and most direct method is to call their dedicated toll-free number at 866-836-4463. This line is staffed during standard business hours, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, be prepared to provide the specific engine model and serial number you identified in the previous step. Having this information ready will help the representative locate your unit in their database quickly and schedule your repair appointment without unnecessary delays. The second option is to visit the Kawasaki Engines USA website at www.kawasakienginesusa.com. From there, navigate to the "Product Recalls" section located at the top of the homepage. Alternatively, you can go directly to www.kawasakienginesusa.com/product-recall.html for detailed instructions and resources. These digital resources are designed to guide you through the recall process step-by-step, ensuring you understand exactly what to expect when you reach out. It is worth noting that Kawasaki is not waiting for consumers to come forward; they are actively contacting all known purchasers directly. This proactive approach means that if your name was on the original sales list from either Ferris or SCAG, you may already have received a notification with specific instructions tailored to your purchase. If you have not heard from them yet, do not worry. The recall remains active, and you can still take advantage of the free repair program by using the contact methods described above. The scope of this remedy is limited to the repair of the fuel line hazard. It does not include a refund for the mower itself, nor does it offer a replacement mower. The goal is to make the existing machine safe again by correcting the specific defect that causes the fuel leak. This is a standard approach for mechanical defects where a simple fix can restore safety without requiring a full product swap. By addressing the issue through repair, Kawasaki ensures that you retain your original equipment while eliminating the risk of burn and fire hazards associated with the damaged high-pressure fuel line.What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall involves fire and burn hazards, the most critical step is immediate action. Ignoring this notice is not merely a matter of waiting for a convenient time to make a repair; it is an active decision to continue operating equipment that has been identified as unsafe. The core issue here is structural: the high-pressure fuel line on these specific Kawasaki engines is positioned in a way that allows it to come into contact with the fuel pump cover. Over time, and through the vibrations inherent in riding lawn mowers, this contact can cause the fuel line to wear through or become damaged. Because the fuel is under high pressure, even a small breach does not result in a simple drip—it results in a spray of flammable gasoline.
The consequences of ignoring this defect are severe and potentially catastrophic. If the damaged line continues to leak fuel onto hot engine components, such as the exhaust manifold or cylinder head, it can ignite instantly. This creates a localized fire that can quickly spread to the mower’s deck, the engine housing, and nearby combustible materials like dry grass, leaves, or wooden decks. The reality of this risk is not theoretical. Kawasaki has already received four confirmed reports of incidents involving these exact high-pressure fuel lines leaking. In at least one of those cases, a fire occurred. While no injuries have been reported to date, the absence of injury in past reports does not guarantee safety in your specific situation. Every hour you continue to use the mower increases the statistical probability that a leak will occur during an operation when flammable materials are present.
Beyond the immediate risk of fire, ignoring the recall exposes you to significant financial and personal liability. If a fire starts while you are using the mower, it could destroy not only your equipment but also nearby structures, vehicles, or landscaping. More importantly, if someone else is injured or their property is damaged due to a fire caused by a known defect that you ignored, you could face serious legal and insurance complications. Insurance companies may deny claims if they determine that you continued to use a product after being notified of a known safety hazard.
Furthermore, delaying the repair does not make the problem go away; it only allows wear and tear to progress. The fuel line will continue to degrade with every use. What might start as a minor leak could quickly become a major failure. By waiting, you are essentially gambling with your home’s safety and your own well-being for the sake of convenience. The free repair offered by Kawasaki is designed to eliminate this risk entirely, but it only works if you take advantage of it promptly. Continuing to operate the mower is akin to driving a car with known brake failure—it might work for a few more miles, but the outcome when it fails is unpredictable and dangerous.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical defect in certain Kawasaki engines, the underlying issue—a fuel line rubbing against a metal cover until it fails—is a reminder that small mechanical interactions can have significant safety consequences. To keep your home and family safer when operating any gas-powered outdoor equipment, it helps to understand the broader principles of maintenance and hazard prevention.
First, regular visual inspections are your best defense against hidden dangers. Before each mowing season, and periodically during heavy use, take a moment to walk around your machine with the engine off and cool. Look for signs of wear on fuel lines, especially where they bend or pass near sharp edges or moving parts. Fuel hoses should be flexible and free of cracks, bubbles, or flattening. If you notice any line that seems to be touching another component, do not wait for a leak to appear; this contact is often the precursor to failure. Using zip ties or clamps to secure lines away from hot or abrasive surfaces can prevent the friction that leads to breaks.
Proper ventilation is equally vital when working with internal combustion engines. Unlike electric mowers, gas-powered units produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can cause serious illness or death if inhaled. Never operate a riding mower or any similar engine in an enclosed space like a garage, even if the door is open. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated and that you are standing upwind of any exhaust fumes. If you ever smell fuel or see smoke while operating your equipment, shut it down immediately and allow it to cool before investigating.
Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains a robust database of recalls that covers everything from children’s toys to power tools. By signing up for email alerts on the CPSC website or following their social media channels, you can ensure you are notified quickly if a product you own is found to be unsafe. Additionally, register your new equipment with the manufacturer immediately after purchase. This simple step ensures that if a safety issue arises, the company can contact you directly with instructions on how to fix it for free, rather than leaving you to discover the problem only after an incident occurs.
- Inspect lines regularly: Check fuel and hydraulic hoses for rubbing, cracking, or wear before every use.
- Secure loose components: Use clamps or ties to keep hoses away from hot engines and sharp metal edges.
- Ensure ventilation: Always operate gas-powered equipment in open, well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Register your gear: Keep your warranty and registration cards so you receive direct notifications about safety recalls.