What was recalled
On April 28, 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving specific models of electric start pressure washers manufactured by Generac Power Systems. This action affects products sold under two distinct brand names: Generac and DR Power. The core issue lies in the electronic start/stop button mechanism found on these gasoline-powered units, which are designed to use a rechargeable battery to power the button for starting the engine. If you own one of these machines, it is important to understand exactly which models are involved, as the recall does not cover every pressure washer Generac has ever produced.
The recalled items are specifically those electric start pressure washers with model numbers DPW3100DEN, DPW3101DEN, and DPW3102DEN, as well as G0071320, G0071321, G0071430, and G0071431. These models include the DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100 series and various Generac models labeled with codes such as "3125 CON GAS PW ES CARB EPA3" and "3125 CON GAS PW ES SPEEDWASH CARB EPA3." It is crucial to note that this recall is limited to the electric start versions of these pressure washers. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located directly on the product's frame, so you will need to physically check your unit to confirm its identity.
While the provided recall facts do not specify the exact number of units sold or the full geographic scope of sales beyond the U.S. market context implied by the CPSC involvement, they do provide precise serial number ranges for each model. For instance, the DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100 (model DPW3100DEN) includes units with serial numbers ranging from 3003024185 to 3004600505. Similarly, the Generac model G0071320 covers serial numbers from 3002690991 to 3005933713. If your unit’s serial number falls within these specified ranges, it is part of this recall.
To verify if your specific machine is affected, you can check the model and serial number location information at www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup. This step is vital because owning a pressure washer from Generac or DR Power does not automatically mean your unit is recalled; it must match the specific model numbers and serial number ranges listed above. The recall highlights the importance of checking these details carefully, as the malfunction involves the electronic start system interacting with the rechargeable battery, a feature unique to these particular electric start models.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a subtle but dangerous failure in the electrical system that controls how these pressure washers start. These units are designed with an electric start button for convenience, allowing you to ignite the gasoline engine with a simple press rather than pulling a cord. This button relies on a rechargeable battery to send the signal that tells the engine to fire. The problem identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is that this electronic start/stop button can malfunction in a specific way: it can "self-start." This means the button may activate on its own, without anyone touching it, causing the gasoline engine to turn over and begin running unexpectedly.
Why is an unexpected startup so serious? The answer lies in what happens next. These pressure washers are powered by internal combustion engines that burn gasoline. Like any car or lawnmower, they produce exhaust gases as they run. One of the primary components of this exhaust is carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that is completely invisible and odorless to the human eye and nose. When you use a pressure washer, you are typically doing so outdoors where wind and open space help disperse these fumes quickly. However, if the machine starts running while you are not expecting it—perhaps because you thought it was off or because it turned on in an enclosed area like a garage, shed, or even just behind a closed patio door—the carbon monoxide can accumulate rapidly.
Carbon monoxide is particularly insidious because your body cannot detect it until it is too late. When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in your blood much more effectively than oxygen does, starving your brain and organs of the oxygen they need to function. In a confined or poorly ventilated space, even a small amount of exhaust from a gas-powered engine can reach toxic levels very quickly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Because the symptoms are non-specific, people may not realize they are being poisoned until they lose consciousness or suffer more severe health consequences.
While the manufacturer has reported nine incidents where these pressure washers self-started, notably none of these occurred while connected to a water supply, which might have provided some distraction or immediate shutdown cue, the risk remains significant. The danger is not just in the noise or the surprise of the machine turning on; it is in the silent, invisible threat of carbon monoxide buildup. This is why the remedy focuses on preventing that self-starting behavior entirely by replacing the faulty switch, rather than just warning users to stay away. Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why a small electronic glitch can lead to such a severe safety hazard, transforming a convenient tool into a potential source of invisible poisoning.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk consists of homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who own the specific Generac and DR Power electric start pressure washers identified in this recall. These individuals typically use these machines for seasonal tasks such as cleaning driveways, siding, decks, or fences. The danger is not inherent to the ownership itself, but rather to how and where the equipment is used. Because these are gasoline-powered engines that produce carbon monoxide (CO) as a byproduct of combustion, anyone operating them in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space is immediately vulnerable. This includes users who might store the pressure washer in a garage, shed, or carport between jobs without realizing the unit could spontaneously start while they are nearby.
The specific hazard here creates a unique risk profile because the malfunction allows the engine to start without human intervention. Normally, a user would be standing at a safe distance when pressing the start button. However, if the unit self-starts due to the electronic switch failure, it may begin emitting exhaust fumes while the owner is still in the immediate vicinity, perhaps checking nearby equipment or preparing the workspace. This lack of warning time is particularly dangerous for individuals who may not recognize the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Certain demographics are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide exposure. Children, older adults, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory issues like asthma are at higher risk for severe health outcomes from even low levels of CO exposure. For these groups, the gas can interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen more quickly than it might for a healthy adult. Additionally, individuals who work in tight spaces, such as those cleaning the exterior of a house with enclosed eaves or working in a small utility room, face a compounded risk because the fumes accumulate rapidly in confined areas. There is also a secondary risk for anyone attempting to use the machine without a water supply connected; the reports indicate that nine units operated without water, which can cause the engine to overheat and potentially fail catastrophically, though no injuries were reported in these specific instances. The combination of mechanical failure, toxic gas emission, and potential overheating makes this recall critical for all users, regardless of their physical health, but especially for those with pre-existing conditions or who operate the equipment in enclosed spaces.
- Users operating the pressure washer in garages, sheds, or other enclosed areas.
- Individuals with heart or lung conditions, anemia, or pregnant women.
- Children and elderly family members who may be near the unit during operation.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific pressure washer falls within this recall scope. Because Generac and DR Power manufacture multiple models of electric start pressure washers, not every unit with an electric start button is affected. The recall targets a precise list of model numbers and serial number ranges. If you are unsure where to find this information, look for the product label attached directly to the frame of the machine. This label contains the critical identifiers you need to verify your unit’s status.
The recall applies to Generac and DR Power brand electric start pressure washers that feature an electric start/stop button powered by a rechargeable battery. Specifically, check your label for one of the following model numbers: DPW3100DEN, DPW3101DEN, DPW3102DEN, G0071320, G0071321, G0071430, or G0071431. These models correspond to the DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100 series and the 3125 CON GAS PW ES CARB EPA3 or SPEEDWASH series. Even if your model number appears on this list, you must also verify the serial number to ensure your unit is included.
Your serial number will be printed on the same label as the model number. To determine if your specific unit is part of the recall, compare its serial number against the ranges provided for each model. For example, a DR Pressure Washer PRO 3100 with model DPW3100DEN is recalled if its serial number falls between 3003024185 and 3004600505. Similarly, model G0071320 is included if the serial number is between 3002690991 and 3005933713. If your serial number does not fall within these specific ranges, your unit is likely not part of this particular recall notice.
If you cannot locate the label on the frame or if you need additional confirmation regarding your product’s type, model, or serial number location, Generac provides a dedicated lookup tool on their website. You can visit www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup to check specific unit details. This resource helps ensure you are referencing the correct information before proceeding with any safety steps. Remember, this recall was announced on April 28, 2022, so even if you purchased the unit some time ago, it may still be subject to the free repair remedy offered by the manufacturer.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Generac or DR Power electric start pressure washers, your immediate safety is the top priority. The first and most critical step is to stop using the unit right away. Specifically, you must disconnect the rechargeable battery from the machine. This simple action cuts power to the electronic start/stop button, which is the component prone to malfunctioning and self-starting. By removing the battery, you effectively neutralize the risk of the engine turning on unexpectedly while the pressure washer is running in a confined space, such as a garage or shed, where carbon monoxide could accumulate to dangerous levels. Do not attempt to use the electric start feature under any circumstances until the recall repair has been completed.
Once the battery is removed, you have two safe options for continuing to operate the equipment if needed. You can either store the pressure washer away from living spaces entirely, or you may continue to use it provided you strictly use the pull-start mechanism to ignite the gasoline-powered engine. It is vital to remember that this workaround is only safe because the electrical system responsible for the self-starting defect has been disabled by removing the battery. Do not reinstall the battery or attempt to use the electric start button until Generac has replaced the faulty start/stop switch.
The next step is to contact Generac Power Systems to arrange for the free remedy. You should call their toll-free number at 855-625-2933 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.generac.com and click on "Important Recall Information" at the bottom of the page, or go directly to http://www.generac.com/estartpressurewasher for detailed instructions. When you contact them, an authorized dealer will be arranged to replace the start/stop switch on your pressure washer at no cost to you. Generac is also proactively contacting known consumers directly with more specific details, so keep an eye out for their communication.
If you need to verify that your specific unit is part of this recall, check the label on the product's frame for the model and serial numbers. You can cross-reference these details using the product support lookup tool at www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup. If your model number matches one of the recalled lists (such as DPW3100DEN, G0071320, etc.) and the serial number falls within the specified ranges, you are covered by this free repair service. Do not wait for a notification if you have already identified your unit as affected; taking these steps promptly ensures your safety and resolves the defect efficiently.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your pressure washer is among the recalled units, the good news is that Generac Power Systems has committed to resolving the issue completely free of charge. It is important to clarify right away that this recall does not offer a simple mail-in refund where you send the machine back for cash. Instead, the remedy focuses on repairing the specific mechanical flaw that caused the safety concern. Generac is arranging for an authorized dealer to replace the defective start/stop switch on your pressure washer at no cost to you. This approach ensures that you can continue using a high-quality tool once it has been made safe, rather than forcing you to purchase entirely new equipment.
The process begins with Generac contacting consumers who are known to have purchased these specific models directly. However, if you do not receive a call or email from the company, you must take the initiative to reach out to them. You can contact Generac Power Systems toll-free at 855-625-2933. Their support team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.generac.com and navigate to the "Important Recall Information" section located at the bottom of the page, or go directly to http://www.generac.com/estartpressurewasher for more details. Having your model and serial numbers ready when you call will help expedite the process.
In the meantime, before you can get your unit repaired by a dealer, Generac provides a clear interim safety measure. You may continue to use the pressure washer if you remove the rechargeable battery that powers the electric start button. Without the battery, the electronic malfunction cannot occur, and the unit becomes safe to operate using the traditional pull-start option on the gasoline-powered engine. This is a crucial temporary workaround that allows you to get your chores done without waiting for the service appointment, provided you strictly adhere to this condition.
It is vital to understand why a replacement switch is being provided rather than a refund. The core issue identified by the CPSC and Generac is a malfunction in the electronic start/stop button that can cause the unit to self-start. This self-starting behavior poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly if the machine is operated in a confined space. By replacing the switch, Generac addresses the root cause of this dangerous electrical fault. There have been nine reports of pressure washers self-starting and operating without water, but fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported so far. The free repair ensures that this risk is eliminated permanently for your specific unit.
Please note that the recall involves only specific Generac and DR Power brand electric start pressure washers with model numbers DPW3100DEN, DPW3101DEN, DPW3102DEN, G0071320, G0071321, G0071430, and G0071431. Ensure your unit matches these model numbers exactly before proceeding with the service request. The serial number ranges are also strictly defined for each model, so double-checking the label on your product's frame is essential to confirm eligibility for this free repair service.
What can happen if you ignore it
If you continue to use a recalled Generac or DR Power electric start pressure washer without removing the battery, you are exposing yourself and your household to a silent, potentially lethal threat: carbon monoxide poisoning. This is not a minor inconvenience or a simple mechanical failure; it is a critical safety hazard that can escalate rapidly. The core issue lies in the malfunctioning electronic start/stop button, which can cause the unit to self-start unexpectedly. Because these pressure washers are powered by gasoline engines, they produce exhaust fumes as part of their normal operation. When the machine starts on its own, it begins burning fuel and emitting carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas that you cannot see or smell—immediately.
The danger becomes severe when this unexpected startup occurs in any enclosed or semi-enclosed space. If the pressure washer ignites while you are cleaning a garage, a shed, a covered patio, or even near an open window of your home, the carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels very quickly. Unlike smoke, which might alert you with its presence, carbon monoxide infiltrates the air invisibly. Breathing this gas reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. In high concentrations, or with prolonged exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause loss of consciousness, brain damage, and death. The risk is compounded by the fact that these units have been reported to self-start even when not connected to a water supply, meaning the engine runs without any obvious operational cue to warn you that it has turned on.
While the company reports nine incidents of pressure washers self-starting without water connection and notes that no injuries or property damage have been reported as of the recall date, this absence of recorded harm is not a guarantee of safety. It simply means that, so far, these specific units may have started in well-ventilated areas or at times when occupants were not present to suffer immediate effects. Ignoring the recall assumes that bad luck will not strike your home. However, because carbon monoxide kills silently and rapidly, waiting for an incident to occur is a gamble with serious consequences. The only way to eliminate this risk entirely is to adhere strictly to the remedy: remove the rechargeable battery immediately. By disabling the electronic start mechanism, you ensure the engine cannot ignite on its own, thereby stopping the production of carbon monoxide until you can have the switch professionally replaced by an authorized dealer.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a mechanical flaw in certain electric-start pressure washers, the underlying safety principle is universal for anyone who operates gas-powered equipment: carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and deadly threat that demands proactive respect. The hazard described in this recall—where a unit might start unexpectedly in a confined space—is a stark reminder that ventilation is not just a comfort feature; it is a life-support system. When you are using any internal combustion engine device, such as a pressure washer, generator, or lawnmower, always ensure you are in an open, well-ventilated area, far away from windows, doors, and air intakes of your home or garage. Even on a breezy day, exhaust gases can linger and drift back into enclosed spaces if the equipment is positioned too close to structures. Think of it like driving a car in a closed garage; the danger exists regardless of how long you run the engine.
Beyond proper ventilation, integrating carbon monoxide alarms into your routine is one of the most effective ways to protect your household. These devices are inexpensive and can save lives by alerting you to dangerous gas levels before symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea set in. Install CO alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and test them monthly with fresh batteries. If you frequently use gas-powered tools in semi-enclosed spaces like sheds or detached garages, consider using a battery-operated CO detector specifically designed for that workspace. Never rely on your sense of smell to detect carbon monoxide; it is completely undetectable by human senses.
Equally important is the habit of staying informed about product safety. The landscape of consumer goods changes rapidly, and manufacturers occasionally identify defects after a product has been sold. Make it a monthly ritual to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for their email alerts. When you purchase new equipment, take a moment to register the product with the manufacturer immediately. This ensures that if a safety issue arises, they can contact you directly with instructions on how to fix it, rather than leaving you to discover the problem through news reports. Additionally, always read the owner’s manual before first use. These documents contain critical warnings about operational limits, maintenance schedules, and safe handling practices that are often overlooked but essential for preventing accidents.
Finally, treat your power tools with a mindset of "verify before you operate." Before starting any gas-powered device, perform a quick visual inspection for leaks, loose parts, or blockages in the exhaust system. Ensure that all safety guards and shields are in place and secure. If something feels unusual—a strange vibration, an odd smell, or an erratic engine sound—stop immediately and turn off the equipment. Do not attempt to diagnose complex mechanical issues while the engine is running. By combining vigilance, proper ventilation, and reliable detection devices like CO alarms, you create a layered defense against hazards that are both common and potentially severe. Safety is not just about reacting to recalls; it is about building habits that keep you safe every day.