What was recalled
In October 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a significant safety recall involving specific lawn mower engines manufactured by Kawasaki Motors USA. This action was taken to address potential safety risks associated with high-pressure fuel lines within these engines. The recall is not limited to Kawasaki-branded mowers themselves but specifically targets the engines used in riding lawn mowers sold under the Ferris brand name. Consumers who own Ferris riding mowers need to check if their equipment contains one of the affected engine models, as this is a targeted recall rather than a broad industry-wide alert.
The specific products involved are those equipped with model year 2018 and 2019 Kawasaki FT730V-EFI series engines. These engines were integrated into Ferris riding lawn mowers with the following mower model numbers: IS® 700Z ZTR and ISX™ 800Z ZTR. It is important to note that the recall focuses on the engine component rather than the entire mower chassis, meaning that if your mower has a different engine type, it may not be part of this specific safety alert.
To determine if your machine is included in this recall, you must verify both the engine model and its serial number. The recalled engines include two specific variants: the FT730V-AS41 and the FT730V-BS41. For the FT730V-AS41 model, the affected units have serial numbers ranging from FT730VA00107 to FT730VA00593. For the FT730V-BS41 model, the affected serial number range is from FT730VA02330 to FT730VA05073. You can identify these engines by looking for the text "Kawasaki FT730V EFI" printed on the engine air filter cover. The engine model and serial number are located on the engine fan housing, so you will need to inspect this area closely to confirm whether your unit falls within the specified ranges.
This recall was issued because of a potential defect in the high-pressure fuel line. If this line becomes damaged during normal use, it can lead to a fuel leak. Such leaks pose serious burn and fire hazards to users operating the equipment. While no incidents have been reported at the time of this recall announcement, the proactive measure ensures that any potential risks are mitigated before they result in harm. Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is responsible for this recall and has committed to contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the issue and provide instructions for a free repair.
If you are unsure whether your mower is affected, you can contact Kawasaki directly for assistance. Their customer service team is available toll-free at 866-836-4463 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Additionally, more detailed information can be found on their website at www.kawasakienginesusa.com by clicking on Product Recalls at the bottom of the homepage. It is crucial to act promptly if your mower matches the described criteria to ensure your safety and the safe operation of your equipment.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific mechanical failure point: the high-pressure fuel line within the Kawasaki FT730V-EFI series engines. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how these engines operate. In a Fuel Injection (EFI) system, fuel is not simply gravity-fed into the engine; instead, it is pressurized and delivered through rigid or reinforced tubing to ensure consistent performance under various loads. The "high-pressure" designation means that the fuel inside this line is under significant force. When this line becomes damaged—whether through vibration, abrasion against other components, or physical impact—the integrity of the system is compromised.
When the high-pressure fuel line is damaged, it creates a pathway for fuel to escape where it should not be. This is not a slow drip; in a pressurized system, a breach can result in a substantial and immediate leak. Because the fuel being used in these riding lawn mowers is highly volatile gasoline or a similar petroleum-based product, any leak in an engine compartment creates two distinct dangers. First, the leaking fuel acts as an accelerant. If it comes into contact with hot engine components, such as the exhaust manifold or the engine block itself, which operate at temperatures high enough to ignite vapors, it can cause a fire to start rapidly and spread.
The second major danger is the risk of severe burns. This hazard applies not only to the potential for a fire but also to direct exposure. If a user is near the engine while the leak is occurring, or if they attempt to investigate the source of the leak without shutting down the machine, the pressurized spray of fuel can cause significant chemical and thermal injuries to the skin. Furthermore, because these engines are housed within riding lawn mowers like the Ferris IS® 700Z ZTR and ISX™ 800Z ZTR, the engine compartment is often close to the operator’s position. A leak that ignites can quickly compromise the safety of the person operating the machine, leading to serious injury.
It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported to the CPSC as of the recall date in October 2019, the potential for harm is real and immediate. The damage to the fuel line does not require a spark to occur initially; the leak itself is the primary failure. However, the presence of an ignition source—common in any running engine—is what transforms a simple mechanical fault into a life-threatening emergency. This is why the recommendation is to stop using the equipment immediately rather than waiting for a visible sign of trouble. Early intervention prevents the scenario where a small leak escalates into a fire or burn injury.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is "at risk" in a product recall like this one, it is important to look at the situation from two distinct angles: the specific group of people who own the affected equipment, and the broader demographic of individuals who could be harmed if a fire or burn were to occur. Understanding both perspectives helps clarify why immediate action is necessary, even if the statistical data suggests that no accidents have happened yet.
First, let’s look at who owns the specific items involved in this recall. The affected engines are not standalone products that you might find on a shelf; they are installed components within riding lawn mowers sold under the Ferris brand name. Specifically, these are the IS® 700Z ZTR and ISX™ 800Z ZTR models. Therefore, the primary group at potential risk consists of homeowners, landscapers, or agricultural workers who purchased these specific Ferris riding mowers between 2018 and 2019. These are typically individuals who rely on this heavy-duty equipment for maintaining large properties, commercial grounds, or farms. If you fall into this category, you are directly in the circle of concern because your machine contains the high-pressure fuel line that may be damaged.
The second aspect of risk involves the nature of the hazard itself: a fuel leak that can lead to burns and fires. Fuel leaks are particularly dangerous because gasoline is highly flammable and can ignite rapidly. While the CPSC reports no incidents so far, the potential for harm is severe if a spark occurs near the leaking fuel. In this context, anyone in the vicinity of the mower when a leak develops or ignites is at risk. This includes the operator sitting on the machine, but also family members, pets, or bystanders who might be nearby. Children are often more vulnerable to burn injuries due to their thinner skin and lower pain threshold, which means that if a fire were to start near where children play in a yard, the consequences could be disproportionately serious compared to an adult.
Furthermore, we must consider the elderly or those with mobility issues who might use these mowers. If a fire breaks out while they are operating the machine, their ability to escape quickly may be compromised. The heat and smoke from a fuel-fed fire can disorient anyone, but for someone with slower reaction times or physical limitations, the window to exit safely is much smaller. Additionally, the psychological stress of a sudden mechanical failure combined with a fire hazard can cause panic, which often leads to poor decision-making in emergency situations.
It is also worth noting that while no injuries have been reported yet, the absence of data does not mean the risk is zero. A fuel line that is prone to damage could fail under specific conditions—such as hitting a rock, driving over rough terrain, or prolonged vibration—that might not occur during normal, gentle use. This means the risk is dynamic and depends on how the mower is used. Since these are riding mowers often used in varied terrains, the likelihood of encountering conditions that stress the fuel line exists for any owner. Therefore, the "at risk" group is effectively every single owner of the specified Ferris models with the recalled Kawasaki engines, regardless of their age or physical ability, because the defect is inherent to the machine's design and could trigger unexpectedly.
Finally, consider those who might interact with the mower after it has been parked. A fuel leak can persist even when the engine is off, dripping onto hot components or accumulating on the ground. Someone inspecting the mower, a family member checking on it, or even a pet walking near it could be exposed to hazardous fumes or ignition sources. This expands the circle of risk beyond just the operator to include anyone who comes into close contact with the equipment after use. Recognizing this broader scope helps emphasize why the remedy—a free repair—is so critical. It protects not just the owner, but everyone in their immediate environment from the potential dangers of a faulty fuel system.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your lawn mower contains a part of this recall requires careful attention to two specific components: the brand of the complete machine and the specific model and serial numbers of the engine installed within it. Because Kawasaki engines are used in equipment sold under different brands, simply knowing your mower is a Kawasaki might not be enough. In this specific recall, the affected units are riding lawn mowers that were originally sold under the Ferris brand name. Therefore, if you do not have a Ferris mower, this particular alert likely does not apply to you. However, even if you own a Ferris machine, you must verify the engine details to confirm inclusion in the recall.
The first step is to determine if your mower falls under the specific model lines involved. The recall targets riding lawn mowers with the following model numbers: the IS® 700Z ZTR and the ISX™ 800Z ZTR. You can typically find this model number on a label attached to the frame of the mower, often near the seat or under the hood. If your machine does not match one of these two specific Ferris model designations, it is not part of this recall action.
If you have a matching Ferris mower, the next critical step is inspecting the engine itself. You need to check if the engine is a Kawasaki FT730V-EFI series from model years 2018 or 2019. To confirm this, look for the text "Kawasaki FT730V EFI" printed on the engine’s air filter cover. This is a quick visual check that can narrow down your possibilities significantly.
However, the most definitive way to verify if your unit is included is by checking the engine serial number. The engine model and serial number are located on the engine fan housing. You must look for one of the following specific engine models and their corresponding serial number ranges:
- Model FT730V-AS41: Serial numbers ranging from FT730VA00107 to FT730VA00593.
- Model FT730V-BS41: Serial numbers ranging from FT730VA02330 to FT730VA05073.
If your engine matches one of these model codes and the serial number falls within the specified ranges, your mower is part of this recall. If the serial number is outside these ranges, or if you cannot locate the fan housing label, do not guess. Contact Kawasaki directly for clarification. The precise identification of the engine is vital because the high-pressure fuel line issue is specific to these manufacturing batches and models.
What to do — step by step
If you own a riding lawn mower equipped with the recalled Kawasaki engines, your immediate priority is safety. The first and most critical step is to stop using the mower right away. Do not attempt to start it, move it under its own power, or perform any maintenance that requires the engine to run. This recall involves a specific defect in the high-pressure fuel line, which can become damaged during normal operation. When this damage occurs, it creates a pathway for fuel to leak out onto hot engine components. Because gasoline is highly flammable and the engines generate significant heat while running, this leak poses an immediate risk of fire or severe burn injuries to anyone nearby. There have been no reported incidents yet, but the potential for harm is real and preventable by simply ceasing use.
Once you have confirmed that the mower is off and cool, you need to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall. Look closely at the engine air filter cover; it should clearly state "Kawasaki FT730V EFI." Next, locate the engine fan housing where the model and serial numbers are stamped. You are looking for model year 2018 or 2019 engines from the FT730V-EFI series. Specifically, check if your unit is an FT730V-AS41 with a serial number between FT730VA00107 and FT730VA00593, or an FT730V-BS41 with a serial number between FT730VA02330 and FT730VA05073. These engines are installed in Ferris brand riding lawn mowers with model numbers IS® 700Z ZTR and ISX™ 800Z ZTR. If your engine matches these details, it is definitely part of the recall.
The next step is to initiate the remedy process. Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is offering a free repair for all affected units. You should contact them directly to schedule this service. You can call their toll-free number at 866-836-4463, available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.kawasakienginesusa.com and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the homepage to find more information and potentially locate an authorized dealer near you who can perform the repair. It is important to note that Kawasaki is also contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye out for their communication. However, do not wait for their call; take proactive steps to ensure your safety.
When you contact Kawasaki or a dealer, have your mower’s make, model, and the engine serial number ready. This will help them confirm your eligibility quickly. The repair will be provided at no cost to you. Do not attempt to fix the fuel line yourself, as improper handling of fuel systems can lead to leaks or fires even outside of this specific defect context. Let the professionals handle the replacement or reinforcement of the high-pressure fuel line. By following these steps—stopping use, verifying the model, and contacting Kawasaki for a free repair—you eliminate the fire hazard entirely and ensure your equipment is safe for future use.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have verified that your riding lawn mower contains one of the affected Kawasaki engines, the most important thing to know right now is that you do not need to pay for this fix. The remedy provided in this recall is a free repair. This means that neither the parts nor the labor required to make the engine safe will come out of your pocket. The goal here is to resolve the safety issue completely without placing any financial burden on you, the consumer. You are entitled to have this corrected at no cost, and the company has set up the process specifically to handle this for you.
Your first step is to get in touch with Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. directly. They have stated that they are already contacting all known purchasers of these mowers, so keep an eye on your mail or phone for their outreach. However, if you do not hear from them, you should proactively reach out to schedule your repair. You can call their toll-free number at 866-836-4463. When you call, the representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. It is helpful to have your mower’s model number and the engine’s serial number ready before you dial, as this will help them locate your record quickly and confirm that your specific unit is part of this recall.
Alternatively, if you prefer to handle things online, you can visit www.kawasakienginesusa.com. Once on the homepage, scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Product Recalls." This section will provide you with the specific details regarding your engine model and guide you through the next steps for scheduling service. Whether you choose to call or use the website, the outcome is the same: Kawasaki will arrange for a free repair.
You might wonder why they are offering a repair rather than a full replacement of the mower or even a refund. In many cases involving engine components, the manufacturer determines that fixing the specific defective part—such as replacing or reinforcing the high-pressure fuel line—is sufficient to eliminate the hazard safely. This is a common and effective remedy in the automotive and equipment industries because it addresses the root cause of the problem without requiring you to dispose of a perfectly functional machine. A repair ensures that your mower continues to operate exactly as it did before, but with the critical safety flaw corrected.
Please do not attempt to fix this issue yourself or have an independent mechanic do it for free. The repair must be performed by Kawasaki or an authorized Kawasaki dealer to ensure it meets their specific safety standards and is covered under the recall program. Using a non-authorized service provider could void your coverage or leave the hazard unresolved. By sticking to the official channels, you guarantee that the job is done right and that you are fully protected under the terms of this recall.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to rationalize putting off a repair, especially when the task involves mowing the lawn—a chore many of us would rather avoid in the first place. You might think that because nothing has gone wrong yet, the risk is minimal. However, with the Kawasaki engines involved in this recall, ignoring the issue transforms a manageable maintenance problem into a genuine emergency waiting to happen. The core danger lies in the high-pressure fuel line. Over time, vibration, heat, and physical contact with mower components can cause this line to wear down or become damaged. Once that damage occurs, pressurized gasoline begins to escape from its intended path.
When a fuel leak occurs on a running engine, the consequences are immediate and severe. Gasoline is highly volatile; it vaporizes quickly into flammable gases that can ignite with the slightest spark. In the confined space around an engine deck, where heat builds up rapidly during operation, a leaking fuel line creates a perfect storm for ignition. This is not merely about a puddle of gas on your driveway; it is about the potential for the fuel to spray directly onto hot engine components or exhaust systems. The result can be a sudden, intense fire that engulfs the mower itself.
The stakes rise significantly if you are operating the machine while this leak exists. A fire starting in the engine compartment can spread to nearby dry grass, leaves, or other combustible materials, potentially leading to a larger landscape fire. More critically, it poses a direct threat to your physical safety. Burns from hot fuel or flames are not just painful; they can be life-altering. While the official recall alert notes that no incidents have been reported at this time, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is absent. It simply means no one has been hurt yet, which is a fortunate coincidence rather than a guarantee of safety.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall can lead to total loss of the equipment. A fuel fire can destroy the engine and surrounding components beyond repair, leaving you with a totaled machine instead of a simple fix. Beyond the immediate physical danger, there is the legal and financial liability if your mower catches fire and damages your property or injures someone else. The remedy offered by Kawasaki—a free repair—is a straightforward solution to a problem that could otherwise result in catastrophic loss. Choosing to delay this repair is essentially gambling with your home’s safety and your own well-being on the hope that a fragile fuel line will hold out forever, which is a risk no one should take.