What was recalled
In April of 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a significant safety alert regarding a specific line of lawn care equipment manufactured by MTD and sold under the well-known Craftsman brand. This recall is not a broad sweep affecting an entire year’s production or multiple product lines; rather, it targets a very precise set of walk-behind, gas-powered lawn mowers. Understanding exactly which units are involved is the first critical step in ensuring your safety, as these machines were distributed through a single retail channel, making the identification process both specific and manageable for consumers.
The recalled products are specifically the Craftsman M350 model walk-behind lawn mowers. If you own a mower that looks like a standard gas-powered push mower, you need to look closer at the engine housing and the upper handle where the brand name is printed. On these specific units, the word “Craftsman” appears on the top of the bag, the engine, and the upper handle. The mowers in question are distinctively colored red, featuring a 23-inch cutting deck width. Attached to the rear of the machine is a black collecting bag, which also bears the Craftsman branding on its top surface. These visual cues help distinguish this model from other Craftsman or generic lawn mowers you might encounter.
To confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall, you must locate the manufacturing label. This label is situated on the rear discharge door of the mower. The critical information to look for here is the model number and the date of manufacture. The affected units carry the model number 12ABR2BK793. Furthermore, the date of manufacture on the label for these recalled items is specifically listed as 01/2019 (January 2019). If your mower has a different model number or was manufactured in a different month or year, it is not part of this specific safety recall.
It is also important to note where and when these mowers were available. The recalled Craftsman M350 lawn mowers were sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores. They were distributed during the period leading up to the recall announcement on April 17, 2019. Because they were exclusive to this retailer, if you purchased a similar-looking Craftsman mower from Home Depot, Amazon, or a local hardware store, it is likely not included in this specific batch. However, if you bought your red, 23-inch gas mower from Lowe’s around early 2019, and the model number matches 12ABR2BK793 with a January 2019 manufacture date, you need to take immediate action.
While no incidents have been reported at the time of this recall alert, the specificity of the product details underscores the importance of verification. MTD is actively contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the issue. However, relying solely on that contact may not be sufficient for everyone. Therefore, checking your own equipment against these precise details—brand, model, color, bag type, and manufacturing date—is the most reliable way to determine if your lawn mower is among the recalled units.
The hazard, explained
When a lawn mower is in motion, the cutting blade spins at incredibly high speeds to slice through grass and weeds. In a properly functioning machine, the deck (the housing under the mower) directs the cut grass into a collection bag or mulches it back into the lawn. However, the recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights a critical failure point in the design of these specific Craftsman mowers: the integrity of the collecting bag itself. The primary issue is that sharp objects, such as rocks, metal debris, or thick branches that may have been left on the lawn, can be sucked up into the mower’s discharge area. Instead of being stopped by a robust barrier, these sharp items can pierce through the fabric or material of the collecting bag.
Once the bag is compromised, the safety mechanism fails completely. The high-velocity debris that was contained within the bag is now free to escape. Because the bag is attached to the rear of the mower, this creates a direct trajectory for projectiles to be ejected backward and outward toward anyone standing behind or near the operator. This is not just about grass clippings flying around; it is about hard, sharp objects being propelled with significant force. The bag, which is supposed to act as a shield and container, effectively becomes a weak point that allows dangerous materials to breach the containment zone.
This type of injury hazard is particularly concerning because it can affect not only the person operating the machine but also bystanders. A family member walking behind the mower, a child playing nearby, or even a pet could be struck by these high-speed projectiles. The injuries associated with this kind of mechanical failure are often severe. They can range from lacerations and puncture wounds to more serious trauma depending on the size and sharpness of the object that penetrates the bag. Unlike minor cuts from grass blades, debris like stones or metal fragments carried at lawn mower speeds can cause significant tissue damage, requiring medical attention and potentially leading to long-term complications.
The reason this specific model is flagged for repair rather than just a simple inspection is that the bag material or its attachment method may not have been sufficiently reinforced to withstand impact from typical yard debris. Even if you do not see an immediate hole, the structural weakness remains. The risk is ongoing because every time the mower is used, it encounters new potential hazards in the form of hidden debris in the grass. Without a free repair to reinforce or replace this vulnerable component, the bag will continue to pose a serious threat to anyone in the vicinity of the operating machine.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of homeowners and gardeners who purchased Craftsman M350 walk-behind, gas-powered lawn mowers from Lowe’s stores in early 2019. Specifically, this includes individuals who own the red model with a black collecting bag, identified by model number 12ABR2BK793. Because these machines are designed for residential yard maintenance, the risk is not limited to professional landscapers but extends to everyday consumers performing routine chores like mowing the lawn or clearing debris from their property.
The nature of the hazard—sharp objects piercing through the collecting bag during operation—creates a specific dynamic of danger that affects two distinct groups: the operator and bystanders in close proximity. For the person operating the mower, the risk is direct and immediate. While using the machine, you are standing behind it, often leaning forward to guide it over uneven terrain or around obstacles. If debris such as rocks, broken branches, or metal fragments strikes the underside of the mower with enough force, it can penetrate the fabric of the grass collection bag. This creates a pathway for these sharp projectiles to exit the bag and strike the legs, feet, or lower torso of the operator. The danger is compounded by the fact that lawn mowers are typically used in warm weather, meaning operators often wear shorts, sandals, or light clothing, leaving their skin exposed to potential puncture wounds.
Bystanders, particularly children and pets, face a severe risk because they may not always be visible from the operator’s vantage point. It is common for children to play nearby while a parent or guardian works in the yard. If a sharp object breaches the bag, it can travel outward at high speed in unpredictable directions. A child standing just a few feet away, perhaps watching or picking up toys, could be struck in the eyes, face, or legs without warning. The elderly or individuals with mobility issues who might be walking near the mowing area are also vulnerable to being hit by debris kicked up from the ground or ejected through a compromised bag.
Furthermore, anyone who attempts to empty the collecting bag while it is still attached to the mower is at heightened risk. If the bag has been weakened by previous impacts or if sharp objects have already lodged themselves within the fabric, the act of lifting or detaching the bag could cause those hidden hazards to shift and protrude unexpectedly. This makes not only the initial users but also anyone who performs routine maintenance on the equipment potentially susceptible to injury if they are unaware that the bag’s integrity has been compromised.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is crucial to confirm whether your specific machine is part of this recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very narrow set of products involved in this issue, so checking your mower’s details carefully will save you time and unnecessary worry. The recall applies exclusively to Craftsman brand lawn mowers manufactured by MTD. Specifically, you are looking for the M350 walk-behind model. This is not a broad recall affecting all Craftsman equipment; it targets a single gas-powered unit sold during a specific window of time.
The first thing you should look for is the color and configuration of the machine. The recalled mowers are distinctively red in color. They feature a black collecting bag attached to the rear of the unit, which is used to gather grass clippings. You will see the word "Craftsman" printed clearly on three specific parts of the mower: the top of the black collecting bag, the engine housing, and the upper handle. If your mower is a different color, or if it does not have these specific branding placements, it is likely not part of this recall.
The most definitive way to verify your unit is by checking the model number and manufacturing date. You need to locate a label that is affixed to the rear discharge door of the mower. On this label, you will find two critical pieces of information that must match the recall details exactly. First, the model number must be 12ABR2BK793. Second, the date of manufacture must be 01/2019 (January 2019). If your mower has a different model number or was manufactured in a different month or year, it is safe from this specific recall notice.
Finally, consider where and when you purchased the machine. These recalled Craftsman M350 mowers were sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores. They are 23-inch walk-behind gas-powered lawn mowers. If you bought your mower at a different retailer, such as Home Depot, a local hardware store, or online through a third-party seller, it was not part of this exclusive distribution channel and is therefore not subject to this recall. By cross-referencing the red body, the black bag with "Craftsman" branding, the specific model number 12ABR2BK793 on the rear discharge label, the January 2019 manufacture date, and the Lowe’s purchase location, you can confidently determine if your lawn mower is affected.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Craftsman lawn mowers, your immediate priority is to ensure that no one—neither you nor any family members or neighbors—is exposed to the risk of injury. The remedy provided by MTD and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward but requires prompt action. Please follow these steps carefully to resolve the issue safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Stop Using the Mower Immediately
The very first thing you must do is cease all use of the recalled lawn mower. Do not attempt to mow your lawn with it, even for a short patch or a quick touch-up. The hazard involves sharp objects piercing through the collecting bag and striking users or bystanders. Continuing to operate the machine puts you and anyone nearby at risk of serious injury. Please place the mower in a safe location where children and pets cannot access it, effectively taking it out of circulation until the repair is complete.
Step 2: Contact an Authorized Craftsman Service Center
Next, you need to arrange for a free repair. MTD is covering the cost of this service, so you do not need to pay for parts or labor. You can initiate this process by contacting an authorized Craftsman Service Center directly. Alternatively, you may call the dedicated Craftsman toll-free number at 866-864-2949. When you call, have your model number ready (12ABR2BK793) and the date of manufacture (01/2019) available, as these details help them locate your specific unit in their system. Be aware of the operating hours: the line is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on Saturdays.
Step 3: Wait for Direct Contact or Follow Up Online
Please note that MTD is actively contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this recall. If you purchased the mower exclusively at Lowe’s, as indicated in the recall details, keep an eye on your mail or phone for communication from them. However, do not wait passively if you have not heard from them within a reasonable time frame. Proactively reaching out ensures your repair is scheduled sooner rather than later. You can also visit www.mtdproducts.com and click on “Product Recalls” to find additional information and service center locations near you.
Step 4: Complete the Repair and Resume Use
Once you have arranged for the service, bring the mower to the authorized center or follow their instructions for pickup if applicable. The technician will perform the necessary repairs free of charge to address the hazard. Only after the repair is fully completed and you have received confirmation from the service provider should you resume using your lawn mower. This step-by-step approach ensures that you stay safe while resolving the issue quickly and without financial burden.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Craftsman lawn mowers, the good news is that you do not need to worry about the cost of fixing this safety issue. MTD, the manufacturer behind the Craftsman brand, has established a clear and straightforward remedy for all affected consumers. The primary solution provided in this recall is a free repair service designed to eliminate the specific hazard where sharp objects could pierce the collecting bag. You are not required to pay for any parts or labor associated with this fix. Instead, you should reach out to an authorized Craftsman Service Center to arrange for your mower to be inspected and repaired at no charge to you. This approach ensures that your equipment remains functional and safe without imposing a financial burden on you as the consumer.
To initiate this process, MTD is proactively contacting all known purchasers of the recalled units directly. However, if you have not received communication from them or prefer to take immediate action, you can contact Craftsman customer support yourself. You may call their toll-free number at 866-864-2949. It is helpful to keep in mind their operating hours: they are available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturdays. When you call, have your model number ready, as identifying your specific unit is the first step toward getting your free repair scheduled.
In addition to phone support, Craftsman offers an online resource for those who prefer digital assistance or need more detailed information. You can visit their official website at www.mtdproducts.com and navigate to the “Product Recalls” section. This page likely contains additional details about the recall, FAQs, and potentially a way to register your concern or find a local service center near you. Using this online portal can help you verify the scope of the remedy and understand what specific repairs are being performed on your behalf.
It is important to note that while the recall notice specifies a free repair through authorized service centers, it does not explicitly mention a full refund or a direct replacement unit as standard options for every consumer. The emphasis is placed on repairing the defect to restore safety. Therefore, unless you discuss other options directly with Craftsman customer support and they offer an alternative, your primary path forward is the complimentary repair. Do not attempt to fix this yourself using generic parts, as the repair must be performed by authorized professionals to ensure the hazard is fully mitigated. By following these steps, you ensure that your lawn mower is safe to use again, protecting both you and any bystanders from the risk of injury.