Stop using nowConsumer product recall · CPSC · Published December 23, 2010
STIHL MS 361C Chain Saws Recalled for Laceration Risk
STIHL recalls MS 361C chain saws (C-Q version) with orange top casing and gray base due to throttle trigger sticking, risking lacerations. Return to authorized dealer for free repair.
The throttle trigger may stick after it has been released by the operator, which could cause the engine to continue to run at a speed that drives the saw chain. This can pose a risk of a laceration injury to the user or a bystander.
STIHL is recalling chain saws that may cause the engine to keep running after the throttle trigger is released, leading to laceration injuries. Users should stop using these models immediately and return them for a free repair. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/5812-stihl-ms-361c-chain-saws-recalled-for-laceration-risk.
“STIHL MS 361C Chain Saws Recalled for Laceration Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated August 3, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/5812-stihl-ms-361c-chain-saws-recalled-for-laceration-risk. Based on CPSC recall #545 (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2010/STIHL-Inc-Recalls-Chain-Saws-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard).
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Dec. 23, 2010, that STIHL Inc. is recalling chain saws due to a laceration hazard. Consumers should stop using the affected units immediately and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair.
How to tell if you have it
STIHL MS 361C chain saws (C-Q version)
What to do
Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. For additional information, contact STIHL at (800) 610-6677 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit STIHL's website at www.stihlusa.com.
The hazard
The throttle trigger may stick after it has been released by the operator, which could cause the engine to continue to run at a speed that drives the saw chain. This can pose a risk of a laceration injury to the user or a bystander. STIHL has received three reports of the throttle trigger sticking. No injuries have been reported.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show STIHL Incorporated, of Virginia Beach, VA has 3 other recalls on record since 2010-12-16. Other recent recalls of similar products include Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL Chainsaws Recall: Chain Brake Laceration Hazard (2025-10-30), STIHL BR 800 Backpack Blowers: Laceration Hazard Recall (2025-11-06), and DR Power Lawn Mowers Recall: Laceration Hazard from Blade Control Failure (2026-08-06).
How to tell if you have this one
Check for an orange top casing, gray base, black handle, and "STIHL MS 361C" printed in an orange circle on the side. These chain saws have a rear-handle activated chain brake (C-Q version).
Brand
STIHL
Product
STIHL MS 361C chain saws (C-Q version)
Category
Consumer product
Based on the official CPSC remedy
What to do — step by step
Stop Using It Now
Immediately stop using the recalled chain saws to prevent laceration injuries.
Return to Authorized Dealer
Take the chain saw to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair.
Official remedy
What CPSC says to do
Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair.
Where it went
Where it was sold
Sold nationwide.
Nationwide
Not listed
CPSC “Sold at”: “Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from February 2004 through August 2009 for about $640.”
Sold nationwide.
Take action
Contact STIHL
We’ve drafted a message you can send STIHL to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 545 — STIHL MS 361C Chain Saws Recalled for Laceration Risk
Hello,
I own a STIHL MS 361C Chain Saws Recalled for Laceration Risk that is covered by recall 545 from STIHL.
The official recall notice states: Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair.
I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?
Thank you.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official CPSC recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 3, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the CPSC notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official CPSC recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.