Stihl TS 480i / TS 500i cut-off machine fuel-line crack fire hazard recall

Stihl · 2015+ · Published May 6, 2026

Stihl recall of TS 480i and TS 500i fuel-injected cut-off machines where the fuel line can crack and leak, posing a fire risk. TS 500i SN range: 180 658 145 - 181 213 014. Repair parts 4250 130 0303 and 4250 130 3305 distributed since October 2015 may have been used in fuel-system repairs to TS 480i and TS 500i outside the SN range, extending the population of potentially-affected units. Free dealer inspection and repair.

Details

## Affected machines

This bulletin covers Stihl **TS 480i** and **TS 500i** fuel-injected handheld cut-off machines.

### Primary serial-number range

**TS 500i**: SN **180 658 145 through 181 213 014**.

### Extended population through repair-part distribution

This recall has an unusual scope feature: the same defective fuel-line part numbers (**4250 130 0303** and **4250 130 3305**) have been distributed as **repair parts since October 1, 2015**. This means a TS 480i or TS 500i with a serial number **outside** the primary range may still be in scope if it received a fuel-system repair using one of these part numbers since October 2015.

This makes it impossible to fully scope the recall by serial number alone. Owners with any TS 480i or TS 500i that has received fuel-system service since October 2015 should have it inspected.

## Issue

The **fuel line** on affected units can **crack and leak fuel**. Leaking fuel near the hot exhaust on a cut-off machine creates a fire risk.

## What to do

1. Identify the model on the machine - TS 480i or TS 500i.
2. For TS 500i, check the serial number against the 180 658 145 - 181 213 014 range.
3. For both TS 480i and TS 500i, **if the unit has had any fuel-system service since October 1, 2015, have it inspected regardless of serial number**.
4. **Stop using affected machines immediately**.
5. Take the machine to an authorized Stihl dealer for free inspection and repair if applicable.
6. Contact Stihl Inc. at (800) 610-6677 or email stihlrecall@stihl.us with questions.

## Hazard

Severity is rated **critical** because of the fire risk from a leaking fuel line on a cut-off machine - cut-off machines run hot and are typically used in worksite environments. This severity calibration is consistent with other Stihl fuel-system fire-hazard bulletins (TNB02600080 MS 461, TNB02600106 Toolless Fuel Cap, TNB02600107 Gasoline Tank Vent).

## Related bulletins

Other Stihl cut-off machine recalls in the library:
- TNB02600110 (TS 410 / TS 420 flywheel overtightened)
- TNB02600112 (TS 440 cut-off machine)

## Source

- Stihl TS 480i and TS 500i recall page: https://www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/ts-480i-500i-recall/

Affected equipment

Stihl TS 480i (TS Cut-Off Machine (Injection))
Stihl TS 500i (TS Cut-Off Machine (Injection))

Sources

https://www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/ts-480i-500i-recall/

Important: TractorNuity makes a best effort to track known defects and concerns via publicly available data. TractorNuity's ownership group however does not have relationships with manufactures to be alerted to defects as they are identified. Regular maintenance and safe operation of any equipment is always the sole responsibility of the operator.

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