Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Recall: Understanding the Safety Notice and Repair Process

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL line of outdoor power equipment has earned a strong reputation among professionals for its performance and durability, utilizing the versatile M18 Battery platform. However, even industry leaders occasionally face unforeseen challenges. Recently, Milwaukee Tool, in cooperation with safety commissions, announced an important Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw recall concerning a specific subset of their popular Milwaukee Top Handle Chainsaw model.¹

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw recall, detailing the affected models, the nature of the safety hazard, and the straightforward process for obtaining a free repair under the Milwaukee chainsaw recall warranty procedure.

Table of Contents

🚨 The Milwaukee Chainsaw Recall: What You Need to Know

The Milwaukee chainsaw recall pertains specifically to the M18 FUEL™ Top Handle Chainsaw, which is typically used by arborists and for in-tree work due to its compact and balanced design.²

Affected Model and Safety Hazard

The core issue involves a critical safety feature: the chain brake.³

Affected Product:Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ Top Handle Chainsaw
- Catalog Number: 2826-20 (Applies to 12-inch and 14-inch bar versions, sold as tool-only and in kits)⁴
The Hazard: The chain brake mechanism on the affected saws may not prevent the chain from moving when the brake is engaged.⁵ Failure of the brake, which is designed to immediately stop the chain in the event of kickback or when activated manually, poses a severe laceration risk to the operator.⁶
Reported Incidents: The recall was initiated after Milwaukee Tool received reports of the chain brake failing, including one report involving a user who suffered a lacerated finger.⁷

Is My Chainsaw Affected? Checking the Serial Number

The recall does not affect all Milwaukee Top Handle Chainsaw models. The scope is limited to saws manufactured during a specific period. You must check the serial number on your Milwaukee Chainsaw M18.

How to Check: Locate the nameplate on the motor housing of your saw.
Identifying the Defect: Your chainsaw is affected if the fourth character of the serial number is the letter “A.”
Safe Models: Saws with the fourth serial code letter ‘B’ or any other character are not part of this recall and are deemed safe for continued use. 🌲 The Ultimate Homeowner Showdown: Husqvarna 435 vs 440 and the Best Mid-Range Chainsaw for Your Needs

Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Recall - featured image

🛠️ The Recall Warranty and Free Repair Process

Milwaukee Tool is taking proactive steps to ensure user safety by offering a free repair for all affected saws, regardless of the original Milwaukee m18 chainsaw recall warranty status.⁸ This is a voluntary recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada. Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Review: Cordless Power That Rivals Gas (2024)

Immediate Action Required

If you have determined that your saw falls under the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw recall, you must take the following steps:

Stop Use Immediately: Do not use the affected Milwaukee Chainsaw again, even if you have not experienced a brake malfunction.
Arrange for Free Repair: Contact Milwaukee Tool to initiate the repair process.

Utilizing the eService Portal (Recommended)

The quickest and most efficient way to arrange the repair is through Milwaukee’s dedicated eService portal.

Process: Register your product on the eService platform. You will be prompted to enter your serial number, which confirms the recall eligibility.
Shipping: Milwaukee Tool will provide a prepaid shipping label for you to return the bare tool to their repair facility. Crucially, only send the saw body.
What NOT to Send: DO NOT include the cutting system (bar and chain), the M18 Chainsaw Battery, or the charger.
Turnaround Time: Repairs are typically expected to be completed and the saw returned to the consumer within 7-10 business days. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Chainsaw Kit Review: Pro-Grade Battery Power

Alternative Contact

You may also contact Milwaukee Tool directly via their toll-free number for assistance with the recall process: 833-953-2012 (7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday). Black Friday Chainsaw Deals: Hunting for the Biggest Savings on Gas and Electric

🌲 Beyond the Recall: The M18 Chainsaw Lineup

While the recall is focused on a subset of the Milwaukee Top Handle Chainsaw model, it is important to note that Milwaukee’s standard chainsaws, such as the full-size M18 FUEL rear-handle models, are not affected.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Chainsaw Standard Models

Milwaukee’s flagship rear-handle chainsaws are highly regarded for performance equivalent to mid-range gas saws, eliminating the complexities of mixing fuel and performing pull-starts.

Milwaukee Chainsaw 16 inch: The standard model is typically equipped with a 16-inch bar, providing substantial cutting capacity for felling medium-sized trees, bucking logs, and processing firewood. This saw often leverages the high-capacity M18 HIGH OUTPUT Milwaukee Chainsaw Battery packs (like the 12.0 Ah battery) to achieve significant runtime and maximum power delivery.
Dual Battery Systems: Milwaukee also offers other heavy-duty equipment on its platform, though the core M18 Chainsaw models typically run on a single M18 Battery. For extremely high-demand tools, Milwaukee offers its separate MX FUEL™ platform, which is designed for equipment needing higher power delivery than the M18/M12 lines.
Performance: The Milwaukee Chainsaw M18 series, known for its Milwaukee FUEL brushless technology, delivers impressive chain speeds and torque, making it a favorite for trade professionals.

❓ 5 FAQs about the Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Recall

Q1: Which specific Milwaukee Chainsaw models are affected by the recall?

A: The Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw recall only affects a subset of the M18 FUEL™ Top Handle Chainsaw (Catalog Number 2826-20), which comes with either a 12-inch or 14-inch bar.⁹ The standard rear-handle Milwaukee Chainsaw 16 inch models are not included in this recall.

Q2: How do I know if my Milwaukee Top Handle Chainsaw is recalled?

A: You need to check the serial number located on the product’s nameplate. The saw is affected if the fourth character of the serial number is the letter “A.” If the fourth character is the letter “B” or any other character, your saw is safe for continued use.

Q3: What is the safety risk associated with the Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw recall?

A: The risk is a laceration hazard. The chain brake, a vital safety feature designed to stop the chain immediately, may not function correctly on the affected saws.¹⁰ If the brake fails to engage during a kickback event or when locked, the moving chain could cause serious injury to the operator.

Q4: Is the recall repair covered under the standard Milwaukee Chainsaw Warranty?

A: Yes, the repair is offered free of cost by Milwaukee Tool for all affected units.¹¹ This is a mandatory safety recall process that supersedes the original Milwaukee m18 chainsaw recall warranty timeline. Milwaukee will cover the repair costs and provide a prepaid shipping label for the affected tool’s return and subsequent delivery back to you.

Q5: What should I send back to Milwaukee for the recall repair?

A: You must STOP USING THE SAW IMMEDIATELY and only send the bare saw body back for repair. DO NOT include the bar, chain, or the Milwaukee Chainsaw Battery or charger. You will need to use the eService portal or call the toll-free number to register your saw and receive the prepaid shipping label.