Quick Answer / TL;DR: Yes — several Ryobi lawn mower models have been recalled through the CPSC, mostly for fire, blade detachment, and fuel system hazards. Find your model and serial number (they start with “RY”), then search CPSC.gov/recalls and recalls.gov. If your mower is listed, you’re entitled to a free repair, replacement, or refund from Ryobi’s parent company, TTI.
What You Need
Checking a recall takes about 10 minutes and requires no disassembly. Before you start, gather the following:
- Your mower’s model number — Ryobi models start with “RY” (e.g., RY4012, RY48111)
- Your mower’s serial number — found on the same data plate as the model number
- A smartphone or pen and paper — to record or photograph the data plate
- Your purchase date or receipt (if available) — helpful when filing a recall claim, though rarely required
- Access to CPSC.gov and recalls.gov — the two authoritative federal recall databases
Where to find the data plate: on walk-behind mowers, check the underside of the cutting deck or the back of the engine housing; on riding mowers, look on the frame near the rear wheels; on cordless models, check inside the battery compartment.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check If Your Ryobi Mower Is Recalled
Step 1: Locate and Record Your Model and Serial Number
Without the model and serial numbers, you cannot match your mower to any recall entry — so do this first. Clean off the data plate if it’s covered in grass clippings, then write down or photograph both numbers.
💡 Pro Tip: Take a photo of the data plate with your phone. Labels fade and peel over time, and having a permanent record makes future recall checks — and warranty claims — much easier.
Step 2: Search the CPSC Recall Database
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the authoritative source for every official U.S. product recall, including Ryobi mowers.
- Go to www.cpsc.gov/recalls
- Search for “Ryobi lawn mower”
- Filter by the “Lawn & Garden” product category to narrow results
- Compare every listed model number against yours
- If your model appears, open the recall entry for full details and remedy instructions
💡 Pro Tip: Use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) on the results page to instantly search for your exact model number string instead of reading every entry.
Every CPSC recall entry includes the following fields — here’s what each one tells you:
| Field | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Recall Date | When the recall was officially issued |
| Hazard Description | The specific defect or danger involved |
| Remedy Available | Repair, replacement, or refund options |
| Units Affected | How many products are involved |
| Model Numbers | The exact affected models to cross-reference |
⚠️ Warning: If your model is listed under a fire or blade-detachment recall, stop using the mower immediately — especially cordless models, which have been recalled for battery-related fire hazards. Disconnect or remove the battery and spark plug before storing it.
Step 3: Cross-Check on Recalls.gov
Recalls.gov aggregates safety notices from CPSC, NHTSA, FDA, and other federal agencies in one portal. It’s worth a second search because it can surface related notices — for example, recalls on batteries or chargers sold separately from the mower itself.
- Search “Ryobi lawn mower” and your exact model number
- Sign up for email alerts so future recalls reach you automatically
- If you own multiple brands, search each one — Honda mowers have had separate CPSC recalls, so don’t assume one clean search covers your whole shed
Step 4: File Your Claim With Ryobi / TTI
If your model matches a recall, contact Ryobi directly. Ryobi’s parent company, Techtronic Industries (TTI), manages all recall responses through their support line and the official Ryobi website. Have your model number, serial number, and the CPSC recall number ready. The remedy is always free to you — a repair, replacement unit, or refund — and you should never pay out of pocket for a recall fix.
While you’re waiting on the remedy, our Ryobi 18V ONE+ 37cm cordless lawnmower review can help you evaluate current models if a replacement is on the table, and our guide to where Ryobi lawn mowers are made explains the manufacturing trade-offs behind these safety issues.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
- Only checking the model number, not the serial number. Some recalls cover specific serial ranges within a model line. If a recall lists serial ranges, verify both numbers before assuming you’re in the clear.
- Assuming a recall only applies to mowers bought new. Recalls follow the product, not the purchase. If you bought your Ryobi used or inherited it, it’s still covered — file the claim the same way.
- Stopping at one database. CPSC.gov and recalls.gov occasionally surface different or older entries. Check both, and check separately branded equipment (mowers, trimmers, batteries) individually.
- Continuing to use a recalled mower “just until the repair kit arrives.” This is the most dangerous mistake. Fire and blade-detachment hazards don’t wait. Park the mower and use a backup or borrow one until the remedy is completed.
- Misreading the data plate. Oil-stained or sun-faded labels are common. If you can’t read the plate, check your original purchase records, the battery pack label (which often carries a matching model reference), or contact TTI support with a photo of the mower for identification help.
When to Replace Instead
A recall remedy is free, but if your mower is old, heavily worn, or the repair wait is long, replacement may make more sense. Compare current options in our Ryobi 18V ONE+ 37cm cordless lawnmower review before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ryobi actually recalled lawn mowers before?
Yes. Ryobi has issued multiple lawn mower recalls through the CPSC over the years, primarily for fire hazards (including battery and charger issues on cordless models), blade detachment risks, and fuel system defects. Each recall is tied to specific model and serial numbers, so check your individual unit.
Is there a recall on Honda lawn mowers too?
Yes — Honda lawn mowers have had their own separate CPSC recalls. If you own multiple brands of outdoor power equipment, check each brand and each machine individually. Recalls.gov makes multi-brand searches easy in one session.
Do I need a receipt to file a Ryobi recall claim?
Generally, no. Recall remedies are based on the product itself, not proof of purchase. Your model and serial numbers are what matter. Having a receipt can speed things up, but TTI’s recall support can usually verify your unit from the serial number alone.
How long does a Ryobi recall remedy take?
It varies by recall. Some remedies are immediate (a refund or in-store replacement), while repair-part recalls can take several weeks to months due to parts availability. File your claim as early as possible after a recall is announced — remedy kits are often shipped in the order claims are received.
Can I get money back if I already paid for a repair related to a recall?
In some cases, yes. If a recall was announced after you paid out of pocket for a repair caused by the recalled defect, contact TTI support with your repair receipts. Some CPSC settlements include reimbursement provisions — it never hurts to ask, and documentation is key.
Where do I find the model number if the label is gone?
Check the battery pack and charger (cordless models often carry matching model references), your original receipt or order confirmation email, or the box if you still have it. As a last resort, contact Ryobi/TTI support with clear photos of the mower — their team can usually identify the model from design features.
