Published by If you purchased a recalled NorthStar hot water pressure washer and experienced a fire-related incident, burn injury, or property damage, you may want a legal review of your options.
A case review can evaluate potential compensation for medical expenses, repair costs, and other documented losses connected to the recalled product.
Table Of Contents
- What’s the Problem?
- Latest Updates
- Products Included in the Recall
- How to Identify an Affected Unit
- Units Recalled and Hazard Summary
- Incidents and Injuries
- Where, When, and for How Much They Were Sold
- What Owners Should Do Now
- Consumer Contact Information
- Do You Qualify for a NorthStar Gas Wet Steam and Hot Water Pressure Washer Recall Lawsuit?
- Legal Theories and Liability Considerations
- Statute of Limitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Acting Promptly Matters
- References
What’s the Problem?
CPSC states that the fan wheel on the recalled pressure washers can fail. That failure can cause abnormal burner operation that may produce smoke and/or bursts of flames during use, creating a fire hazard.
Three NorthStar hot water pressure washer models are included, including the gas wet steam and hot water unit, a commercial skid unit, and a trailer-mounted commercial unit. Only units with specific serial number month/year codes and burner date codes are affected.
Latest Updates
- January 29, 2026 – CPSC announced Recall No. 26-224 for NorthStar Hot Water Pressure Washers due to a fire hazard tied to fan wheel failure and abnormal burner operation; about 1,416 units are included and the remedy is a free repair. [1]
Products Included in the Recall
This recall involves three models of NorthStar pressure washers. Covered models include the NorthStar Gas Wet Steam and Hot Water Pressure Washer (Item #157310), NorthStar Gas Hot Water Commercial Pressure Washer Skid (Item #157594), and NorthStar Trailer-Mounted Hot Water Commercial Pressure Washer (Item #157595).
Item number and serial number information appear on a label located on the engine. A separate burner date code label is also required for recall identification, and label location varies by model.
How to Identify an Affected Unit
Coverage is limited to pressure washers with a MONTHYEAR code in the product serial number between 0125 (January 2025) and 0825 (August 2025). Included units also must have a WEEKYEAR burner date code between 0125 and 2625 (weeks 01 through 26 of 2025).
For Item #157310, the burner date code label is under the battery box. For Item #157594, the burner date code label is under the ball valve assembly, and for Item #157595, it is under the NorthStar logo.
Units Recalled and Hazard Summary
About 1,416 units are included in the recall. CPSC lists the hazard as a fire hazard caused by fan wheel failure that can lead to abnormal burner operation, smoke, and bursts of flames during use.
Pressure washers in this category are often used in commercial or heavy-duty settings, which can increase the risk of property damage if ignition occurs near structures, vehicles, or combustible materials. Immediate removal from service is important until the repair is completed.
Incidents and Injuries
CPSC lists no reported incidents or injuries for this recall at the time of publication. A lack of reported injuries does not eliminate the fire risk described in the recall notice.
Where, When, and for How Much They Were Sold
Sales occurred at Northern Tool + Equipment stores nationwide and online at NorthernTool.com, Amazon.com, Ebay.com, and GNEDI.com. CPSC lists the sales period as January 2025 through August 2025.
Listed pricing was between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on model and configuration. Northern Tool + Equipment Manufacturing, of Faribault, Minnesota, is identified as the manufacturer, and CPSC lists the products as manufactured in the United States.
What Owners Should Do Now
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pressure washers. Northern Tool + Equipment is providing a free repair performed by an authorized technician at a Northern Tool + Equipment service center or authorized third-party servicer.
Owners are directed to contact Northern Tool + Equipment and schedule the repair through the recall page. Keeping serial number and burner date code information handy can speed up the recall verification process.
Consumer Contact Information
CPSC lists Northern Tool + Equipment toll-free at 888-518-0342, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. Email contact is listed as inquiry@northerntool.com.
Consumers can also use the company recall webpage to schedule service and review remedy instructions. Save communications and repair scheduling records for your files.
Do You Qualify for a NorthStar Gas Wet Steam and Hot Water Pressure Washer Recall Lawsuit?
A legal review may be relevant if a recalled unit produced smoke, flames, or a fire event that caused injury or property loss. Review may also be appropriate for near-miss incidents that required emergency shutdown, fire response, or documented repair costs.
Cases are generally stronger when product identification is clear and the affected serial number and burner date code can be documented. Photos and purchase records can help establish recall eligibility and timing.
Evidence to Preserve
- Photos of the engine label showing item number and serial number.
- Photos of the burner date code label in its model-specific location.
- Purchase records, invoices, or order confirmations showing date and seller.
- Photos or videos of smoke, flames, fire damage, or burn injuries if safely captured.
- Fire department reports, insurance communications, and repair estimates if applicable.
- Service records related to the recall repair scheduling and completion.
Potential Damages
Potential damages may include medical expenses, follow-up treatment, and related out-of-pocket costs if an injury occurred. Property-related losses can include repair or replacement costs, business interruption losses, and other documented damage depending on the facts and applicable law.
Legal Theories and Liability Considerations
Pressure washer fire cases are commonly evaluated under product liability and negligence theories. Analysis often focuses on product design, component failure, warnings, and whether the product reached consumers in an unsafe condition.
Recall status does not automatically establish liability, but it can be an important fact in a case evaluation. Product identification, incident documentation, and timing usually drive the strength of a claim.
Statute of Limitations
Filing deadlines vary by state and may depend on when an injury or property loss occurred or was discovered. Prompt documentation helps preserve evidence and protect legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which NorthStar models are included?
Item #157310, Item #157594, and Item #157595 are listed in the recall. - Is every unit in those models recalled?
No. Coverage is limited to units with specified serial number MONTHYEAR codes and burner WEEKYEAR date codes. - What is the remedy?
Northern Tool + Equipment is offering a free repair by an authorized technician.
Why Acting Promptly Matters
Fire-related incidents can damage evidence quickly and create disputes about product condition after the event. Early photos, serial number documentation, and repair records can make a major difference in a legal review.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Northern-Tool-Equipment-Recalls-Hot-Water-Pressure-Washers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard