Portland Chainsaw Recall Lawsuit | 2026 Latest Updates

Portland 9 Amp 14″ electric chainsaws sold at Harbor Freight were recalled on July 3, 2025. The main switch can fail, so the blade keeps running after release. That poses a laceration hazard.

The recall covers about 49,000 saws sold under the Hyper Tough, Worx and Portland names. The CPSC lists no reported injuries. Nobody has filed a lawsuit or MDL over this recall. Returning the unit is free and needs no receipt.

Positec Tool Corporation imported the recalled saws, which were sold from September 2024 through March 2025. If you own one of these saws, stop using it and contact Positec for a free replacement.

Latest Portland Chainsaw Lawsuit Updates

July 3, 2025: CPSC Announces the Chainsaw Recall

The CPSC announced a recall of about 49,000 electric corded chainsaws and pole saws sold as Hyper Tough, Worx and Portland [1].

A failed main switch lets the saw run on after release, which poses a laceration hazard. The notice carries recall number 25-371.

November 19, 2020: Ninth Circuit Denies Appeal of Class Status

Bloomberg Law reported that the Ninth Circuit denied Harbor Freight Tools USA’s request for an immediate appeal of class certification [2].

Will Kaupelis and Frank Ortega sued over recalled 14-inch chainsaws. They allege flawed switches and an inadequate recall. These are the plaintiffs’ allegations, not court findings.

May 14, 2018: CPSC Announces the Harbor Freight Chainsaw Recall

The CPSC announced the 2018 recall of about 1,020,000 Portland, One Stop Gardens and Chicago Electric 14 inch electric chainsaws sold by Harbor Freight Tools. The power switch can malfunction, and the notice carries recall number 18-155 [3].

Who May Be Affected?

The 2025 recall covers the Portland 9 Amp 14″ Chainsaw with SKU 58949 and UPC 193175451774. Its serial number falls between 37567 2442 and 37567 2451.

Harbor Freight stores and HarborFreight.com sold it from September 2024 through March 2025 for between $50 and $120. The same recall covers the Hyper Tough HT21-401-002-01, sold at Walmart.

It also covers the Worx WG305 and WG309, sold at Worx.com and Amazon.com. Whether a person qualifies for any claim depends on an individual legal review by a lawyer.

Reported Injuries or Damages

The CPSC lists no incidents or injuries for the 2025 recall. Positec says it has not received any reports of incidents or injuries from customers [4].

The CPSC says the main switch can fail, allowing the saws to continue to run even after the switch is released. Positec says a running saw could contact the operator or others nearby and possibly injure them.

For the 2018 recall, Harbor Freight Tools received 15 reports of chainsaws running after being turned off. Three caused lacerations, including one serious arm injury that needed stitches.

Recall and Regulatory Background

The Positec recall offers owners of the Portland saw a free replacement and a prepaid label. Owners can call Positec at 888-997-8871, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email chainsawrecall@positecgroup.com.

The earlier 2018 recall covered models 67255 and 61592, sold from May 2009 through February 2018 for about $50. Harbor Freight offered a free replacement at its stores.

Evidence to Preserve

Keep these items if you own a recalled saw or were hurt by one:

• The product label with the SKU, UPC and serial number
• Photos of the saw and its switch
• The receipt or order record from Harbor Freight, Walmart, Worx.com or Amazon.com
• Recall correspondence with Positec
• The saw itself, kept as it is
• Medical records and photos of any injury
• The names of any witnesses

Filing Deadlines

State law sets the time limits for an injury claim. The limit a person faces depends on where they live and when the injury and its cause came to light.

A late filing can end a claim, even one built on strong facts. Anyone hurt by a saw should talk with a lawyer soon to learn which limit applies to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Harbor Freight Chainsaws Been Recalled?

Harbor Freight chainsaws have been recalled twice. Owners of the 2018 saws could call Harbor Freight Tools at 800-444-3353 or email recall@harborfreight.com. Replacement units were available starting May 21, 2018.

Is There a Portland Chainsaw Recall Lawsuit?

The only chainsaw class suit tied to Portland saws, Kaupelis and Ortega against Harbor Freight Tools USA, concerns the 2018 recall and is described in the November 19, 2020 update. It is separate from the 2025 recall.

Which Portland Chainsaw Was Recalled in 2025?

The Portland chainsaw recalled in 2025 is the 9 Amp 14″ model with SKU 58949. Positec Tool Corporation of Charlotte, North Carolina, is the importer. The saws were manufactured in China.

What Should I Do with a Recalled Portland Chainsaw?

With a recalled Portland chainsaw, no receipt is needed, a replacement takes 3-4 weeks, and a new box is available if needed. Returning the unit to Positec is free. Do not repair the saw yourself.

What Does the Research Say About the Chainsaw Switch Hazard?

Research on the chainsaw switch hazard is the 2025 recall notice itself. The CPSC handled that recall, number 25-371, as a Fast Track Recall, and the notice is the main record of the switch failure.

Does the Portland Chainsaw Recall Also Cover Canada?

The recall also covers saws sold in Canada. The CPSC notice says about 3,000 saws across the Hyper Tough, Worx and Portland brands were sold there. Canadian sales are counted apart from the 49,000 saws sold in the United States.

References

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Positec-Recalls-Electric-Corded-Chainsaws-and-Pole-Saws-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard
2. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/harbor-freight-loses-bid-to-appeal-class-status-in-chainsaw-suit
3. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Harbor-Freight-Tools-Recalls-Chainsaws-Due-to-Serious-Injury-Hazard
4. https://www.worx.com/en-us/worxus/c/chainsaw-recall