We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
When the power goes out, portable generators can offer a quick and convenient source of backup power in the short term for homes, appliances, and even RVs. But a disaster might quickly compound if your backup power source malfunctions. Generac Power Systems recently recalled more than 60,000 portable generators due to serious fire and burn hazards. Continue reading to see which models are included in this recall and what to do if you own one of the recalled units.
What’s the fire and burn risk?
A variety of Generac generators have been recalled due to a failure to vent adequately from a rollover valve, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If the unit fails to vent, there will be excessive pressure buildup in the gas tank, which can cause the unit to expel fuel when opened and may result in fire and/or burns.
Generac has reported 29 incidents so far where the generators pressurized or expelled fuel when opened, three of which resulted in serious burn injuries.
Which models are included in the Generac recall?
This recall involves two types of Generac portable generators and one type of DR Power portable generator. The affected units were sold between April 2011 and June 2023 at home improvement and hardware stores nationwide, as well as online retailers. Each type has specific model numbers that are included in this recall.
Generac owners can find the generator type listed on both sides of the tank and on the control panel. The model number, meanwhile, is typically printed on the heat shield label located between the engine and the alternator. Generac portable generator owners can also visit Generac’s website to check on a specific model. We’ve listed the types and model numbers below as well.
Generac Portable Generator GP15000E
- Model number G0057341
- Model number G0057342
- Model number 005734R1
- Model number 005734R2
Generac Portable Generator GP17500E
- Model number G0057351
- Model number G0057352
- Model number 005735R1
- Model number 005735R2
DR Power Portable Generator PROXL17500DP
- Model number GP117KWDEN
- Model number GP117KWDENR
What do you do if you own a recalled Generac portable generator?
Users are urged to stop using the affected generator immediately and contact Generac to request a free repair kit. Generac can be contacted toll-free at 888-391-0503 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online.
As of publication, Generac estimates that it will take 6 to 8 weeks to receive a repair kit.
Consider these other great portable generators.
If you’d prefer to buy a new portable generator instead of repairing a recalled Generac or are newly in the market and concerned with reliability, start with our recommendations for the best portable generators. The Bob Vila team is in progress with testing several units, and so far we find these models to be standouts in the market:
- Champion Power Equipment 3,800-watt portable generator, available at Amazon.
- Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator, available at Amazon, Acme Tools, and Family Farm & Home. Read our full review of the Westinghouse here.
- DuroMax gas-powered portable generator, available at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co, or Acme Tools.