January 29, 2026 – A Cub Cadet RZTSX zero-turn mower, manufactured by MTD Products Inc., has been the subject of persistent mechanical failures, including repeated stalling and unexpected shutdowns since its purchase in April 2021. The incidents, which include the mower stopping abruptly on hillsides and in the middle of roads, have raised significant safety concerns, prompting an ongoing investigation into the product’s reliability.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The consumer purchased the Cub Cadet RZTSX mower from Common Country Lawn & Garden Center in April 2021. On April 24, 2021, the very first time the consumer attempted to use the mower, it failed to start. The mower was immediately returned to the dealer, who informed the consumer of an approximate three-week waiting period for service. Due to an urgent need for the equipment, the consumer opted to retrieve the mower the following day, April 25, 2021.
Upon returning home, the same problem persisted: the mower either would not start at all or would stall immediately after starting. Over the subsequent period, the mower underwent a total of four service attempts at an authorized service center for this identical issue. A fifth repair attempt involved a dealer’s technician visiting the consumer’s home, yet the problem remained unresolved.
The malfunction continued, often allowing the mower to operate for approximately 90 minutes before abruptly stalling and stopping. After stalling, the consumer would frequently have to wait between 10 to 30 minutes before the mower might restart, only to sometimes run for another 10 to 15 minutes before stalling again. The mower features a push-start ignition, which was replaced once in an attempt to rectify the problem, but this did not resolve the intermittent starting and stalling issues.
As of February 2025, an authorized manufacturer’s service center had been actively working on the machine for two months, highlighting the persistent and complex nature of the defect.
The consumer also made multiple attempts to communicate directly with the manufacturer, MTD PRODUCTS INC. During one call, the manufacturer claimed to have no record of prior conversations with the consumer. It was later discovered that previous service paperwork, for which the consumer had paid $250 as a split cost with the manufacturer, had not been submitted to MTD PRODUCTS INC., explaining the missing records. A second call connected the consumer with a representative who assigned a case number and requested documentation of the mower and its service history. However, the promised email containing reply information was never received, and subsequent follow-up attempts by the consumer to speak with the representative or anyone else about the case were unsuccessful.
Critically, by January 2026, the ongoing mechanical issues escalated into serious safety concerns. The machine reportedly stopped unexpectedly on a hillside, in the middle of the road, and while turning, all situations presenting clear and immediate safety hazards.
Safety Concerns
The persistent and unpredictable stalling of the Cub Cadet RZTSX mower presents severe safety risks to the operator and potentially to bystanders and property.
- Immediate Dangers: An unexpected shutdown of a zero-turn mower, particularly on a hillside, in the middle of a road, or while turning, can lead to:
* Loss of Control: Operators may lose steering and braking capabilities, increasing the risk of rollovers, tip-overs, or collisions.
* Personal Injury: This can result in cuts, crushing injuries, fractures, or fatal accidents if the operator is ejected or pinned by the machine.
* Collision Risk: If the mower stalls in a road, it becomes an obstacle for other vehicles, potentially causing traffic accidents.
* Runaway Machine: On a slope, a stalling mower could roll downhill uncontrollably, endangering anyone in its path.
- Long-Term Risks: Continued operation of a mower with such a defect significantly elevates the cumulative risk of a serious accident. The unpredictable nature of the stalls makes it impossible for operators to anticipate and mitigate hazards.
- Who Might Be Affected: Operators of the Cub Cadet RZTSX model are directly at risk. Bystanders, pedestrians, and other motorists could also be affected if the mower stalls in a public area or if a loss of control leads to an impact.
- Property Damage Potential: Loss of control due to unexpected stalling can lead to damage to fences, landscaping, structures, or other vehicles.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Cub Cadet RZTSX mower, especially one exhibiting similar starting or stalling issues, please take the following actions:
- Immediately Cease Use: If your mower experiences unexpected stalling, failure to start, or intermittent operation, discontinue use immediately to prevent potential injury or property damage.
- Do Not Attempt Self-Repair: Unless you are a qualified technician, do not attempt to diagnose or repair the problem yourself, as this could void warranties or exacerbate safety risks.
- Check Your Product: Be vigilant for any signs of intermittent power, difficulty starting, or unexpected shutdowns if you own a Cub Cadet RZTSX mower.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to MTD PRODUCTS INC. (the manufacturer of Cub Cadet) to report the issue. Document all communications, including dates, times, representatives spoken to, and any case numbers assigned.
- Report to Safety Authorities: File a detailed report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov or by calling their hotline. Providing detailed information helps the CPSC identify patterns and initiate broader safety actions.
- Retain All Documentation: Keep all purchase receipts, service records, and communication logs related to your mower. This documentation will be crucial if further action is required.
Manufacturer’s Response
The incident report indicates that the manufacturer, MTD PRODUCTS INC., has responded to the filing. However, the report details that the consumer faced significant challenges in receiving consistent support and resolution for the persistent issues. Communication breakdowns and unfulfilled promises of follow-up were noted, indicating a lack of satisfactory resolution for the consumer despite their efforts.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.