December 10, 2025 – A consumer has reported a significant safety concern involving their Craftsman CMXGWFN061126 pressure washer, which is powered by a Honda GCV200 engine. The incident describes the starter rope suddenly retracting during an attempt to start the engine, posing an immediate injury hazard. This event has prompted the consumer to question the scope of a previously issued Honda engine recall (Number 24-220), as their pressure washer exhibits identical symptoms despite their specific engine serial number not being officially included.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred when the consumer was attempting to start their Craftsman CMXGWFN061126 pressure washer, which features a Honda GCV200 engine (Serial Number GJAVA1327825). During the pull-start process, the starter rope abruptly and unexpectedly retracted. This sudden retraction creates a significant injury hazard for the operator.
The consumer noted that their pressure washer was purchased in July 2022, a timeframe that falls within the period covered by Honda Recall Number 24-220 (June 2022 to August 2023). This recall specifically addresses improperly manufactured camshafts in certain GCV200 engines. Despite the shared engine model and purchase date, the consumer was informed by American Honda that their engine’s serial number was not included in the official recall list.
Seeking further clarification, the consumer consulted a Honda Authorized Repair Shop. The shop technicians confirmed that the machine “exhibits all the same symptoms” attributed to the improperly manufactured camshafts mentioned in recall 24-220. The estimated cost for this repair, if not covered by Honda, was projected to exceed three hundred dollars. The consumer believes that Honda should expand its recall list to include these earlier serial number engines, given the identical symptoms and potential safety risk.
Safety Concerns
The reported incident highlights several significant safety concerns for consumers operating similar pressure washers:
- Immediate Dangers: The sudden, forceful retraction of a starter rope can cause severe injuries to the hands, wrists, and arms of the operator. Potential injuries include sprains, fractures, lacerations, contusions, and even ligament damage. Such an unexpected event could also cause the operator to lose balance, leading to falls or contact with other hazardous parts of the machinery or surrounding objects.
- Underlying Mechanical Failure: If the issue is indeed related to improperly manufactured camshafts, as suggested by the authorized repair shop, it indicates a critical mechanical defect within the engine. This defect could not only cause the starter rope issue but potentially lead to other engine malfunctions or failures, impacting the overall safety and reliable operation of the pressure washer.
- Expanded Risk: The consumer’s claim that their engine exhibits recall-related symptoms despite not being on the official list suggests a potential for a wider population of affected products than currently recognized. This could leave many consumers unknowingly at risk.
- Financial Burden: Consumers facing these issues outside of the recall scope are left with the burden of significant repair costs, despite their product exhibiting a known, safety-related defect.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Craftsman CMXGWFN061126 pressure washer with a Honda GCV200 engine, especially those purchased between June 2022 and August 2023, should take the following steps:
- Cease Use Immediately: If your pressure washer exhibits sudden or unusual starter rope retraction, or if you suspect an engine issue, stop using the product immediately to prevent potential injury.
- Identify Your Product: Locate the model number (CMXGWFN061126) on your Craftsman pressure washer and the engine model (GCV200) and serial number on the Honda engine.
- Contact Honda: If you believe your Honda GCV200 engine may be affected, even if your serial number is not on the current recall list, contact Honda Power Sports & Products customer service directly to report your symptoms and inquire about the recall: [Honda Recall Page / Contact Info – if available, otherwise general support].
- Consult a Honda Authorized Repair Shop: Obtain a professional diagnosis from an authorized Honda repair technician if you are experiencing symptoms similar to those described. Keep detailed records of any inspections or repair estimates.
- Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. This helps the CPSC monitor product safety and identify potential trends.
- Contact FNA Group Inc.: For any issues concerning parts of the pressure washer itself (excluding the Honda engine), or to report your concerns, contact FNA Group Inc. at 1-877-362-4271 or cservice@fna-group.com.
Manufacturer’s Response
FNA Group Inc., the manufacturer of the Craftsman pressure washer, provided a response on December 10, 2025. FNA Group Inc. stated that they take product safety concerns seriously but have not had the opportunity to inspect the specific product in this report and therefore cannot form a belief as to the root cause of the incident.
FNA Group Inc. emphasized that the reported incident involves an issue with the Honda model GCV200 engine, which is covered by a separate and distinct warranty provided by Honda. They direct consumers to Honda’s authorized repair shops for all engine warranty and repair work. FNA Group Inc. acknowledged that the consumer is already working with Honda to rectify the situation.
FNA Group Inc. affirmed that it builds all its products, including pressure washers, spray guns, and hoses, to the highest industry standards for quality and safety, including UL standard 60335-2-79. They stated that they stand behind the quality of all their products and prioritize customer safety. FNA Group Inc. encourages consumers with any concerns regarding its products to contact them directly at 1-877-362-4271 and/or cservice@fna-group.com.
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
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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.