Update, June 1, 2026
This recall remains active. The CPSC has reconfirmed that Milwaukee M18 FUEL 12" and 14" Top Handle Chainsaws (model 2826-20) are subject to a voluntary recall due to a chain brake that may fail to activate. Affected units have the letter “A” as the 4th character of the serial number. If you have not yet registered for the free repair, stop use immediately and visit Milwaukee's eService portal or call 833-953-2012. Full details on identifying affected units and obtaining a prepaid shipping label are below.
Update, May 2026
The CPSC has now officially confirmed this recall with updated details. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw (model 2826-20, in both 12" and 14" bar configurations) is subject to a voluntary recall of approximately 90,860 U.S. units (plus 7,500 in Canada) due to a chain brake that may fail to activate, posing a laceration hazard. Two incidents were reported, including one finger laceration. Affected chainsaws were sold at Home Depot and online from March 2023 through September 2024 for approximately $350 bare tool or $790 kitted. Consumers should stop use immediately and register at Milwaukee's eService portal for a free repair, or call 833-953-2012 (M-F, 7 AM-4:30 PM CT). Official CPSC notice: CPSC Recall #26-064.
Milwaukee Recalls 91,000 M18 FUEL Chainsaws Over Chain Brake Failure
October 30, 2025, Milwaukee Tool has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 90,860 M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaws in the United States and an additional 7,500 units in Canada. The recall, announced through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC Recall #26-064), addresses a chain brake that may fail to activate, posing a laceration hazard to users.
If you own one of these chainsaws, here is everything you need to know.
What Is Being Recalled
The recall covers the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw with 12-inch and 14-inch bars, sold under catalog number 2826-20. These battery-powered chainsaws are part of Milwaukee’s M18 platform, the same 18-volt system that powers their extensive lineup of cordless tools.
The affected units were sold between March 2023 and September 2024 at Home Depot, other home improvement retailers, and online distributors. They retailed for approximately $350 as a bare tool or $790 as a kit with batteries and charger.
The Safety Issue
The chain brake on affected chainsaws may not engage properly. A chain brake is a critical safety mechanism, it is designed to stop the chain immediately in the event of kickback or loss of control. If the brake fails to activate, the spinning chain can cause serious lacerations.
Milwaukee and the CPSC have received two reports of chain brake failure, including one injury involving a lacerated finger. While the incident count is low relative to the number of units sold, a non-functioning chain brake on a chainsaw is a serious safety concern that should not be ignored.
How to Identify Affected Units
To determine whether your chainsaw is part of this recall, check two things on the nameplate:
- Catalog number: Located on the upper right of the nameplate. It should read 2826-20.
- Serial number: Located on the upper left of the nameplate. Affected units have the letter “A” as the 4th character in the serial number.
If your chainsaw matches both identifiers, stop using it immediately and follow the remedy steps below.
What You Should Do
Milwaukee is offering a free repair for all affected chainsaws. Here is how to get yours fixed:
- Register online at Milwaukee’s eService portal to receive a prepaid shipping label.
- Ship your chainsaw to Milwaukee using the provided label at no cost to you.
- Call Milwaukee Tool at 833-953-2012 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT) if you have questions or need assistance.
- Visit milwaukeetool.com/support/recall for additional details.
Do not continue using the chainsaw until the repair has been completed.
Context: The M18 FUEL Chainsaw Line
The M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw was designed for professional arborists and serious property owners who need a compact, maneuverable saw for overhead cuts and limbing work. As a brushless motor-equipped tool on Milwaukee’s M18 platform, it represented a push into battery-powered outdoor equipment, a category that has seen explosive growth across all major brands.
Milwaukee tools are sold exclusively through Home Depot and authorized dealers. If you purchased your M18 FUEL chainsaw from any retailer, the recall and free repair apply regardless of where you bought it.
For those looking to understand how Milwaukee’s battery ecosystem stacks up against competitors like DeWalt and Makita, our Milwaukee vs. DeWalt comparison breaks down the key differences across the two platforms.
About PTI Safety Coverage
Power Tools Insider monitors product recalls and safety notices across all major tool brands. When a recall affects tools our readers own and use, we report the facts so you can take action quickly. Bookmark our News section to stay up to date on recalls, new product launches, and industry developments.