Latest Updates
Northern Tool + Equipment recalled approximately 1,416 NorthStar hot water pressure washers on January 29, 2026. [1] The recall (CPSC 26-224) involves three models of commercial-grade pressure washers with defective fan wheels that cause abnormal burner operation and fire hazards.
Product Details
The recall involves three models of NorthStar pressure washers: NorthStar Gas Wet Steam and Hot Water Pressure Washers (item number 157310), NorthStar Gas Hot Water Commercial Pressure Washers (item number 157594), and NorthStar Trailer-Mounted Hot Water Commercial Pressure Washers (item number 157595). Only pressure washers with serial numbers containing MONTHYEAR codes between 0125 (January 2025) and 0825 (August 2025), and burner date codes between 0125 and 2625 (weeks 01 to 26 of 2025) are included in this recall.
The item number and serial number are printed on a label located on the engine. The burner date code is printed on a separate label, with locations varying by product: under the battery box for item 157310, under the ball valve assembly for item 157594, and under the NorthStar logo for item 157595.
The pressure washers were sold at Northern Tool + Equipment stores nationwide and online at NorthernTool.com, Amazon.com, Ebay.com, and GNEDI.com from January 2025 through August 2025. Prices ranged from $5,000 to $10,000, reflecting their commercial-grade status.
Hazard and Incidents
The fan wheel on the recalled pressure washers can fail during operation, causing abnormal burner operation. This failure produces dangerous smoke and bursts of flames during use, posing serious fire hazards to users and bystanders.
The defect creates risks of burn injuries, property damage from fires, and potential explosions during commercial and industrial use. No incidents or injuries have been reported to date.
Recall Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pressure washers and contact Northern Tool + Equipment to schedule a free repair. The repair will be performed by an authorized technician at a Northern Tool + Equipment service center or an authorized third-party servicer.
To schedule the repair, consumers should visit www.northerntool.com/recall-details-pw. For assistance, contact Northern Tool + Equipment toll-free at 888-518-0342 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or by email at inquiry@northerntool.com.
Commercial Equipment Safety Failure
These NorthStar pressure washers are marketed as professional-grade commercial equipment with price tags ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Commercial users and businesses invested in these expensive units expecting reliable, safe equipment for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Instead, the defective fan wheels create dangerous fire hazards that put workers, customers, and business properties at risk. The failure of such expensive commercial equipment represents not only a safety hazard but also significant business losses from equipment downtime and potential liability exposure.
Manufacturing Defect
The pressure washers were manufactured by Northern Tool + Equipment Manufacturing of Faribault, Minnesota in the United States. This domestic manufacturing makes the recall particularly concerning, as consumers often expect higher quality control standards from U.S.-manufactured products.
The defect affects units manufactured over an eight-month period from January 2025 through August 2025. This extended manufacturing timeframe suggests systemic quality control failures rather than an isolated production error.
Legal Claims
Individuals or businesses that suffered burn injuries, property damage, or business losses due to defective NorthStar pressure washers may be entitled to compensation. Claims may include strict product liability for defective design and manufacturing, failure to warn about known fire hazards, negligence in quality control, breach of warranty for commercial fitness, and fraud for selling premium-priced equipment with dangerous defects.
Injured parties and businesses can pursue damages for medical expenses, burn treatment and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, property damage from fires, business interruption losses, lost profits, equipment replacement costs, and diminished value of the defective pressure washers. Commercial users may also seek compensation for liability exposure from customer or employee injuries caused by the defective equipment.
Contact an Attorney
If you or your business suffered injuries, property damage, or financial losses due to a defective NorthStar pressure washer, contact an experienced product liability attorney immediately. Commercial equipment failures can result in significant damages beyond just the equipment cost, including business losses, liability claims, and injury-related expenses.
Even if you have not experienced a fire incident but own a recalled unit, you may have claims for the diminished value of your investment and breach of warranty. An attorney can evaluate your case, help you document all losses including business interruption, pursue full compensation from Northern Tool + Equipment, and ensure the recall repair is completed properly to prevent future incidents.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Northern-Tool-Equipment-Recalls-Hot-Water-Pressure-Washers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard