More Than 500,000 Power Tool Batteries Recalled Due to USB-C Charging Fire Risk

More Than 500,000 Power Tool Batteries Recalled Due to USB-C Charging Fire Risk https://ift.tt/kcXDWgK

Kobalt-branded power tools have been recalled after Greenworks Tools said it received reports of the USB-C batteries “producing smoke, sparking or catching fire” while charging

Kobalt power tools
Credit: United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (2)

NEED TO KNOW

• A North Carolina-based company has recalled more than 500,000 power tools due to fire risks involving its USB-C charging batteries

• Kobalt-branded trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, mowers and pruning saws sold from January 2026 to May 2026 have been recalled after manufacturer Greenworks Tools received reports of the USB-C batteries “producing smoke, sparking or catching fire” while charging
• Customers can request free replacement batteries with updated safety features from Greenworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

More than 500,000 landscaping power tools have been recalled due to a battery issue that could pose “a risk of serious injury from fire hazard.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), North Carolina-based Greenworks Tools issued a recall for 554,780 Kobalt-branded power tools.

The company received 34 reports of the tools’ batteries “producing smoke, sparking or catching fire while the batteries are inserted in the tool and charging with the USB-C port.” However, no injuries or property damage have been reported.

Kobalt-branded trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, mowers and pruning saws that use 24-volt and 48-volt lithium-ion batteries with a built-in USB-C charging port are included in the recall.

Kobalt power tools
Credit: United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

The landscaping tools were manufactured in Vietnam and China and sold at Lowe’s retail and online stores from January 2026 to May 2026 for between $20 and $482.

“The batteries with a USB-C charging port come in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah. The 6.0Ah and 3.0Ah batteries were also sold separately from the tool,” the CPSC states. “Only products with the USB-C batteries are included in the recall.”

In a statement, Greenworks advised anyone who purchased one of the impacted power tools to stop using the USB-C charging batteries and request a replacement.

“Please immediately stop charging batteries while they are inserted in the product. Batteries should be removed from the product before charging,” the company said, adding that customers should submit an online claim to get a free replacement battery.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to the CPSC, new batteries will come with a charging adapter instead of a USB-C port, an updated product manual, a warning sticker for the tool, and a prepaid shipping label for returning the original recalled battery.

The full list of impacted models is available from the CPSC and Greenworks’ websites.

Greenworks adds that anyone in need of additional assistance to replace their batteries can contact the company at 1-888-266-7096.