Greenworks Tools has issued a recall for approximately 554,780 Kobalt-branded power tools designed for yard work due to a battery issue that poses a risk of serious injury from fire hazard. The recall was announced in coordination with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after 34 reports surfaced of the tool's batteries producing smoke, sparking, or catching fire while the batteries were inserted in the tool and charging via the USB-C port. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported to date.
The recall includes several models of Kobalt trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, mowers, and pruning saws that use 24V/48V lithium-ion batteries equipped with a built-in USB-C charging port. The full list of affected models can be found on both the CPSC's website and a dedicated recall page on Greenworks' website. The tools were sold through Lowe's retail stores and online from January 2026 to May 2026, with prices ranging from $20 to $482.
Although the risk of short-circuits and fires is limited to when the batteries are being charged over USB-C while still inserted into the tools, the CPSC and Greenworks still recommend that consumers with affected hardware contact Greenworks Tools through a registration form to receive a free replacement battery. The new batteries come with a charging adapter instead of a USB-C port, along with an updated product manual, a warning sticker for the tool, and a prepaid shipping label for returning the original recalled battery.
Background on Lithium-Ion Battery Recalls
Lithium-ion battery recalls have become increasingly common in recent years as the technology has proliferated in everything from smartphones to power tools. The batteries are known for their high energy density, but they also pose risks of overheating, short-circuiting, and catching fire if not designed or manufactured properly. This recall is particularly notable because it involves a USB-C charging port directly on the battery, a feature that has become popular for convenience but may introduce additional failure points.
The Kobalt brand is owned by Lowe's, one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States. Greenworks Tools, the manufacturer of the batteries and tools, has been a major supplier of cordless outdoor power equipment for years. This recall affects a wide range of products, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws, lawn mowers, and pruning saws. Many consumers rely on these tools for routine yard maintenance, and a battery failure could lead to property damage or personal injury.
The CPSC guidelines for lithium-ion battery safety recommend avoiding charging batteries while they are attached to tools, as the added heat from the tool's motor and electronics can exacerbate thermal runaway. In this case, the USB-C charging port itself may be prone to short-circuiting if debris or moisture enters the connector. Greenworks has not yet released a detailed root cause analysis, but the replacement batteries will use a traditional charging adapter rather than a direct USB-C port, indicating that the design of the USB-C port may be the primary issue.
Previous recalls of similar products have occurred. For example, in 2021, another major tool manufacturer recalled nearly 1.5 million batteries due to fire risks. The trend suggests that as manufacturers race to add USB-C charging to battery packs for convenience, they may be overlooking certain engineering safeguards. The Kobalt recall serves as a reminder that even well-established brands can have defects, and consumers should always follow safety guidelines when charging lithium-ion batteries.
The recalled tools were sold exclusively through Lowe's, which has implemented a return program for affected customers. Consumers who purchased these tools between January and May 2026 should stop using them immediately and check the model number against the recall list. Greenworks has set up a dedicated website with a registration form where consumers can enter their information to receive a free replacement battery. The process also includes returning the old battery via a prepaid shipping label.
Understanding the Risks and How to Stay Safe
Lithium-ion batteries can fail due to manufacturing defects, physical damage, or improper charging. In this case, the failure occurs specifically when the battery is inserted into the tool and charged via USB-C. The CPSC warns that even if the battery appears undamaged, it could still short-circuit and cause a fire. Consumers are advised to remove the battery from the tool before charging, even with the replacement batteries, and to charge batteries on a non-flammable surface away from flammable materials.
For homeowners who frequently use cordless outdoor tools, this recall may cause inconvenience, but it is a necessary step to prevent potential fires. Greenworks has promised to ship replacement batteries within two to four weeks. Meanwhile, consumers can still use their tools with other batteries that are not affected by the recall, provided those batteries are from the same Kobalt 24V/48V system and do not have the USB-C charging port.
The recall highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating USB-C into high-power devices. While USB-C is a universal standard for charging many consumer electronics, it was not originally designed for the high currents required by power tool batteries. Some manufacturers have adapted the standard to handle up to 240W, but this recall suggests that the implementation may still have flaws. Greenworks has chosen to revert to a dedicated charging adapter, which is both safer and more robust for outdoor equipment.
Industry experts note that USB-C ports on power tool batteries can accumulate dirt, grass clippings, and moisture, which can create conductive paths leading to short circuits. The replacement batteries with a separate charger eliminate that risk. The warning sticker and updated manual will also help consumers avoid future mistakes.
Consumers who have questions about the recall can contact Greenworks toll-free or visit the recall page. The CPSC encourages consumers to report any incidents or injuries related to the batteries to help with ongoing investigations. No deaths have been reported, but the potential for serious injury is high when a lithium-ion battery catches fire, especially in a garage or shed where flammable liquids and materials may be present.
Source:The Verge News