Nationwide Recall Issued for Over 550,000 Kobalt Yard Tools Due to Fire Risk
A voluntary recall has been announced for more than 550,000 Kobalt-branded cordless yard tools and their accompanying lithium-ion battery packs sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores across the United States. The action, initiated by manufacturer Greenworks Tools in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, stems from a potential fire hazard identified during the battery charging process.
The recall encompasses a wide assortment of 24V and 48V outdoor power equipment, all of which utilize batteries featuring integrated USB-C charging ports. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected products, which include string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, and power cleaners. A comprehensive list of specific model numbers has been published to enable owners to verify if their tools are part of this corrective action.
How the Defect Manifests
The safety issue arises specifically when operators attempt to recharge the battery packs via the USB-C port while the unit remains docked inside the tool. Under these specific conditions, an internal short circuit can occur, presenting a tangible risk of the battery emitting smoke, generating sparks, or catching fire. Greenworks has documented 34 cases of battery overheating connected to this charging method. Critically, no incidents involving physical injuries or related property damage have been reported to date.
The recalled tools were available for purchase during a limited retail window, spanning January through May 2026, with individual price points stretching from roughly $20 for smaller accessories to $482 for more substantial equipment. The popularity of the Kobalt line in the seasonal home improvement market underscores the wide scope of this consumer advisory, recalling approximately 554,780 units.
Next Steps for Consumers
Owners are explicitly instructed not to charge the batteries using the USB-C port while the battery is installed in the equipment. In lieu of a standard product replacement, Greenworks is offering consumers a remediation kit upon claim submission. This kit includes a dedicated charger adapter designed to mitigate the short-circuit risk, an updated set of user instructions reinforcing safe charging practices, a warning label to affix to the equipment, and prepaid shipping materials to return the impacted batteries.
The recall centers specifically on a charging design flaw rather than a core failure of the battery cells themselves. While portable power banks and magnetic chargers from other manufacturers have made recent headlines for similar thermal runaway incidents, the remedy here focuses on retrofitting the charging interface. Consumers seeking to file a claim can find official instructions and the complete product identification guide through the recall announcement.
Sources: www.cpsc.gov, www.greenworkstools.com