Over 500,000 power tool batteries recalled due to fire hazard from USB-C charging.

Greenworks Tools has announced a recall affecting approximately 554,780 Kobalt-branded power tools intended for outdoor use due to a battery issue that presents a fire hazard risk. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has reported 34 incidents where the batteries emitted smoke, sparked, or caught fire while being charged via the USB-C port while still in the tools. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or property damage.

The recall encompasses various models of Kobalt trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, mowers, and pruning saws that utilize 24V/48V lithium-ion batteries equipped with a USB-C charging port. A complete list of the affected models can be found on the USCPSC website and a specific recall page on Greenworks’ site. These tools were available for purchase at Lowe’s stores and online from January 2026 to May 2026, with prices ranging from $20 to $482.

While the risk of short-circuits and fires is confined to the charging process via USB-C with the batteries still in the tools, it is advisable for consumers with the affected products to reach out to Greenworks Tools using a registration form to obtain a free replacement battery. The new batteries will include 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 recalled battery, as stated by the USCPSC.