Urgent Safety Recall: Kobalt Yard Tools Recalled Over Fire Risks
If you own Kobalt-branded outdoor power equipment, you need to check your battery packs immediately. Greenworks Tools has officially initiated a massive recall affecting approximately 554,780 units due to a significant safety defect. The lithium-ion batteries powering these devices have been identified as a potential fire hazard, prompting intervention from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Understanding the Hazard
The core of the issue lies in the integrated USB-C charging functionality. According to official reports, the batteries can overheat, spark, or emit smoke when they are left inside the tool while connected to a USB-C charger. While it is fortunate that no physical injuries or structural property damage have been documented to date, the CPSC has logged 34 separate incidents where these batteries malfunctioned during the charging process.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in modern battery management systems. Much like the well-documented recalls involving hoverboards or certain smartphone models in the past, the integration of high-capacity lithium-ion cells with multi-purpose charging ports requires precise thermal regulation. When that regulation fails, the energy density of these batteries can lead to rapid combustion.
Affected Equipment and Identification
The recall encompasses a wide range of 24V and 48V Kobalt yard maintenance tools. If you purchased any of the following items between January 2026 and May 2026, you should verify your model number:
* Lawn Mowers
* String Trimmers
* Leaf Blowers
* Chainsaws
* Pruning Saws
These products were primarily distributed through Lowe’s, both in physical retail locations and via their online storefront, with price points ranging from $20 for smaller accessories to $482 for premium equipment.
Immediate Steps for Consumers
To determine if your specific unit is part of this safety action, you should cross-reference your serial and model numbers against the official databases. Greenworks has established a dedicated portal for this purpose, and the CPSC maintains a comprehensive list of all impacted SKUs.
Safety Protocol:
* Stop using the USB-C port: If your battery is equipped with this feature, do not attempt to charge it while it is inserted into the tool.
* Verify your model: Visit the official recall pages to confirm if your equipment is included.
* Follow manufacturer instructions: The recall process will outline the specific steps for receiving a replacement or a remedy to mitigate the fire risk.
For a complete list of affected models and instructions on how to proceed with the recall process, please visit the official resources below.
