MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 11 (Nationwide Times) — About 554,780 Kobalt yard power tools sold at Lowe’s are being recalled after federal safety officials said their USB-C rechargeable batteries can overheat if they are charged while still installed in the tool.
What was recalled?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall covers Kobalt 24V and 48V yard tools sold nationwide in Lowe’s stores and on Lowes.com from January through May 2026. The affected products include string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, power cleaners and bristle brush kits.
The batteries came in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah sizes and had a USB-C charging port, according to the CPSC.
Why are they being recalled?
The CPSC said charging the lithium-ion batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries remain inside the tools can cause a short circuit. In simple terms, a short circuit is an electrical failure that can create heat very quickly and raise the risk of fire.
Greenworks North America LLC, doing business as Greenworks Tools of Mooresville, North Carolina, imported the recalled products. The CPSC said the tools were manufactured in China and Vietnam.
What has happened?
Greenworks Tools told the CPSC it had received 34 reports of batteries smoking, sparking or catching fire while inserted in a tool and charging through the USB-C port. The federal notice said no injuries or property damage had been reported.
What should consumers do?
The CPSC says owners should stop charging the batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the yard tools. Greenworks Tools is offering a free replacement battery without a USB-C port, along with a charger adapter, updated product manual, warning label and prepaid shipping label for returning the recalled battery.
Consumers can use the CPSC recall number 26-611 to find the official notice and remedy instructions.
