Greenworks Recalls Over 550,000 Kobalt Batteries Over USB-C Fire Risk
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
More than half a million power tool batteries are being pulled after reports of sparking and smoke during charging.
Greenworks Tools has issued a recall for approximately 554,780 Kobalt-branded power tools intended for yard work, citing a fire hazard that could lead to serious injury, according to reporting from The Verge.
The recall affects various Kobalt models, including mowers, blowers, pruning saws, chainsaws, and trimmers. These tools utilize 24V/48V lithium-ion batteries featuring integrated USB-C charging ports. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) reports that the batteries can short-circuit if they are charged via the USB-C port while remaining inserted in the tool. The USCPSC has received 34 reports of batteries sparking, producing smoke, or catching fire under these conditions, though no property damage or injuries have been reported.
According to The Verge, the affected tools were sold through Lowe's online and retail stores between January 2026 and May 2026, with price points ranging from $20 to $482.
To remedy the issue, Greenworks Tools is offering free replacement batteries to affected consumers via a registration form. The USCPSC notes that the replacement batteries will feature a charging adapter rather than a USB-C port. The replacement package also includes a warning sticker for the tool, an updated manual, and a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery.