Kobalt recalls more than 554,000 yard tools and batteries over fire risk
Consumers who purchased certain Kobalt yard power tools with USB-C batteries may want to check their equipment. More than 554,000 batteries and compatible yard power tools have been recalled after federal safety officials said charging the batteries while they are inserted in the tools can cause them to short-circuit, posing a serious fire hazard.
Why was the recall initiated?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall Thursday, July 9, involving about 554,780 Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools with USB-C batteries.
Reports of incidents
According to the CPSC, charging the batteries through the USB-C port while they are still installed in the yard power tools can cause them to short-circuit, creating a fire hazard.
Greenworks Tools has received 34 reports of batteries producing smoke, sparking or catching fire while they were being charged through the USB-C port while installed in the tools.
To date, no injuries have been reported.
Which products are affected?
The recall (No. 26-611) involves Kobalt 24V and 48V Trimmers, Blowers, Mowers, Chainsaws and Pruning Saws with USB-C Batteries.
The following Kobalt products are included in the recall:
-Kobalt 24V 12-inch string trimmer and 270 CFM/100 MPH blower combo kit
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) push mowers (17-inch and 21-inch models)
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) self-propelled mowers (21-inch, including dual-blade model)
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) 14-inch chainsaws (kit and tool-only models)
-Kobalt 24V 6-inch pruning saw kit
-Kobalt 24V blowers
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) blowers (kit and tool-only models)
-Kobalt 24V string trimmer kit
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) attachment-capable string trimmer (kit and tool-only models)
-Kobalt 24V power cleaner kit
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) bristle brush kit
-Kobalt 48V (2x24V) trimmer and blower combo kit
-Kobalt 24V 3.0Ah USB-C batteries (single and two-pack)
-Kobalt 24V 6.0Ah USB-C battery two-pack
Only products that include the recalled 24V Kobalt-branded batteries with a USB-C charging port are affected. The batteries were sold in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah capacities. The 3.0Ah and 6.0Ah batteries were also sold separately.
Where were they sold?
The recalled 24V Kobalt-branded batteries with a USB-C charging port were sold through Lowe's stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com from January 2026 through May 2026 for between $20 and $482.
The products were imported by Greenworks North America, LLC, dba Greenworks Tools, of Mooresville, North Carolina and manufactured in China and Vietnam.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should stop charging the batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the yard power tools immediately, according to the CPSC.
Greenworks Tools is offering free replacement batteries. To receive one, consumers must contact the company. Customers can register at greenworkstools.com/pages/kobalt-product-recall to get new batteries lacking a USB-C port, a charger adapter, a warning label for their yard tool, an updated manual, and a prepaid shipping label with return instructions for the faulty batteries.
For more information, call Greenworks Tools toll-free at 888-266-7096 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, email at recalls@greenworkstools.com or visit greenworkstools.com/pages/product-recall-information. Consumers can also visit greenworkstools.com and click "Recalls & Important Safety Notices" at the bottom of the page.
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