Over half a million power tool batteries have been recalled due to a USB-C charging fire risk

The batteries included with several Kobalt electric tools can short-circuit if charged while attached to the tools.

Greenworks Tools has issued a recall for around 554,780 Kobalt-branded power tools designed for yard work because of a battery issue “posing a risk of serious injury from fire hazard.” There have been 34 reports of the tool’s batteries “producing smoke, sparking or catching fire while the batteries are inserted in the tool and charging with the USB-C port,” according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC). No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recall includes several models of Kobalt trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, mowers, and pruning saws that use 24V/48V lithium-ion batteries with a built-in USB-C charging port. The full list of affected models is available on both the USCPSC’s website and a dedicated recall page on Greenworks’ website . The tools were sold through Lowe’s retail and online stores from January 2026 to May 2026 for between $20 and $482.

Although the risk of short-circuits and fires is limited to when the batteries are being charged over USB-C while still inserted into the tools, it’s still recommended that consumers with affected hardware contact Greenworks Tools through a registration form to receive a free replacement battery. The new batteries come with a charging adapter instead of a USB-C port, as well as an updated product manual, a warning sticker for the tool, and a prepaid shipping label for returning the original recalled battery, according to the USCPSC.