Summary (tl;dr)

Lowe's has recalled approximately 554,780 Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools due to a fire hazard posed by their USB-C charging lithium-ion batteries. The risk arises when the batteries are charged through the USB-C port while still inserted in the tool, which can lead to short-circuiting, smoking, sparking, or fire.

Essential Background

Kobalt is Lowe's in-house brand for various tools and equipment. The recall specifically impacts certain Kobalt 24V and 48V lithium-ion batteries that feature a USB-C charging port, sold with a range of yard power tools including string trimmers, blowers, mowers, chainsaws, and pruning saws. These affected products were available for purchase at Lowe's stores nationwide and on Lowes.com between January 2026 and May 2026.

The Full Story

On July 9, 2026, Greenworks Tools, the importer of these products, announced the recall in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall stems from a dangerous defect where charging the specific USB-C equipped batteries while they remain in the yard tool can cause a short-circuit, leading to a fire hazard. Greenworks Tools has received 34 reports of these batteries smoking, sparking, or catching fire, though thankfully no injuries or property damage have been reported to date. Consumers are strongly advised to immediately cease charging these batteries via the USB-C port while they are inside the tools. Greenworks Tools is offering a complimentary replacement battery kit, which includes a new battery without a USB-C port, a charger adapter, a warning label for the tool, an updated manual, and a pre-paid shipping label to return the recalled batteries.

Why It Matters

This widespread recall of over half a million units is critical due to the serious fire hazard associated with the faulty batteries. The potential for products to ignite poses a significant safety risk to consumers and their property. While no injuries have been reported, the numerous incidents of batteries smoking, sparking, or catching fire underscore the urgency for consumers to act on the recall notice and obtain a safe replacement. The recall aims to prevent potential fires and ensure consumer safety.

Geographic Location

• United States (sales nationwide and CPSC recall announcement)
• Mooresville, Iredell County, North Carolina, United States (Greenworks North America LLC, the importer)
• China (manufacturing location)
• Vietnam (manufacturing location)