MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 11 (Nationwide Times) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says about 554,780 Kobalt 24V and 48V yard power tools are being recalled because their USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can short-circuit and create a fire hazard when charged through the USB-C port while still inserted in the tool.
The recall covers tools sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com from January through May 2026. Greenworks North America LLC, doing business as Greenworks Tools of Mooresville, North Carolina, imported the products. The tools were manufactured in China and Vietnam, according to the commission.
What products are included?
The recall includes several kinds of Kobalt yard equipment, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, power cleaners and bristle brush kits. The affected batteries came in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah sizes and had a USB-C charging port.
Why is there a recall?
Greenworks Tools told the CPSC it had received 34 reports of batteries smoking, sparking or catching fire while the battery was in a tool and being charged through the USB-C port. The commission said no injuries or property damage had been reported.
What should owners do now?
Consumers should stop charging the recalled batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inside the tools. Greenworks Tools is offering a free replacement battery without a USB-C port, along with a charger adapter, an updated product manual, a warning label and a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery.
Why does this matter?
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in cordless yard tools because they are rechargeable and pack a lot of power into a small battery. But they can become dangerous if they short-circuit or overheat. In this recall, the problem is tied to a specific charging method: using the USB-C port while the battery remains installed in the tool.
For owners, the key point is simple: stop using the recalled battery in that way and follow the recall instructions for a replacement.
