More than 554,000 Kobalt cordless power tools and batteries sold nationwide through Lowe’s have been recalled after federal safety regulators identified a fire hazard tied to their USB-C charging system. The recall follows dozens of reports of batteries producing smoke, sparks, or flames while charging inside the tools, prompting consumers to immediately stop using that charging method and request replacement batteries.
Why Federal Regulators Ordered the Recall
The recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after investigators determined that certain Kobalt 24V and 48V USB-C batteries can short-circuit while charging when they remain inserted in compatible power tools. A short circuit inside a lithium-ion battery can rapidly generate heat, increasing the risk of fire even if the tool is not actively being used. Although no injuries or property damage have been confirmed, regulators emphasized that the reported incidents demonstrate a credible safety concern that warrants immediate action.
The recall affects approximately 554,780 products, making it one of the larger consumer recalls involving cordless outdoor power equipment this year. Owners are being advised not to ignore the notice simply because their batteries have appeared to function normally, since the hazard is associated with the charging process rather than everyday operation. Federal officials are urging consumers to stop charging affected batteries through the integrated USB-C port while the battery is installed in the tool and instead follow the manufacturer’s replacement instructions. The goal is to eliminate the potential fire risk before an injury or major property loss occurs.
Which Kobalt Products Are Included
The recall spans a wide range of Kobalt cordless outdoor power equipment sold between January 2026 and May 2026 at Lowe’s stores across the United States and through Lowes.com. Products included in the recall range from compact handheld tools to full-size lawn equipment, reflecting how widely the affected battery platform was used. Covered products include string trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, push mowers, self-propelled mowers, power cleaners, bristle brushes, battery combo kits, and standalone rechargeable batteries in several capacities, including 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, and 8.0Ah versions.
Retail prices ranged from about $20 for individual batteries to approximately $482 for larger equipment kits, meaning the recall reaches customers with purchases across nearly every price point. Consumers who purchased Kobalt outdoor equipment during the first half of 2026 should compare the model numbers of their products with the official recall list to determine whether their equipment is included. Because many of these tools share the same battery platform, owners of multiple Kobalt products may find that more than one battery is affected.
Dozens of Fire-Related Incidents Prompted Action
According to information reported by ABC27, the CPSC has received 34 reports involving recalled batteries that produced smoke, sparks, or flames while charging inside compatible tools through the USB-C port. While no injuries or property damage have been reported, regulators often act before serious harm occurs when a consistent pattern of hazardous failures begins to emerge. Lithium-ion battery incidents can escalate rapidly because damaged battery cells are capable of generating intense heat in a matter of seconds. Charging places additional stress on battery components, making manufacturing defects or internal failures more likely to appear during that process.
Safety experts routinely recommend discontinuing use immediately whenever a battery shows signs of overheating, unusual odors, swelling, smoke, or visible sparking. In this case, the recall serves as a preventative measure intended to reduce the possibility of future fires before more severe incidents occur. The relatively small number of reported failures compared with the number of products sold does not eliminate the potential danger, particularly when the consequence involves a possible residential fire.
What Consumers Should Do Right Now
Anyone who owns one of the recalled products should stop charging the battery through the USB-C port while it remains installed in the tool. Consumers are instructed to contact Greenworks Tools, the manufacturer responsible for these Kobalt cordless products, to receive a free replacement battery. Owners should carefully review the official recall instructions before disposing of or attempting to modify any battery themselves. Continuing to use the tool may be possible if the manufacturer’s guidance is followed, though the recalled charging method should not be used until the replacement battery has been received.
Customers should locate the model number printed on their tool or battery and compare it with the official recall list released by the CPSC. Keeping lithium-ion batteries away from heat sources and monitoring them during charging are also considered good general safety practices. Anyone uncertain whether their equipment is included should contact Greenworks customer support or consult the official recall announcement to verify eligibility. Acting promptly helps reduce the risk of fire while ensuring owners receive the replacement battery offered as part of the recall program.
