Greenworks Recalls 554,780 Kobalt Yard Tools and Batteries Over Fire Risk: What Texas Owners Should Know

What Happened?

Greenworks Tools is recalling about 554,780 Kobalt-branded yard power tools and batteries because charging the lithium-ion batteries through their USB-C port while they are inserted in the tool can cause the batteries to short-circuit, posing a risk of serious injury from fire, according to a recall the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on July 9, 2026.

The company has received 34 reports of the batteries producing smoke, sparking, or catching fire while inserted in a tool and charging through the USB-C port, per the CPSC notice. No injuries or property damage have been reported so far. The recalled tools and batteries were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com from January 2026 through May 2026, for between $20 and $482 — peak season for yard equipment purchases in Texas.

Which Products Are Included?

The recall covers Kobalt 24V and 48V (2x24V) yard power tools that use 24V Kobalt batteries with a USB-C charging port, according to the CPSC recall notice:

• String trimmers (including trimmer-and-blower combo kits)
• Blowers and bristle brush kits
• Push and self-propelled mowers (17-inch and 21-inch decks)
• 14-inch chainsaws and 6-inch pruning saws
• Power cleaners and 24V battery two-packs (3.0Ah and 6.0Ah)

Only products with the USB-C batteries are included — the batteries come in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, and 8.0Ah sizes, and some were sold separately from the tools. The full model-number list is on the CPSC recall page.

What Should Owners Do?

The CPSC says consumers should immediately stop charging the batteries through the USB-C port while they are inserted in a tool and contact Greenworks Tools for a free replacement battery. Owners can complete the registration form on the Greenworks recall page to receive a replacement battery without the USB-C port, a charger adapter, a warning label for the tool, an updated manual, and a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery — all at no cost.

Fire-safety experts have long noted that lithium-ion battery fires burn hot and can reignite. If any battery is smoking, sparking, or hot to the touch, the safest course reported by safety agencies is to move away and call 911.

What If a Battery Fire Already Caused an Injury or Property Damage?

While no injuries have been reported in this recall so far, lithium-ion battery fires in other products have caused serious burns and house fires across the country. Texas law recognizes claims against manufacturers and sellers of defective products under Chapter 82 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and an official recall can be an important piece of evidence in that kind of case. A product-liability lawyer can investigate whether a defect played a role in a fire, preserve the product and scene evidence before it is discarded, and deal with the manufacturer and insurers on your behalf.

Timing matters as a matter of law: Texas generally gives an injured person two years from the date of injury to file a personal-injury lawsuit. Every situation is different, and no one can promise a particular result — but it costs nothing to find out if you have a case. The referral and the first consultation are free.

Sources

1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Greenworks Tools Recalls 24V and 48V Kobalt Yard Power Tools with USB-C Batteries Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire Hazard
2. KVUE — Nearly 555,000 Kobalt yard tools recalled over battery fire risk
3. FOX10 / Gray News — Kobalt recalls over 500,000 yard tools after dozens of reports of batteries catching fire
4. Greenworks Tools — Kobalt Product Recall registration
5. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, Chapter 82 (Products Liability)
6. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 (two-year limitations period)