Kobalt Recalls 554,780 Yard Tools Due to Battery Short-Circuit Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled 554,780 Kobalt 24V and 48V yard tools due to a battery defect that can cause short-circuits and fires, according to KIRO 7. The affected tools were sold exclusively at Lowe's stores between January 2026 and May 2026.
Owners of the recalled tools should stop using them immediately. Action News JAX reports that Greenworks Tools, the manufacturer, is offering a free replacement battery to all affected customers.
The recalled products include Kobalt-branded 24-volt and 48-volt outdoor power tools. The batteries inside these tools can short-circuit. A short-circuit means electricity flows in the wrong direction inside the battery. That can generate intense heat and start a fire.
The recall covers nearly 555,000 units — a large number that signals a widespread defect. WPXI notes the products were sold at Lowe's locations nationwide, meaning affected tools could be in homes across the country.
All recalled tools carry the Kobalt brand name and run on either 24-volt or 48-volt battery systems. Lowe's was the only retailer selling these products. The sale window ran from January 2026 through May 2026, according to WHIO.
If you bought a Kobalt yard tool at Lowe's during that period, your tool may be part of this recall. Check the voltage printed on your battery pack. If it reads 24V or 48V and was purchased in that time frame, stop using it right away.
Greenworks Tools is handling the recall. The company is giving affected customers a free replacement battery. You do not need to return the whole tool — just the battery pack. Boston 25 News confirms the replacement is provided at no cost to the consumer.
To get your replacement, contact Greenworks Tools directly. You can reach them through the CPSC recall page at cpsc.gov. Have your product's model number ready. Do not try to keep using the recalled battery while waiting for the replacement.
Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously hard to put out. They can reignite even after appearing to be extinguished. A short-circuit in a battery can cause it to overheat rapidly. This process, called thermal runaway, can destroy property and injure people nearby.
The CPSC urges consumers not to wait. Stop using the tool now. Store the battery away from flammable materials until the replacement arrives. WSOC TV and other outlets echo the same advice: the fire risk is real and acting quickly is critical.
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