Alexandria Homeowners Urged To Check Kobalt Yard Tools After Nationwide Recall
Fire Hazard Prompts Recall Of More Than 550,000 Battery-Powered Outdoor Tools Sold At Lowe's
Alexandria, VA As lawn care season continues across Alexandria, local homeowners are being encouraged to check their garages and sheds after a nationwide recall involving more than 554,000 Kobalt battery-powered yard tools sold at Lowe’s stores and online.
The recall affects select Kobalt 24V and 48V outdoor power tools equipped with lithium-ion batteries featuring USB-C charging ports. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the batteries can short-circuit if they are charged through the USB-C port while still inserted in the tool, creating a fire hazard.
For Alexandria residents who rely on battery-powered trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, mowers, and pruning saws to maintain their properties, officials say it’s important to determine whether their equipment is included in the recall before using the batteries again.
What Alexandria Residents Should Know
The recalled products were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com between January and May 2026, with prices ranging from approximately $20 to $482. The affected batteries were available in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, and 8.0Ah capacities and include a USB-C charging port. Only Kobalt tools using the recalled USB-C batteries are included in the recall.
Official Safety Warning
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to stop using the USB-C charging feature while the battery remains inserted in the tool.
According to the CPSC recall notice:
“Consumers should stop charging the batteries with the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the yard power tools immediately and contact Greenworks Tools to receive a free replacement battery.”
Greenworks Tools, the importer of the recalled products, is providing replacement batteries that no longer include a USB-C charging port, along with a charger adapter, updated instructions, warning labels, and a prepaid shipping label for returning the recalled batteries.
Reports Prompted the Recall
The recall was announced July 9 after Greenworks received 34 reports of batteries producing smoke, sparking, or catching fire while being charged through the USB-C port with the battery installed in the tool. Fortunately, officials say there have been no reported injuries or property damage associated with the defect.
How to Check Your Equipment
Alexandria homeowners who purchased Kobalt outdoor power equipment earlier this year should verify whether their batteries include a USB-C charging port and compare their model information with the official recall list.
How to Check If Your Kobalt Battery Is Recalled
- Look for the battery label — Remove the battery from the tool and check the label printed on the battery casing.
- Check the charging port — The recalled batteries have a USB-C charging port built into the battery pack.
- Find the model number and capacity — Look for the battery model number and capacity information (such as 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, or 8.0Ah) printed on the battery label.
- Compare the model number — Find a list of the affected products at The CPSC: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Greenworks-Tools-Recalls-24V-and-48V-Kobalt-Yard-Power-Tools-with-USB-C-Batteries-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-from-Fire-Hazard
Tool owners are urged by the CPSC to discontinue charging the batteries through the USB-C port while they are installed in the tool and contact Greenworks to begin the replacement process.
The company is offering free replacement batteries and return shipping for the recalled units. Additional recall information is available through Greenworks Tools and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
