Greenworks Tools Recalls 24V and 48V Kobalt Yard Power Tools with USB-C Batteries Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire Hazard

What was recalled

In a safety notice released on July 9, 2026, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Greenworks Tools is voluntarily recalling specific Kobalt-branded yard power tools and their associated batteries. This recall is not limited to a single item but encompasses a wide range of outdoor equipment, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, push mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, and power cleaners. The common thread connecting all these diverse products is the use of 24V Kobalt-branded lithium-ion batteries that feature a USB-C charging port. If you own any of the following tool and battery combinations, your equipment may be part of this recall.

The affected tools include the Kobalt 24V 12" String Trimmer (Model KST 1224-06), the Kobalt 24V 12" 2-in-1 String Trimmer Kit (Model KST 2024-06), and the Kobalt 24V 6" Pruning Saw Kit (Model KMCS 2024-06). For blowers, the recall covers the Kobalt 24V 270 CFM/100 MPH Blower Kit (Model KHB 324-06), the Kobalt 24V 270 CFM/100 MPH Blower Combo Kit with a 3.0Ah Battery (Model KHB 2524-06), and the Kobalt 48V 600 CFM/150 MPH Blower Kit (Model KHB 6048-06). Mower owners should check if their units are among the recalled models: the Kobalt 48V 17" Deck Push Mower Kit with two 4.0Ah batteries (Model KM 4224A-06), the Kobalt 48V 21" Deck Push Mower Kit with two 5.0Ah batteries (Model KM 5224A-06), the Kobalt 48V 21" Deck Self-Propelled Mower Kit with two 6.0Ah batteries (Model KMS 6224A-06), and the Kobalt 48V 21" Deck Dual Blade Self-Propelled Mower Kit with two 8.0Ah batteries (Model KMSD 8224A-06). Additionally, the Kobalt 48V 14" Chainsaw Kit (Model KCS 4224-06) and the Kobalt 48V Bristle Brush Kit (Model KABK 3265-06) are included.

Beyond the tools themselves, the recall explicitly lists standalone batteries that were sold separately. This includes the Kobalt 24V 3.0Ah Battery (Model KB 324-06), the Kobalt 24V 6.0Ah Battery (Model KB 624-06), the Kobalt 24V 6.0Ah Battery 2-Pack Kit (Model KB 624D-06), and the Kobalt 24V 3.0Ah Battery 2-Pack Kit (Model KB 324D-06). The recall also extends to certain tool-only units, such as the Kobalt 48V 14" Chainsaw (Model KCS 1448-06), the Kobalt 48V 600 CFM/150 MPH Blower (Model KHB 6048-06), and the Kobalt 48V 15" Attachment Capable String Trimmer (Model KMS 1524-06). It is crucial to verify your model numbers against this list, as only products equipped with batteries featuring the USB-C port are subject to this recall.

While the specific locations and dates of sale are not detailed in the provided recall facts, these items were widely distributed through major retailers. If you purchased any of these Kobalt tools or batteries recently, it is vital to check the model numbers printed on the label. The scope of this recall is significant because it affects both standalone batteries and complete tool kits, meaning many homeowners could be affected without immediately realizing the specific battery variant they possess.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at what is happening inside the battery when you use it in a specific way that was not intended. The core issue involves the lithium-ion batteries used in these Greenworks Kobalt tools, specifically those equipped with a USB-C charging port. These batteries are designed to be charged either by placing them directly into the tool’s docking station or by using a separate, dedicated charger. However, the recall notice highlights a dangerous scenario: charging the battery through its USB-C port while it is still inserted inside the yard power tool.

When you attempt to charge via the USB-C port in this configuration, the electrical pathway becomes compromised. In normal operation, the tool’s internal electronics manage the flow of power from the battery to the motor. When you introduce an external power source through the USB-C port while the battery remains connected to the tool’s circuitry, it can cause a short circuit. A short circuit occurs when electricity takes an unintended, low-resistance path, causing a sudden and massive surge of current. This surge generates intense heat very quickly, far beyond what the battery’s safety mechanisms can handle.

Lithium-ion batteries are powerful energy storage devices, but they are also sensitive to thermal runaway—a condition where internal heating triggers a self-perpetuating chain reaction. When the short circuit initiates this process, the battery cells can overheat rapidly. This is not just a minor malfunction; it creates a genuine fire hazard. The heat generated can melt components, ignite surrounding materials, or cause the battery to vent flames or smoke.

This is particularly risky because yard tools are often used outdoors, near dry grass, leaves, or other flammable debris. A battery that catches fire due to electrical shorting can quickly escalate from a small spark to a significant hazard if it falls onto dry vegetation or if the user attempts to handle it while it is still hot and unstable. The risk of serious injury comes not only from burns but also from potential explosions or the spread of fire to nearby structures or objects.

The specific models affected include trimmers, blowers, mowers, chainsaws, and pruning saws that use 24V Kobalt-branded batteries with capacities ranging from 3.0Ah to 8.0Ah. The presence of the USB-C port on these batteries is what enables this incorrect charging method. While USB-C is a convenient standard for many modern devices, it was not designed to be the primary charging interface for high-power tool batteries in this specific context. Using it while the battery is docked in the tool bypasses the safety protocols built into the tool’s native charging system, leading directly to the short-circuit risk described.

In summary, the hazard is not with the battery itself under normal use, but with the interaction between the USB-C charging method and the tool’s electrical system. This interaction creates a short circuit that can lead to overheating and fire. Stopping this specific charging practice immediately is critical to preventing injury or property damage.

Who is most at risk

The individuals most immediately vulnerable to this specific recall are homeowners and gardeners who actively use Kobalt-branded yard power tools—such as trimmers, blowers, mowers, chainsaws, and pruning saws—that are powered by 24V or 48V batteries equipped with USB-C charging ports. This hazard is not limited to professional landscapers; it primarily affects the typical DIY homeowner who relies on these convenient, cordless tools for routine lawn maintenance. Because the risk stems from a specific usage pattern, anyone who charges these batteries while they remain inserted inside the tool body falls directly into the high-risk category. This includes users who keep their batteries in their trimmers or blowers overnight to ensure they are fully charged for the next morning’s work, or those who leave them in their mowers after finishing a job, intending to charge them later.

The severity of the risk is amplified by the nature of lithium-ion battery failures. When a short circuit occurs due to charging through the USB-C port while the battery is connected to the tool, the resulting fire hazard can escalate rapidly. This poses a heightened danger to children and individuals with limited mobility or slower reaction times. Children, in particular, may be present in the yard when these tools are stored or being charged near living spaces. If a battery ignites unexpectedly, it can produce intense heat, toxic smoke, and potentially explode, creating an immediate threat to anyone nearby who cannot quickly escape or recognize the early signs of thermal runaway. Elderly users or those with physical limitations may also be at greater risk because they might rely on these tools for essential yard care but could have slower reflexes or reduced strength to safely move a burning battery away from flammable materials like dry grass, mulch, or wooden decks.

Furthermore, the risk extends to anyone who purchased the recalled batteries separately, as the 3.0Ah and 6.0Ah variants were sold individually. These users might not be aware that their standalone batteries are part of a larger safety issue if they do not regularly check product registration emails or news updates. The danger is also present for households with multiple tools sharing the same battery system. If one user continues to use the faulty charging method, it endangers not only themselves but also family members who might later interact with the tool or the battery, assuming it is safe because it has been sitting idle. Therefore, the entire household that shares these Kobalt power tools should be considered at risk until the defective batteries are replaced.

• Active Users: Anyone who charges USB-C equipped Kobalt batteries while they are inside a trimmer, blower, mower, chainsaw, or pruning saw.
• Vulnerable Populations: Children and elderly individuals who may be in close proximity to stored tools or have slower reaction times to fire hazards.
• Separate Battery Owners: Individuals who bought the 3.0Ah or 6.0Ah batteries separately, as they are included in the recall regardless of whether they were sold with a tool.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your yard tool is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the power tool itself and, most importantly, the battery pack it uses. The core issue lies exclusively with Kobalt-branded batteries that feature a USB-C charging port. If your tool uses a different brand or a battery with a standard round barrel connector, it is not affected. However, if you have any of the following Kobalt tools paired with the recalled batteries, you need to take action immediately.

First, check the model numbers on the product labels. The recall covers 24V and 48V Kobalt yard power tools, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, push mowers, chainsaws, and pruning saws. Specifically, look for these tool model numbers:

• KOBALT 24V 12" String Trimmer and 270CFM/100 MPH Blower Combo Kit (Kit #KOC 1024-06): The blower is model KHB 2524-06, and the trimmer is model KST 1224-06.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 17" Deck Push Mower Kit (#KM 4224A-06): This model comes with two 4.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 21" Deck Push Mower Kit (#KM 5224A-06): This model comes with two 5.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 21" Deck Self-Propelled Mower Kit (#KMS 6224A-06): This model comes with two 6.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 21" Deck Dual Blade Self-Propelled Mower Kit (#KMSD 8224A-06): This model comes with two 8.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) Kobalt 14" Chainsaw Kit (#KCS 4224-06): This kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 24V 6" Pruning Saw Kit (#KMCS 2024-06): This kit includes one 3.0Ah battery.
• KOBALT 24V 270 CFM/100 MPH Blower Kit (#KHB 324-06): This kit includes one 3.0Ah battery.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 600 CFM/150 MPH Blower Kit (#KHB 4248-06): This kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) Bristle Brush Kit (#KABK 3265-06): This kit includes two 3.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 24V 12" 2-in-1 String Trimmer Kit (#KST 2024-06): This kit includes one 3.0Ah battery.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 15" Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit (#KMS 3248-06): This kit includes two 3.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 24V Power Cleaner Kit (#KPC 3024-06): This kit includes one 3.0Ah battery.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24) 15" Trimmer and 600 CFM Blower Combo Kit (#KOC 4248-06): The blower is model KHB 6048-06, the trimmer is model KMS 1524-06, and it includes two 4.0Ah batteries.
• KOBALT 48V (2x24V) 14" Chainsaw (Tool Only #KCS 1448-06), 600 CFM/150 MPH Blower (Tool Only #KHB 6048-06), and 15" Attachment Capable String Trimmer (Tool Only #KMS 1524-06): These tool-only versions are also included if paired with the recalled batteries.

Next, inspect the battery packs themselves. The recall includes Kobalt 24V batteries with capacities of 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, and 8.0Ah that feature a USB-C port for charging. Key battery model numbers to look for include KB 424-06, KB 524-06, KB 624-06, KXB 824-06, KB 324-06, and the dual-pack kits KB 624D-06 and KB 324D-06. If your battery has a USB-C port, stop using it for charging while it is in the tool right away.

If you are unsure whether your specific item is included, or if you have lost the model number labels, the safest approach is to visit the official recall registration page at https://www.greenworkstools.com/pages/kobalt-product-recall. There, you can verify your product details and initiate the process for a free replacement battery that does not have the USB-C port, along with a charger adapter and warning label.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have been using your Kobalt yard power tools with the affected USB-C batteries, the good news is that Greenworks Tools has established a straightforward and free remedy to resolve this safety issue. Rather than asking you to simply discard valuable equipment or navigate a complex warranty claim process, the company is providing a complete replacement kit designed to eliminate the fire hazard entirely. It is important to understand that this is not a partial fix; you are not being asked to pay for new parts or cover shipping costs. Greenworks Tools has committed to absorbing all expenses associated with making your equipment safe again, ensuring that financial cost does not become a barrier to taking action.

To initiate this process, you must contact Greenworks Tools directly through their dedicated recall portal. The first step is to complete the registration form available at https://www.greenworkstools.com/pages/kobalt-product-recall. This online form serves as your official request for the remedy and allows the company to verify that your specific product falls within the scope of this recall. Once your information is submitted, Greenworks will mail you a comprehensive package at no charge. You should expect to receive several critical items in this shipment: replacement batteries that do not have the USB-C charging port, a charger adapter that allows you to use existing standard chargers safely, a warning label to affix to your yard power tool for future reference, an updated product manual detailing safe usage practices, and a pre-paid shipping label along with clear instructions for returning the recalled batteries.

The logic behind this specific remedy is rooted in the nature of the hazard. Because the risk arises from short-circuiting when charging through the USB-C port while the battery is inserted in the tool, simply disabling the port or software updates are not viable solutions. The physical design of the battery must be changed to prevent the electrical pathway that causes the fire. By providing batteries without the USB-C port, Greenworks removes the possibility of this specific failure mode occurring. The inclusion of a charger adapter ensures that you can continue to power your tools using your existing infrastructure, maintaining convenience while drastically improving safety.

It is crucial to follow the return instructions precisely. The pre-paid shipping label provided in your kit should be used to send the recalled batteries back to Greenworks Tools. Do not attempt to dispose of the recalled batteries in regular household trash or recycling bins, as lithium-ion batteries can pose environmental and safety risks if handled improperly. By returning them via the provided method, you ensure they are processed safely and recycled appropriately. Remember, this remedy is available to all consumers who own the affected models listed in the recall notice. Take the time to fill out the registration form promptly so you can receive your free replacement kit and rest easy knowing your yard work tools are safe to use.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to view a product recall as an inconvenience—a temporary disruption to your gardening schedule or a hassle of filling out forms and shipping packages. However, in the case of the Greenworks Tools Kobalt yard power tools with USB-C batteries, ignoring this safety notice carries consequences that extend far beyond mere frustration. The core issue is not simply that the tool might stop working; it is that continuing to use the affected batteries in the manner described poses a direct and serious threat to your physical safety and property security.

The specific danger lies in the electrical architecture of the battery when it is subjected to charging through its USB-C port while simultaneously connected to the power tool. Under normal circumstances, lithium-ion batteries are designed with internal safeguards to manage heat and current flow. However, this particular configuration creates a short-circuit condition. When you charge the battery via USB-C while it remains inserted in the trimmer, blower, mower, or chainsaw, the electrical pathways can become compromised. This is not a minor glitch; it is a fundamental failure of the power management system that allows uncontrolled energy release.

The immediate result of this short circuit is thermal runaway. As the battery cells overheat rapidly, they can ignite without warning. Fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries are particularly volatile because they can escalate from a small spark or smoke emission to a full-blown flame in a matter of seconds. If you ignore the recall and continue to charge your equipment this way, you are essentially leaving a potential ignition source active in your home, garage, shed, or even outdoors near dry vegetation. The heat generated can melt plastic components of the tool, damage surrounding surfaces, and ignite nearby combustible materials such as leaves, mulch, or fuel containers.

The risk of serious injury is real and documented as a primary concern by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Burns to hands or arms are likely if you are holding the tool during the incident. More severely, flying debris from ruptured battery casings can cause impact injuries. In enclosed spaces like a garage or basement, there is also the risk of smoke inhalation and structural damage to your home. While the recall facts provided do not specify the exact number of reported incidents, the classification of this hazard as one capable of causing "serious injury" indicates that these are not theoretical possibilities but verified risks that have already manifested in real-world scenarios.

By ignoring this recall, you are also voiding any implicit safety guarantee from the manufacturer. You are assuming the risk entirely on your own shoulders. The remedy offered—a free replacement battery without the USB-C port, along with a charger adapter and warning labels—is designed specifically to eliminate this electrical pathway. Refusing or delaying this fix means you are keeping a known defect in active use. In the event of an accident caused by a recalled product that the owner was notified about but did not address, legal recourse for damages can become significantly more complicated, and your liability for any resulting harm to others or their property could increase.

Ultimately, the cost of ignoring this recall is measured in safety. The few hours it takes to complete the registration form and ship back the defective battery are negligible compared to the potential devastation of a house fire or the trauma of a serious burn injury. The technology has been updated to remove the USB-C charging capability from these specific batteries precisely because the risk outweighs any convenience. Continuing to use them is not just a breach of safety protocol; it is an unnecessary gamble with your well-being.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a unique design quirk involving USB-C charging ports on Kobalt batteries, the underlying principle is universal for anyone who relies on rechargeable lithium-ion power tools: treat your battery packs with the same respect you would give to a fuel tank. Lithium-ion cells are incredibly efficient and powerful, but they are also chemically active in ways that can become unpredictable if stressed. The most critical habit you can develop is understanding how your specific tools interact with their power source. Never assume that because a device has multiple charging options—such as a dedicated charger port and a USB-C port—that they are interchangeable in every scenario. Manufacturers design these ports for different purposes, such as data transfer or emergency trickle charging of small devices like phones, not necessarily for full-speed recharging while the battery is under load or connected to the tool’s internal circuitry. When you bypass the intended charging pathway, you risk overwhelming the battery’s management system, which can lead to overheating, swelling, or in rare cases, thermal runaway.

To stay safe with any cordless power tool, always consult your user manual before attempting new charging methods. The manual is not just a legal document; it is the manufacturer’s guide to keeping you out of harm’s way. If you are unsure whether a battery can be charged while inserted in a tool, the answer is almost certainly no unless explicitly stated in that guide. Additionally, establish a routine inspection schedule for your batteries and tools. Look for signs of physical damage, such as cracked casings, exposed wiring, or discoloration on the battery contacts. If a battery feels unusually warm to the touch after use or during charging, disconnect it immediately and place it in a safe, non-flammable area away from combustible materials to cool down. Heat is often the first indicator that something is wrong with the internal chemistry.

Beyond individual tool maintenance, consider the broader environment where you store and charge your equipment. Never charge lithium-ion batteries in enclosed spaces like metal lockers, inside vehicles, or near flammable materials such as gasoline, paint thinner, or dry leaves. Always use a hard, non-combustible surface, such as concrete or tile, rather than wood or carpet. It is also wise to invest in a dedicated fire extinguisher rated for electrical and chemical fires (Class ABC or specifically designed for lithium-ion incidents) in your garage or workshop. Finally, register all your power tools with the manufacturers. This simple step ensures that if a safety defect is discovered later, you will be notified directly rather than relying on public news reports. Proactive registration and mindful handling are the best defenses against the unexpected risks inherent in high-energy portable electronics.