What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a significant recall on May 26, 2017, concerning specific models of cordless electric walk-behind lawn mowers. This action was taken because the products, manufactured by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading, presented a serious safety risk to homeowners who relied on them for yard maintenance. The recall specifically targets two well-known brands: Kobalt and Greenworks. If you own one of these machines, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit falls within this batch, as the issue is tied to particular manufacturing dates and model configurations rather than the entire product lines indefinitely.
The affected products are 40-volt max lithium-ion battery-powered lawn mowers featuring a deck width of 20 inches. These walk-behind units are designed with four wheels—specifically, two smaller wheels at the front and two larger wheels at the rear—to facilitate easier maneuvering across various lawn terrains. Visually, these mowers are distinct. The Kobalt brand models come in a blue and black color scheme, while the Greenworks variants are colored green and black. Both brands feature large labels located on the rear bag door area. These labels are your primary source of truth for identification, as they display the serial number, model number, and date code. Additionally, the Kobalt brand mowers will have a specific item number printed on this label, whereas the Greenworks models do not utilize an item number in the same way.
Two specific models are included in this recall notice. The first is the Kobalt 40-volt max cordless dual-blade push lawn mower, identified by model number KM2040X-06 and item number 506586. These units were produced with date codes ranging from April 14, 2014, to May 14, 2015. The second affected model is the Greenworks G-MAX 40-volt twin force cordless electric push lawn mower, identified by model number 25302. These Greenworks units were manufactured with date codes from April 10, 2014, to July 17, 2015. It is important to note that the recall only applies to mowers bearing these exact model numbers and falling within these specific production windows. Mowers produced outside these dates or with different model identifiers are not part of this specific safety alert.
While the official recall announcement does not explicitly list every retail store where these units were sold, it is widely known that Kobalt tools are exclusively available at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores across the United States. Greenworks products have been distributed through various major hardware and outdoor power equipment retailers. Regardless of where you purchased your mower, if it matches the model numbers and date codes described above, it is part of this recall. The manufacturer has acknowledged that there have been 12 reported incidents associated with these mowers, including five reports of fires, prompting this immediate safety action. If your mower matches the description, please treat it as part of the recalled group until you can verify its status through the official remedy process.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific failure within the electrical system of these cordless electric lawn mowers: the circuit board. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what that component actually does. In any electronic device like a Kobalt or Greenworks mower, the circuit board acts as the central nervous system. It manages the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor, controlling power delivery and protecting the internal components from surges or irregularities. When this board functions correctly, it ensures your mower runs smoothly. However, in the recalled units manufactured by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading, the circuit board is defective in a way that allows it to "short circuit."
A short circuit occurs when an unintended path creates a direct connection between two points in an electrical circuit that should not be connected. Think of it like water finding a crack in a pipe and spraying out uncontrollably instead of flowing through the nozzle. In this case, electricity arcs or flows where it shouldn’t, generating intense, localized heat very quickly. This isn’t just a minor glitch; it is a rapid accumulation of thermal energy that can ignite nearby materials. Because the mower contains plastic components, grass clippings, and potentially residual fuel vapors if used on a gas-free but dirty deck, that sudden heat can easily lead to ignition.
The danger here is twofold. First, there is the immediate risk of fire while you are operating the machine. Lawn mowers are often used in dry conditions with accumulated dry grass, which acts as kindling. If the circuit board ignites during use, the fire can spread rapidly to the battery pack or the body of the mower. Second, there is the risk even after you have finished using it. Because the defect is inherent in the hardware, the potential for a short circuit exists whenever the device is powered on, and potentially even when it is charging or sitting idle if residual heat triggers combustion. The CPSC data confirms that this physical mechanism has already led to five reported fires among 12 incidents.
While no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is significant. Fire hazards in power tools are particularly dangerous because they can occur unexpectedly and spread faster than a user might react. The lithium-ion battery itself, while generally safe with proper management, can also become a secondary hazard if exposed to the high temperatures generated by an electrical short. This is why the remedy focuses on immediate repair rather than simple disposal or software updates—the physical component causing the heat must be replaced to eliminate the root cause of the danger entirely.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing risk in this recall consists of homeowners and gardeners who own specific models of Kobalt or Greenworks cordless electric walk-behind lawn mowers manufactured by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading. These are not industrial-grade machines found on large commercial properties; they are consumer products designed for residential use, typically found in suburban backyards. The devices are distinctively colored—Kobalt models come in blue and black, while Greenworks units are green and black—and feature a 40-volt max lithium-ion battery system with a 20-inch deck width. If you purchased one of these mowers between April 2014 and mid-2015, you fall directly into the affected demographic. This includes individuals who maintain their own lawns, as well as renters or homeowners who may have bought a used unit during that timeframe from secondhand markets, estate sales, or peer-to-peer selling platforms.
While the mechanical hazard—a short-circuiting circuit board—can theoretically affect any user regardless of age or physical ability, certain groups face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the fire risk and the operating environment. The most immediate danger arises during active use, when the mower is powered on and the battery is engaged. For elderly users or those with limited mobility, the presence of a potential fire source within a device they are pushing can be particularly perilous. Unlike a gas-powered mower, which has a fuel tank that may leak but does not typically ignite spontaneously from electrical faults in the same way, an electric mower’s power source is integrated directly into the handle and chassis. If the circuit board fails while the user is maneuvering the machine near flammable materials, such as dry leaves, wood chips, or garden mulch, the proximity of these fuels can accelerate a small electrical spark into a significant blaze.
Children are also at risk, not necessarily because they operate the mowers, but because of where these devices are stored. Consumers often store cordless lawn equipment in garages, sheds, or covered patios near other combustible items like gasoline cans, paint thinner, or wooden structures. A short circuit that occurs while the mower is sitting idle—perhaps due to a residual charge in the battery or a fault in the charging process if left plugged in (if applicable to the specific charging method)—can ignite the surrounding area. Families with young children who are curious about tools and electronics may inadvertently interact with the device, potentially triggering a fault or exposing themselves to heat and smoke before an adult realizes there is a problem.
Furthermore, individuals living in areas prone to drought or high heat face compounding risks. The recall notes that 12 incidents have been reported, including five fires. While no injuries have been recorded yet, the potential for property damage is significant. Homeowners who rely on these tools for regular maintenance are at risk of losing both the equipment and potentially nearby structures if a fire spreads from the mower’s bag or deck area. The vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that electrical fires can produce toxic smoke rapidly, posing a health risk to anyone in the vicinity, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Therefore, the "most at risk" category extends beyond just the owner of the mower to include family members and neighbors who share the immediate living space where the defective unit is stored or used.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, you need to be absolutely certain that the lawn mower in your garage matches the specific units involved in this recall. Because these tools look very similar to many other models on the market, relying solely on the brand name is not enough. You must verify the exact model number, date codes, and physical characteristics against the official list provided by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified two specific cordless electric walk-behind lawn mowers as being part of this recall: the Kobalt 40-volt max dual-blade push mower and the Greenworks G-MAX 40-volt twin force push mower. If your machine does not match one of these two descriptions precisely, it is likely safe from this specific fire hazard, but you should still exercise caution with any power tool that shows signs of electrical trouble.
The most reliable way to identify a recalled unit is by locating the large label affixed to the rear bag door area of the mower. This sticker contains the critical information you need: the serial number, the model number, and the date code. For the Kobalt brand mowers, there is also an item number printed on this same label. You will know you have a recalled Kobalt model if it is blue and black, features a 20-inch deck width, uses a 40-volt max lithium-ion battery, and has four wheels (two smaller front wheels and two larger rear wheels). Crucially, the date codes for these recalled Kobalt units fall between April 14, 2014, and May 14, 2015. The model number you are looking for is KM2040X-06, with item number 506586.
If you have a Greenworks mower, the identification process is similar but focuses on different details. Look for a green and black machine with the "Greenworks" logo printed on the side of the bag. Like the Kobalt model, this unit has a 20-inch deck width and uses a 40-volt max lithium-ion battery with four wheels. The specific model number for the recalled Greenworks G-MAX 40-volt twin force cordless electric push lawn mower is 25302. Unlike the Kobalt model, this item does not have an associated item number listed in the recall data. The date codes for these Greenworks units range from April 10, 2014, to July 17, 2015. If your mower’s date code falls outside these ranges, or if the colors and model numbers do not match exactly, your unit is not part of this specific recall.
Once you have located the label and confirmed the details, take a moment to double-check your findings. If you are unsure about the reading of the date code or the model number, do not guess. It is better to be overly cautious than to risk an electrical fire. You can verify your findings by visiting www.greenworkstools.com and clicking on "Important Safety Notice" at the bottom of the page, or by calling Hongkong Sun Rise Trading’s toll-free number at 888-266-7096 during their operating hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET any day.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Kobalt or Greenworks cordless electric lawn mowers, please pause whatever you are doing and follow these steps carefully. The safety of you and your family is the absolute priority here, so we need to act quickly but calmly. The first and most critical action is to immediately stop using the mower. Do not attempt to cut grass, do not try to diagnose the issue yourself, and do not leave it plugged in or sitting with a charged battery nearby if it can be avoided. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates that the circuit board within these specific units can short-circuit and catch fire. This is not a minor malfunction; it is a serious fire hazard. By stopping use right now, you are effectively removing the fuel source for any potential incident before it starts. It may feel inconvenient to put your gardening plans on hold, but this brief pause prevents much larger problems later. Once you have safely set the mower aside, the next step is to remove the battery if you are comfortable doing so. This helps isolate the power source and reduces risk while you prepare for the remedy. After the unit is powered down and the battery is out, you need to contact Hongkong Sun Rise Trading, the manufacturer responsible for these Kobalt and Greenworks models. You have two convenient options for reaching them. You can call their toll-free number at 888-266-7096. They are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on any day of the week, which is helpful if you need flexibility in scheduling your call. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.greenworkstools.com. On the homepage, look for the "Important Safety Notice" link located at the bottom of the page. This online resource will provide you with detailed instructions specific to your model and may offer additional digital support forms or tracking information. When you speak with a representative or complete the online process, explain that you have one of the recalled models: either the Kobalt 40-volt max cordless dual-blade push lawn mower (models KM2040X-06) or the Greenworks G-MAX 40-volt twin force cordless electric push lawn mower (model 25302). Be prepared to provide the serial number, model number, and date code found on the large label located on the rear bag door area of your mower. For Kobalt models, you may also need to provide the item number. The remedy offered by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading is a free repair. They will guide you through the process of getting this fixed at no cost to you. Do not pay for any parts or labor associated with this safety recall. If you encounter any difficulty reaching them or if the online notice seems outdated, rely on the phone number as your primary point of contact. Following these steps ensures that the fire hazard is addressed professionally and completely, allowing you to return to your lawn care routines with peace of mind.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your lawn mower is part of this recall, the first thing to understand is that you are not left to handle this safety issue on your own. The manufacturer, Hongkong Sun Rise Trading, has established a formal remedy to resolve the problem for affected customers. In this specific case, the company is offering a free repair. This means that you will not be charged for the parts or labor required to fix the defect. It is important to note that the recall notice does not mention a full refund or a direct replacement with a new unit as standard options. Instead, the path forward involves correcting the electrical issue within your existing machine. While this might initially sound like more work than simply getting your money back, a repair ensures that you retain a tool you may already be comfortable using, provided it is made safe.
To access this remedy, you must take specific steps to contact the company directly. You can reach Hongkong Sun Rise Trading by calling their toll-free number at 888-266-7096. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, seven days a week. This wide availability is helpful if you need to speak with someone outside of standard business hours or on a weekend. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.greenworkstools.com. Once there, scroll to the very bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Important Safety Notice." This online portal should provide further details on how to initiate the repair process and may offer additional instructions for mailing in parts or scheduling service.
Before you make any contact, please remember the immediate safety instruction: stop using the recalled lawn mowers right away. Remove the battery from the unit before you attempt to store it or prepare it for the repair process. This step is critical because the hazard involves a circuit board that can short circuit and catch fire. Keeping the battery connected while the mower sits idle increases the risk of an incident occurring in your home or garage. By removing the battery, you effectively neutralize the power source and significantly reduce the danger until the professional repair is completed.
When you speak with Hongkong Sun Rise Trading or navigate their website, have your product information ready. As mentioned earlier, your specific model number, serial number, and date code are printed on a large label located on the rear bag door area. For Kobalt brand mowers, also locate the item number. Having these details on hand will help the customer service representative verify that your unit is indeed part of this recall and expedite the repair process. They may ask for photos of the label to confirm eligibility. Do not attempt to open the electrical components yourself or try to fix the circuit board issue on your own, as this could void any warranty or safety guarantee provided by the manufacturer.
It is also worth noting that while the primary remedy is a repair, the company has documented twelve reported incidents associated with these models, five of which involved actual fires. Although no injuries have been reported to date, the seriousness of the fire hazard underscores why following their official remedy instructions exactly is so important. By engaging with their official channels, you are ensuring that the fix meets their safety standards. If you encounter any difficulties reaching them by phone, rely on the online resource at www.greenworkstools.com as your secondary option. The goal is to get your mower safely repaired or to receive clear guidance on the next steps without delay.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a new lawn mower. You have likely spent time planning your weekend yard work, and the last thing you want is for a minor safety notice to disrupt your routine. After all, the recall notice states that while there have been reports of fires, no injuries have been reported so far. This statistic can create a false sense of security, leading some owners to think, "It hasn't happened to me yet, so my unit must be fine." However, relying on luck rather than safety protocols is a significant gamble when it comes to electrical devices operating near dry grass and flammable debris.
The core issue lies in the circuit board within the mower. As noted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this component can short circuit. In plain terms, a short circuit occurs when electricity takes an unintended path, bypassing the normal safety controls. When this happens in a high-power device like a 40-volt lawn mower, that stray electrical energy is converted into intense heat very quickly. Because these mowers operate in environments filled with dry leaves, grass clippings, and dust, that heat can instantly ignite nearby combustible materials. What starts as a small electrical spark inside the machine can rapidly escalate into a full-blown fire on your lawn or, worse, in your garage or shed where you store it.
The risks extend beyond just the immediate danger of flames. The recall data indicates that the company has received 12 reported incidents involving these specific Kobalt and Greenworks models, with five of those specifically citing fires. While the current count shows no injuries, electrical fires are inherently unpredictable. They can produce toxic smoke, spread unexpectedly through insulation or plastic components, and damage not only the mower but also nearby property, including your home’s structure or other valuable equipment. Ignoring the recall means keeping a potential ignition source in your possession without the necessary repairs to mitigate that risk.
Furthermore, continuing to use a device with a known electrical fault can void any remaining warranty coverage and may complicate insurance claims if an incident does occur. Most homeowner’s insurance policies require you to maintain safe living conditions; knowingly using a recalled product with a known fire hazard could be viewed as negligence. The remedy offered by Hongkong Sun Rise Trading is free, but it requires action on your part. By ignoring the recall, you are not only risking personal safety and property damage but also missing out on a straightforward, no-cost solution to ensure your outdoor tools remain safe for years to come.