Kobalt Brand 40-volt Lithium Ion Cordless Electric Chainsaws
CPSC Recall #20-191 — September 23, 2020
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 20-191 |
| Recall Date | September 23, 2020 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 150,000 (In addition, about 1,400 were sold in Canada) |
| Manufacturer | Changzhou Globe Co. Ltd., of China |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Lowe’s Stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com from January 2014 through March 2020 for about $200. |
Product
Kobalt Brand 40-volt Lithium Ion Cordless Electric Chainsaws
Description
This recall involves Kobalt brand 40-volt lithium ion 12-inch cordless electric chainsaws. Date codes from 11/01/13 to 03/31/20 are included in the recall. The chain saws are blue and black. “Kobalt,” “40v max” and “12 in. 30 cm” are printed on the chain saw. The model number and date code are printed on the label located in the rear handle. The UPC is located on the box.DescriptionModel NumberUPCKobalt 40-volt Lithium-Ion 12-in Cordless Electric Chainsaw (Battery Included)KCS 120-0784182102474-1Kobalt 40-volt Lithium-Ion 12-in Cordless Electric Chainsaw (Battery Not Included)KCS 12084182101749-1
Hazard
The chainsaw can remain in the “on” position, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
Hongkong Sun Rise Trading has received 48 reports of the switch contacts welding causing the chainsaw to remain in the “on” position. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chainsaws and contact Hongkong Sun Rise Trading for a free repair.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.