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567,000 Portable Chargers Sold at Costco Recalled Due to Fire Risks
June 21, 2024
A Michigan-based company, myCharge, has initiated a recall of approximately 567,000 portable battery chargers sold at Costco locations across the United States. This decision follows 120 reported incidents of the devices overheating during charging, including two cases linked to residential fires that led to $165,000 in claimed property damage. The recall aims to address safety concerns and prevent potential hazards.
The recall process urges owners of the affected chargers to cease using them immediately and contact myCharge for a replacement. This proactive step is crucial to ensuring user safety and preventing any further incidents. The recall notice highlights the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and being vigilant about product performance.
The overheating issue has raised significant safety alarms. myCharge disclosed the recall in a notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Thursday. According to the company, five reports were received about the chargers overheating and causing incidents, two of which resulted in home fires. Additionally, Costco received 115 returns from customers who reported various malfunctions, such as melting, expanding, smoking, catching fire, burning, exploding, or sparking. Fortunately, there have been no injuries requiring medical attention associated with these incidents.
The specific products under recall are the myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh portable chargers. These chargers, identified by model numbers AO10FK-A, AO10FK-B, and AO10FK-C and all manufactured in China, were available for purchase both in Costco stores and online from January 2022 through November 2023. Priced at around $40, these chargers have been widely used due to their convenience and capacity.
The company myCharge, headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and is committed to addressing the problem. According to NBC News, customers with the recalled products can call 888-251-2026 or email compliance@mycharge.com for a free replacement.
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