Overview

Amazon has been implicated in multiple product recalls and lawsuits involving defective lithium-ion 18650 batteries and portable chargers, which have caused fires, explosions, and burn injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued recalls for over 260,000 AmazonBasics portable power banks in 2018 and various 18650 battery products sold between 2014 and 2020, citing risks of overheating and chemical burns.

These products, often sourced from third-party sellers on Amazon’s marketplace, were sold for $10–$50 and marketed for use in devices like vape pens, laptops, and flashlights. Lawsuits, including a significant class action filed in California in 2020 (Bolger v. Amazon), allege that Amazon failed to vet suppliers, ignored safety warnings, and neglected to inform consumers of known risks.

Consumers report property damage, severe burns, and emotional distress, fueling claims of product liability, breach of warranty, and deceptive trade practices. As litigation grows, affected individuals seek compensation for injuries and damages, with potential for broader class actions against Amazon and its suppliers [1][2][3][4][5].

Additional recalls, such as those for Anker PowerCore power banks in 2024, reported by the CPSC for overheating risks, and ongoing investigations into third-party battery chargers sold on Amazon, underscore the widespread issue of defective battery products. These cases highlight Amazon’s role as a distributor and potential liability for failing to ensure the safety of products sold through its platform.

Affected Battery Products

The recalls and lawsuits target specific lithium-ion battery products sold on Amazon, including:

  • AmazonBasics Portable Power Banks: Six models (2000 mAh to 16,100 mAh), sold from 2014 to 2018 for $15–$50, recalled for overheating and fire risks, with 53 reports of fires and one burn injury [5].
  • 18650 Lithium-Ion Batteries: Sold by third-party sellers like Efest and MXJO from 2014 to 2020 for $10–$30, recalled for explosion and fire hazards, with 10 reported burn injuries [2][3].
  • Anker PowerCore 5000/10000: Sold from 2022 to 2024 for $20–$40, recalled in 2024 for overheating and potential fire risks, with no specific injury reports but significant consumer complaints [6].

These products were sold through Amazon’s marketplace, often by third-party vendors, and distributed to millions of consumers via retailers like Walmart and Amazon.com [1][4].

Hazards of Defective Batteries

Defective lithium-ion batteries and chargers pose significant safety risks:

  • Fires from overheating or short-circuiting, damaging homes and property.
  • Explosions due to unstable battery chemistry, causing shrapnel injuries.
  • Chemical burns from leaking battery acid or overheating components.
  • Electrical shocks from faulty chargers or exposed wiring.
  • Toxic fume exposure from burning batteries, leading to respiratory harm.

These hazards have led to documented incidents, including 53 fires from AmazonBasics power banks and 10 burn injuries from 18650 batteries, with additional unreported cases under investigation [2][5].

Symptoms of Injuries from Defective Batteries

Consumers injured by defective Amazon-sold batteries may experience:

  • Burns ranging from first-degree (redness, pain) to third-degree (deep tissue damage) from fires or battery acid.
  • Lacerations or puncture wounds from exploding battery components.
  • Respiratory distress or coughing from inhaling toxic fumes.
  • Eye irritation or vision damage from chemical exposure or sparks.
  • Chronic pain or scarring from severe burns or injuries.

These symptoms often require urgent medical care and can result in long-term health complications or emotional trauma [1][3].

Recall Remedy and Consumer Actions

Consumers with recalled AmazonBasics power banks should stop use and contact Amazon at 888-280-4331 for a refund or replacement. For 18650 batteries, consumers should check model numbers and contact the third-party seller or Amazon for refund instructions, though some sellers are unresponsive, complicating remedies. Anker PowerCore owners can contact Anker Innovations at 800-988-7973 for a refund or replacement. The CPSC advises proper disposal of recalled batteries at recycling centers to prevent further incidents. Consumers are urged to act quickly, as Amazon has been criticized for slow response to recall notifications [2][5][6].

Potential for a Class Action Lawsuit

The widespread sale of defective lithium-ion batteries through Amazon’s platform, coupled with documented injuries and property damage, has created a strong basis for class action lawsuits. The Bolger v. Amazon case, filed in California in 2020, accuses Amazon of negligence for allowing unsafe 18650 batteries to be sold, despite knowing their risks. Claims focus on product liability, failure to warn, and violations of consumer protection laws, seeking damages for medical costs, property losses, and punitive awards for Amazon’s alleged recklessness. With over 260,000 recalled power banks and thousands of hazardous 18650 batteries, the potential plaintiff class is substantial. Ongoing litigation, including multidistrict efforts, may consolidate claims against Amazon and third-party sellers, while new recalls like Anker’s in 2024 could expand the scope. Successful suits could lead to stricter safety protocols for online marketplaces [1][3][4][6].

Do I Have an Amazon Battery Class Action Lawsuit?

The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Amazon battery lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury or property damage cases in all 50 states.

Free Amazon Battery Class Action Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has experienced burns, explosions, or property damage from a defective battery purchased through Amazon, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an Amazon battery class action suit, and our lawyers can help.

References

    1. https://www.schmidtlaw.com/amazon-battery-fire-lawsuit/
    2. https://www.schmidtlaw.com/exploding-phone-battery-lawsuit/
    3. https://www.classaction.org/news/amazon.com-hit-with-class-action-over-sale-of-dangerous-defective-lithium-ion-18650-batteries
    4. https://hhjtrialattorneys.com/bolger-vs-amazon-product-liability/
    5. https://www.bestattorney.com/blog/amazon-recalls-portable-chargers-due-to-fires-and-burn-injuries/
    6. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Anker-Innovations-Limited-Recalls-PowerCore-5000-and-PowerCore-10000-Power-Banks-Due-to-Fire-Hazard

FREE Confidential Case Evaluation

To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 223-3784.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.