Anker Recalls Half A Million Power Banks Over Fire And Burn Hazards

Portable power banks have become essential tools for travelers, students, and professionals. However, a recent large-scale recall shows that there are potential dangers related to defective lithium-ion batteries. On September 18, 2025, electronics manufacturer Anker Innovations announced the recall of 481,000 portable power banks because of a fire and burn hazard caused by the battery overheating. This recall, coordinated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), underscores growing safety concerns about lithium-powered consumer devices.

What does the recall cover? 

Several models of Anker’s PowerCore and Anker 535 product lines are impacted by the recall. According to the CPSC, the batteries can sometimes overheat. This poses a risk of fire, smoke, or burns. To date, consumers have reported around 15 incidents of the batteries overheating. This includes several incidents that resulted in property damage. There were two minor burn injuries.

The affected devices were sold online through Amazon. They were also sold through Anker’s website. In addition, they were sold at brick and mortar retailers like Best Buy and Target. They were typically priced between $60 and $130.

The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately stop using the recalled products, unplug them from any power source, and contact Anker for a full refund. Anker has also launched a dedicated recall website where owners can input their model and serial number to confirm their eligibility.

Legal and safety issues 

While lithium-ion batteries are practically ubiquitous, they remain one of the market’s most persistent and dangerous threats to consumer safety. When the devices are punctured or overheated, the batteries can enter a state called “thermal runaway,” which occurs when internal temperatures rapidly escalate. This can release flammable gas and potentially ignite the battery.

Legally speaking, this situation raises classic theories of product liability:

• Design defect – The question becomes: Did Anker’s engineers fail to include thermal protection circuits or heat dissipation mechanisms?

• Manufacturing defect – Were the batteries made using substandard materials or flawed assembly processes, making them prone to short-circuiting?

• Failure to warn – Have consumers been adequately warned about safe charging and storage conditions?

Although Anker issued a recall and is offering a refund, that does not mean they can’t be sued if someone is injured or killed in a house fire. Victims are entitled to compensation, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of Florida residents who have been injured by dangerous or defective products. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your case right away.