Consumers are urged to check their garages for Ryobi lawn mowers as thousands of units have been recalled for safety hazards. Recently, Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued notices concerning approximately 245,900 Ryobi 40 Volt Brushless 21-inch Cordless Walk-Behind Mowers due to potential fire hazards.
The recall affects nearly 28,400 mowers sold across Canada and around 217,500 sold in the United States between February 2021 and January 2025. The precise issue lies with the mowers’ push-on connector located within the powerhead, which can overheat, posing significant fire risks.
Health Canada published its recall notice on February 6, emphasizing the importance of ceasing use of the affected mowers immediately. The agency stated, “Immediately stop using the recalled product.” This warning speaks to safety concerns, as the company received multiple reports of overheating incidents. By January 24, they had documented one case of overheating associated with fire during usage of the mower, but thankfully, there have been no reported injuries among Canadian users.
Conversely, the response from the U.S. has highlighted more serious issues. There have been 96 overheating incidents reported, along with four fires, resulting in two minor injuries. This alarming information has heightened concerns about consumer safety and prompted urgent calls for action.
The recalled lawn mowers should be immediately identified based on their appearance and model numbers. Models involved include: RY401014BTLUS, RY401014US, RY401140US, RY401015BTLUS, RY401015US, RY401150US, RY401140US-Y, RY401150US-Y, RY401160US, and RY401016US, with serial numbers ranging from KC21032D010001 to KC21327N999999. They feature distinctive black cutting decks with grey top housings and branded bags.
These products were sold primarily at Home Depot and Direct Tools Factory Outlet stores throughout Canada, and also online through those retailers' websites from January 2021 through January 2025. Upon learning about the U.S. recall, Home Depot Canada took immediate measures to halt sales of the affected products across its stores, confirming, “These items have been removed from our inventory and are no longer available for purchase.”
For any customers who own these recalled lawn mowers, Health Canada advises them to stop using the device and to reach out to TTI Outdoor Power Equipment for guidance on safely disabling the mower. They also offer consumers the chance to receive a complimentary replacement 21-inch walk-behind mower.
Consumers can contact TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Inc. by calling 1-800-597-9624 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. More information is also available online at ryobitools.com/support/safety or ryobitools.com under “Important Recall Information.”
This recall not only expresses concerns from regulators but also highlights the importance of consumer awareness and safety. With spring approaching, many individuals are preparing their outdoor equipment for lawn care. This recall serves as a reminder for consumers to check their tools to avoid any dangerous incidents.
Overall, as these issues have come to light, the appeal for consumer vigilance has never been more pertinent. The consequences of overlooking such warnings could pose serious risks not just to property but to personal safety as well.