In June, the well-known Chinese mobile power brand Anker Innovations (referred to as Anker) issued recalls for multiple power banks in the United States, China, and Japan due to potential risks of overheating, combustion, and explosion.
On June 12, over 1.15 million Anker power banks were recalled in the United States following reports of fires and explosions. On June 20, Anker announced the recall of 7 models totaling over 700,000 power banks in mainland China, citing risks of overheating and combustion, urging users to immediately stop using them. On June 25, Anker Japan also declared recalls for four models of power banks.
An announcement from Anker Japan on June 25 revealed that since September 2024, the company had already recalled and replaced two mobile power products: “Anker Power Bank (20000mAh, 22.5W, with built-in USB-C cable)” and “Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10000).” However, further investigations uncovered new improper material use by suppliers, leading to an expanded recall scope. Two more products: “Anker Power Bank (10000mAh, 22.5W)” and “Anker MagGo Power Bank (10000mAh, 7.5W, Standard Edition)” were included in the recall and exchange/refund program, totaling four mobile power products being recalled.
Anker Japan expressed apologies for inconveniences caused to users who have cooperated with this product recall, those who purchased the affected mobile power products, and all users who have supported the Anker Group, requesting understanding and cooperation regarding the recall.
Furthermore, Anker stated, “Since September 2024, we have continued to investigate the production process of the two recalled and replaced mobile power products commissioned by our company. It was found that the supplier used inappropriate additional materials, prompting us to expand the recall scope to two new mobile power products, bringing the total recalled products to four.”
For detailed recall notices, please refer to the link here.
On June 12, according to a notification from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), electronic product manufacturer Anker Innovations is recalling certain “PowerCore 10000” mobile power banks due to potential overheating of their internal lithium-ion batteries.
Anker stated in the accompanying announcement that battery overheating could result in “melting of plastic components, smoke, and fire hazards.” The company added that this recall was carried out “out of caution to ensure customer safety.”
According to the CPSC, Anker, based in China, has received 19 reports of fires and explosions related to these now-recalled portable power banks. This includes two minor burn injuries and 11 reports of property damage, totaling over $60,700 in losses.
The recalled “PowerCore 10000” model is A1263. These chargers were sold online from June 2016 to December 2022 on Anker’s official website, as well as platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Newegg, with a retail price of around $27 in the U.S.
The CPSC urges consumers with these recalled power banks to cease use immediately and contact Anker for a free replacement.
Affected consumers can visit the Anker website to learn more and register for the recall. To receive a replacement power bank, consumers need to submit a photo of the recalled mobile power bank showing its model, serial number, product name, date, and the word “recall” printed on the product.
CPSC and Anker both emphasize that these mobile power banks should not be disposed of in regular trash or recycling. Due to the fire risk, the recalled lithium-ion batteries must be handled differently from other batteries, so it is essential to consult local guidelines.
On June 20, Anker Innovations China website issued an active recall notice for batches of products with models A1642, A1647, A1652, A1680, A1681, A1689, A1257, totaling 712,964 units.
The announcement stated that the recall was due to hidden risks from changes in battery core raw materials. During quality and safety inspections, Anker Innovations discovered that a supplier used unauthorized material changes in part of the batch of industry-standard cores, which could lead to rare cases of diaphragm insulation failure after multiple cycles of use, resulting in overheating and potential combustion safety hazards.
Anker proposed three compensation options for users. The first is a full refund, the second is an upgrade for a new product, and the third is an Anker Mall voucher (original order amount + RMB 50).
According to a report from Sina Technology on June 25, combining recall data from the U.S. and China shows that China recalled 712,000 products (eligible for compensation), while the U.S. recalled 1.158 million (without compensation mentioned). Based on this data, the price range for the Anker China region recall falls between 149 yuan to 229 yuan. Therefore, if all Chinese users opt for compensation – a full refund, it could result in economic losses ranging from 106 million yuan to 163 million yuan.
The report mentioned that according to the U.S. CPSC public disclosure, the products recalled by Anker Innovations in the U.S. were sold online on Anker’s official website, Amazon, and other platforms from June 2016 to December 2022. This also indicates that for at least six years, Anker Innovations’ related power bank products faced risks such as “self-ignition” due to supplier management loopholes.
Additionally, in December 2024, Anker Innovations had recalled around 69,000 Anker Soundcore (A3102) and PowerConf Bluetooth (A3302) speakers due to the potential fire hazards of lithium batteries. In 2023, they recalled over 4,600 power banks due to potential overheating leading to combustion issues.