Anker issues second product recall in a month over fire hazard

[Shawn Knight]

The big picture: Anker has issued its second product recall in less than a month. According to the Chinese electronics maker, a series of enhanced quality assurance protocols implemented earlier this year identified a potential issue with lithium-ion battery cells from a specific vendor.

In mid-June, Anker issued a recall for its PowerCore 10000 power bank (model A1263) sold in the US between June 2016 and December 2022. Approximately 1.16 million units were sold across a variety of retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg.

Now, Anker is adding five more models to the recall list:

• Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) – model A1257

• Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – model A1647

• Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) – model A1652

• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) – model A1681

• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – model A1689

The company claims the likelihood of a malfunction is low but out of an abundance of caution, they've decided to issue a voluntary global recall. Affected devices have a risk of overheating, melting, smoking, or catching fire. Anker said it is working with regulatory authorities in all regions where the devices were sold.

To determine if your power bank is affected, simply check to see if the model number matches any of those listed above. Serial numbers are usually located on the back or side of the product. If there is a match, you can submit your proof of purchase using Anker's online recall form. The company asks that you stop using any suspected device immediately and wait for confirmation before disposing of it.

Affected devices are eligible for replacement; optionally, you can request a gift card that is redeemable on Anker's website.

Anker shared guidelines on how to properly dispose of power banks with recalled lithium-ion batteries. In short, avoid general recycling streams and make sure the facility you take it to is equipped to handle recalled batteries.

Image credit: Anzor Dukaev

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Anker issues second product recall in a month over fire hazard

 

[yRaz]

Anker Zolo Power Bank 20k with USB-c and it just stopped charging and discharging, I think it got wet in my backpack. I wonder if I send it in if I'll get a new one? I think I paid like $50 for it at Target almost a year and a half ago.

 

[NicktheWVAHick]

This is great. But have you ever tried to read the model # on the back of one of these things? You need an infrared electron microscope just to be able to see the outline of the world’s faintest writing. Dark yellow on black. That really stands out.

 

[yRaz]

This is great. But have you ever tried to read the model # on the back of one of these things? You need an infrared electron microscope just to be able to see the outline of the world’s faintest writing. Dark yellow on black. That really stands out.

Only reason I know is that I have the Target credit card and I can see my entire purchase history. Store credit cards are better than receipts.

 

[airbornex]

Wild to think my power bank has a longer risk profile than some used cars. Still works great unless you count the minor chance it turns into a pocket-sized volcano.

 

[NumberNine]

Every year Anker seems to move their manufacturing to slightly lower quality producers to increase revenue. They're not the new hotness anymore.

 

[p51d007]

Unfortunately, that is the issue with power banks. When you stuff that much energy into a confined space, the least little error in design or construction can turn them into a flaming bomb! Anode & cathodes do not like to merge. <wink>