What Consumers Should Know About The Anker Power Bank Recall

The world depends on portable power banks: charging phones, tablets, even laptops when outlets are out of reach. But a recent Anker recall highlights that even the most trusted brands are not immune to serious electrical safety hazards. At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced team of Illinois product liability attorneys is dedicated to protecting consumers harmed by dangerous and defective products. We have successfully represented clients in product liability claims involving recalled items, unsafe household goods, and defective electronics. When manufacturers release products that put the public at risk, our firm fights to hold them accountable and secure justice for the injured.

“When a manufacturer releases a defective product, the cost isn’t only in refunds, it’s in lives and safety. At John J. Malm & Associates, our role is to ensure victims are fully compensated and that the standard for product safety is enforced.” — John J. Malm, Naperville defective product attorney

Overview of the Anker Power Bank Recall

Anker Innovations has issued multiple recalls of its power bank models due to fire and burn hazards stemming from defective lithium-ion batteries.

Here are the main numbers and risk facts:

• Units affected:
  • About 481,000 units of several newer Anker power bank models were recalled in September 2025.
  • Over 1,158,000 units of the PowerCore 10000 power bank (Model A1263) sold between 2016-2022 are also under recall.
• Incident count & injuries:
  • For the ~481,000 newer units, there are 33 reported incidents of fire or explosion, including 4 minor burn injuries and one case of significant property damage.
  • For the older PowerCore 10000 (A1263) units: 19 incidents (fires/explosions), 2 minor burns, and over $60,700 in property damage reported.
• Which models are recalled (newer & older batches):

• Where & how sold: These units were distributed broadly: online (Anker’s website, Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, etc.), and through physical retailers (Best Buy, Target, Walmart) from August 2023 through June 2025 (for the newer models) and June-December 2022 for the older PowerCore 10000 model.
• Recall remedy: If your unit is affected, you are urged to stop using it immediately and follow the recall process:
  • Visit Anker’s Recall Page at https://www.anker.com/rc2506 to verify the product serial number and register for the recall
  • Submit proof via Anker’s recall site to request a refund, gift card, or a replacement.
  • Do not throw the device in the trash or general recyclables; lithium-ion batteries pose elevated risk in standard waste streams. Dispose via household hazardous waste (HHW) centers or according to local guidelines.

What Caused the Problem

Although Anker has not publicly disclosed full engineering root-cause reports, several investigations and analyses shed light:

• The recalls stem from defects in the lithium-ion battery cells used by Anker. Potential issues include insulation degradation, possible foreign particle contamination, or changes in raw materials from a supplier. These defects can allow internal short circuits, leading to overheating.
• Differences in manufacturing or assembly processes are under scrutiny. For example, variations in insulation, vent design, and wiring/tabbing between battery cells.
• The broader supply chain is implicated: Anker has noted that certain units came from battery cell suppliers with insufficient or inconsistent quality controls. In response, Anker is said to have strengthened oversight and testing protocols.

So far, it appears that the defect arises not from user misuse (overcharging, misuse, etc.) alone, but from a manufacturing or design issue that imposes risk even under normal use.

Why This Recall Matters

This recall isn’t merely a tech-news item, it has serious consequences for safety, property, and potential legal exposure:

• Safety: Lithium-ion batteries are known to pose fire risk when internal defects exist. Overheating can lead to burns, smoke inhalation, or fire spreading to other materials. Even minor burns or a small fire can lead to long-term health issues or large property damage. With over 52 million burn injuries per year globally (general data for burn injuries, not all due to batteries), every small injury risk matters.
• Financial costs: The property damage already reported is over $60,700 in the A1263 recall alone. When multiplied by thousands of non-public incidents, repair costs, lost productivity, potential medical costs, replacement devices, disposal, etc., the total economic impact is substantial.
• Legal & regulatory exposure: Companies like Anker must comply with consumer safety laws. A recall under CPSC rules can trigger civil or even criminal liability if there is negligence or failure to disclose known risks. Affected consumers may have claims not only for refunds but for property damage or personal injury depending on severity.
• Environmental & disposal issues: Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous if disposed improperly (trash, general recycling). Fire risk in waste facilities, environmental pollution, and regulatory penalties can result. Correct disposal is required by law in many jurisdictions.

What You Need to Do If You Have a Recalled Power Bank

If you own a power bank, particularly from Anker, here’s a checklist:

1. Check the model: Look on the device for model numbers (e.g. A1263, A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681, A1689). If yours matches, check the serial number.
2. Stop using it immediately: Even if it appears to work fine, risk remains.
3. Register your device under the recall: Use Anker’s recall page or the CPSC site. Submit required information (photo, model, SN, name, date, etc.).
4. Select your remedy: A replacement unit or gift card/refund depending on which recall, in many cases.
5. Dispose safely: Don’t toss into regular trash or curbside recycling. Contact your local household hazardous waste facility.
6. Document everything: Keep purchase receipts, photos, serial numbers, any contact with Anker or retailers, and records of damage or injury if applicable. If you experience harm or property damage, this documentation is useful for insurance or legal claims.

Dangers of Defective Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronics, from phones to e-bikes. While generally safe, defective or poorly manufactured batteries can:

• Overheat during charging or use.
• Cause burns when the casing melts or catches fire.
• Lead to house fires, putting entire families at risk.
• Result in property loss beyond the device itself.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, lithium-ion battery fires have been rising nationwide, with over 200 reported incidents annually in consumer products since 2020.

Injuries and Property Damage From Recalled Power Banks

Victims of defective power banks may experience:

• Burn injuries (hands, thighs, or face where the charger is stored or used).
• Smoke inhalation from small fires.
• Property loss from fire damage to cars, homes, or electronics.
• Emotional distress and long-term trauma after a fire.

Even seemingly “minor” burns can require medical treatment, and property damage claims may quickly exceed the original value of the power bank.

Personal Injury Claims in Illinois for Injuries From Recalled Products

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to the recalled Anker power bank, you may be entitled to bring a product liability claim under Illinois law. These cases typically fall into one of three categories:

• Design Defects: when the product’s design is inherently dangerous.
• Manufacturing Defects: when the product was built incorrectly or with poor-quality components.
• Failure to Warn: when the manufacturer does not provide adequate warnings about risks.

Illinois law allows injured consumers to seek compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability.
• Pain and suffering.
• Property damage caused by the fire or overheating.

Importantly, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all be held strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products, meaning you do not have to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused your injury.

When to Contact a Defective Product Injury Lawyer

It is not just about getting a replacement. If your power bank caused injury, property damage, or otherwise harmed you, you have legal rights. A lawyer can help assess whether you have a claim and pursue damages.

• If there was a burn injury or smoke damage, you may be able to recover costs of medical care, pain and suffering, or damage to your home or belongings.
• If the product caused property damage (e.g. fire damage to walls, furniture, electronics), that may be a basis for a civil claim.
• If you purchased multiple units or used the device in a business capacity, your losses may be greater, increasing potential legal exposure of Anker or downstream vendors.

If you believe your damages exceed what the recall remedy offers (or if you’ve had injury or property loss), you should reach out to an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney right away. They can help with documentation, negotiating with manufacturers or insurers, and filing legal claims if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Recalled Anker Power Banks

Q: I own one of the recalled Anker units. Do I get a refund or replacement?
A: Yes. For the affected models, Anker is offering either a full cash refund or a gift card (or in some cases a replacement unit), depending on which recall applies. You must confirm your serial number, submit the required photo, etc.

Q: Are these power banks dangerous only when charging, or always?
A: The risk comes from the lithium-ion battery inside. Even when not charging, internal defects (like insulation issues or contamination) can lead to overheating. However, charging, heat, or mechanical stress increase the risk. Best practice: stop using them entirely if yours is recalled.

Q: What should I do if I suffered injury or property damage caused by one of the recalled power banks?
A: Document everything. Take photos of the damage, medical treatment records, receipts, model & serial number of the device. Report to Anker and the CPSC. Contact a product liability attorney to discuss whether you can recover more than what the recall remedy covers.

Q: Can I still use non-recalled Anker power banks safely?
A: Generally yes, if they are not on the recall list and are in good condition. Still, practice safe battery usage: avoid exposure to extreme heat, don’t overcharge or use damaged cables, store properly.

Q: Can I be compensated if the recall remedy is insufficient?
A: Possibly. If the recall remedy (refund, replacement, etc.) does not cover your losses. For example, medical costs or property damage, there may be grounds for a lawsuit or insurance claim. An attorney can advise whether your situation qualifies, and help you understand what compensation is reasonable.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Defective Product Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

The Anker power bank recalls are a vivid reminder that even common, everyday tech devices can pose serious safety risks when manufacturing defects slip through. If you own one of the affected models, it’s not just prudent—it’s necessary to stop using it and follow the recall process.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we believe every consumer deserves devices that are safe and reliable. Our firm is committed to protecting individuals harmed by defective products. We’ve helped clients recover compensation for injuries and medical expenses in cases where manufacturers fail to uphold safety standards. If you or someone you know has been injured or suffered loss because of one of these recalled power banks, you deserve more than a refund or a gift card, you deserve justice. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your rights and options.