Amazon Battery Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

What’s the Problem?

Amazon is facing increasing legal scrutiny over sales of lithium-ion batteries, battery packs, and portable chargers that allegedly overheat, catch fire, or explode, causing burns, property damage, and even fatal injuries.

One major complaint cites Amazon’s role in listing dangerous 18650 lithium-ion batteries and failing to remove unsafe listings or warn consumers properly.

Plaintiffs allege that Amazon bears responsibility as a “seller” or de facto distributor in these transactions, especially when marketplace controls and safety oversight were allegedly deficient.

Though Amazon often disclaims liability under its marketplace model, several lawsuits and insurer claims assert that its deep involvement in third-party listings and failure to enforce safety standards justifies holding the company accountable for injuries caused by defective battery products sold through its platform.

Latest Amazon Battery Litigation Updates

• 2019–2020 – Bolger v. Amazon: A lawsuit was filed claiming that a battery charger sold on Amazon caused a fire and fatal burn injuries, and that Amazon failed to enforce its own safety policies or remove unsafe products from the marketplace [1]
• 2020 – Amazon faces a California class action for allegedly selling defective 18650 lithium-ion batteries and making false safety claims about overheat protections and voltage cutoff features [2]
• 2023 – Insurers claim Amazon owes approximately $650,000 after a rechargeable lithium battery sold via the platform caused a fire damaging their policyholders’ property [3]
• 2024 – In a Louisiana case (Pickard family), Amazon was held potentially liable under state product liability law as a “seller,” after a battery charger bought on Amazon allegedly ignited and led to a fatal fire [4]

Amazon Battery Litigation & Recall Statistics

• AmazonBasics charger recall (2014–2017): Six versions of portable lithium-ion chargers recalled due to overheating risk [5]
• Amazon seller batteries class action: Amazon accused of selling thousands of 18650 cells with misleading safety specs [2]
• Insurer damage claim: $650K demand against Amazon for a battery fire at insured property [3]

Regulatory & Legal Framework

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates battery and electronic device safety, including recalls of dangerous units that overheat or pose fire hazards. Under product liability law, a battery or charger may be defective in design, manufacturing, or in warnings/labeling. A retailer or seller (such as Amazon) can also be held liable if it plays an active role in the product’s chain of distribution or fails to ensure compliance with safety rules.

Possible Injuries & Effects

Defective batteries present serious risks, including:

• Thermal burns or chemical burns from battery fires
• Smoke inhalation or respiratory injury from ignition
• Property damage to homes, furniture, or electronics
• Fatal injuries in severe cases
• Emotional distress, trauma, and loss of trust in digital markets

Do You Qualify for an Amazon Battery Lawsuit?

• You purchased a lithium-ion battery, charger, or battery-powered device via Amazon or its marketplace
• The product overheated, ignited, exploded, or otherwise malfunctioned causing harm or damage
• You can supply proof of purchase, product model/serial number, or photographs of damage
• Your claim falls within your state’s statute of limitations

Evidence Required for a Claim

• Photos or videos of the burned device, packaging, model/serial numbers
• Receipts, order details, credit card statements
• Fire department or incident reports, insurance claims documentation
• Medical records if injuries occurred
• Correspondence with Amazon or seller about complaints or returns

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical costs, burn treatment, and hospitalization
• Costs to repair or replace damaged property or devices
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Punitive damages in jurisdictions that allow them for gross negligence or knowing misconduct

Amazon Battery Recall Information & Alerts

• Recall: AmazonBasics portable chargers (six versions) recalled due to risk of overheating and fire [5]
• Recall details: Amazon had 53 reports including one reported burn injury from those chargers [6]

Statute of Limitations

The time period to file a claim varies by state, commonly one to four years from the date of injury or discovery. In fatal cases, wrongful death statutes may extend or differ. It is crucial to act promptly to preserve evidence such as the burned device, packaging, and correspondence.

Related Articles:

• Air Fryer Recall Lawsuit
• Counterfeit Airbag Lawsuit
• Tabletop Fire Pit Recall Lawsuit

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can Amazon be held liable for third-party seller’s defective batteries? – Yes, when Amazon is treated as a distributor or de facto seller, especially if Amazon failed to monitor safety or enforce rules.
• Do I lose my claim if I accepted a recall refund or replacement? – Not necessarily; it depends on settlement terms and state laws.
• How do I know if my product is included? – Check your model, serial number, and compare with recall or class action notices (e.g., AmazonBasics chargers or 18650 cells).
• Does proof of purchase matter? – Highly helpful; but in some cases, device photos or bank records may suffice.

References

1. https://www.schmidtlaw.com/amazon-battery-fire-lawsuit/
2. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/electronics/amazon-class-action-lawsuit-says-retailer-sells-dangerous-lithium-ion-batteries/
3. https://www.law360.com/articles/1740073/insurers-say-amazon-owes-650k-for-battery-fire-damage
4. https://www.mithofflaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mithoff-Amazon-Case.pdf
5. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recall-Products/Batteries-Other-than-Button-Batteries
6. https://www.bestattorney.com/blog/amazon-recalls-portable-chargers-due-to-fires-and-burn-injuries/