Over 780,000 Ryobi electric pressure washers have been recalled nationwide following 41 reported explosions and 32 injuries. The recall highlights a serious safety hazard from defective capacitors that can overheat and burst, sending metal fragments flying and posing a risk of severe injury to users and bystanders.
Reason for the recall
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the recall after receiving 135 reports of overheating capacitors in Ryobi pressure washers. Of these, 41 resulted in explosions that caused injuries such as fractures, cuts to hands, fingers, faces, and eyes. The faulty capacitor inside the pressure washers can overheat during normal use and rupture violently, forcing metal parts outwards with enough force to cause serious harm.
Affected models and serial numbers
The recall impacts two Ryobi models: the RY142300 and RY142711VNM electric pressure washers. These units were sold from July 2017 through June 2024 at Home Depot, Direct Tools Factory Outlet stores, and online across the U.S. and Canada. The pressure washers typically cost between $300 and $400.
For the RY142300 model, the affected serial number ranges are as follows:
- EU17121D010001 through EU20256N180999
- LT20211D140001 through LT21166D090999
- RG22154D090001 through RG23182N140999
For the RY142711VNM model, the affected serial numbers include:
- LT21411D090001 through LT21425D090999
- RG21411D010001 through RG23182N140999
These serial numbers can be found on the data plate located on the side of the motor housing of each unit.
Scope of the recall
Approximately 764,000 units were sold in the United States, with an additional 16,000 units sold in Canada. The recall applies only to the specified serial number ranges for each model. Consumers who own pressure washers outside these serial numbers are not affected.
Owners of affected Ryobi pressure washers are urged to stop using them immediately to avoid potential injury. Ryobi is offering free repair kits that include a replacement capacitor, along with detailed installation instructions and shipping at no cost. Consumers do not need to provide proof of purchase to receive the repair kit.
To check whether a pressure washer is included in the recall, users should locate the model number and serial number on the data plate attached to the motor housing and compare it to the affected ranges. They can then visit Ryobi’s official recall website https://www.ryobitools.com/pages/recall-notices or call the company’s toll-free number at 1-800-597-9624 for assistance and to request the repair kit.
Retailer actions and legal requirements
Retailers, including Home Depot and Direct Tools Factory Outlet, have been instructed to remove all recalled units from their shelves and online inventories. Federal law prohibits the sale, lease, or distribution of recalled products. Retailers also must notify customers of the recall and the associated safety risk.
Context and additional safety alerts
This recall is part of a series of safety concerns for Ryobi power equipment in 2025. Earlier in the year, Ryobi issued recalls for various lawn mowers and hedge trimmers due to fire and laceration hazards. These recalls underscore ongoing quality control challenges within the power equipment industry and the importance of consumer awareness and prompt action when safety notices are issued.
The recall of more than three-quarters of a million Ryobi pressure washers due to exploding capacitors represents a significant safety hazard. Consumers with affected units should immediately discontinue use and secure the free replacement capacitor to protect themselves from injury. Staying informed about recalls and promptly responding is essential for ensuring safety when using powerful outdoor equipment.
