NEWS: "Melting of Plastic Components, Smoke, and Fire Hazards" Leads to Recall of Over 1.1 Million Anker Portable Chargers

A popular power bank company has recalled over 1.1 million of its chargers.

©Anker

We talk a lot about staying connected while at Disney World! Further, we’ve tested dozens of chargers at home and in the parks to make sure you’re getting the best value for your purchase. However, one of our favorite power bank companies has recently issued a recall for a best-selling charger, and you’ll want to be certain of your next steps before you decide to toss it in the trash.

According to an article by Fox 11, Anker Innovations has recently sent a recall notice for over 1.1 million power bank chargers that were sold. The company has identified a potential issue with the lithium-ion battery in a popular model of one of its portable chargers. The issues associated with the Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks could lead to “melting of plastic components, smoke, and fire hazards.”

©Amazon

Anker Innovations is recalling a noted model number of this style of charger “out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our customers.” In the recall issued late last week, the company is recalling the “A1263” model number of Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks specifically. These chargers were sold in the U.S. on Anker’s website, as well as Amazon, Newegg, and eBay, between June 2016 and December 2022.

©Anker Innovations

If you happen to own one of Anker’s PowerCore 10000 chargers, you can check your power bank to see if yours is one of the affected models by locating and reviewing the model number and serial number found on the label to the bottom of the unit.

©Amazon

Anker has reported 19 instances of fires and explosions related to the battery issue, as noted in the CPSC recall notice. Two of the previously mentioned incidents resulted in “minor burn injuries,” while 11 of them also resulted in property damage worth more than $60,700.

©Amazon (updated model)

If you find that your charger is one of the recalled models, Anker has encouraged users to “immediately stop using the recalled power banks and contact Anker Innovations for instructions on receiving a free replacement power bank.” Registrations for the recall can be made via a designated page on Anker’s website. To register, owners of the recalled power banks will need to provide a photo showing the model number, serial number, their name, the date of the photograph, and the word ‘recalled’ written on the power bank in permanent marker to get a replacement. Additionally, those registering for the recall will have to provide proof that they safely disposed of the power banks. It’s important to note that the affected power banks must be disposed of at a “certified facility that accepts recalled lithium batteries,” and owners are urged NOT to throw them away in the trash or recycling. If you’re not certain which facility closest to you will accept the affected chargers, you should reach out to your local hazardous waste collection center for more details.

Once the recall notice has been registered and met satisfactorily, Anker will offer owners the option to either wait for the replacement or get a $30 gift card as compensation for another charger, only “if replacements are on back order.”

We’re keeping up with updated travel news, trends, changes, and more! Be sure to check back in with us at DFB for the latest.