Amazon Recall Alert: Injuries Linked to Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from e-bikes and power tools to laptops and portable chargers. But when these tiny power sources malfunction — overheating, catching fire, or even exploding — the results can be devastating.

Recent recalls and legal action involving products sold through Amazon have thrust this issue into the spotlight, leaving many wondering about their rights and options if they or a loved one suffered harm.

Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening with lithium-ion battery recalls, why they’re dangerous, and how product liability lawyers can help.

What Is Happening With Amazon Battery Recalls?

Amazon operates one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, hosting millions of products from both major brands and third-party sellers. Among these are a range of lithium-ion batteries.

Recent official recalls — like the July 2025 recall of certain FENGQS electric bikes due to fire and burn hazards — highlight the real dangers these products pose. Some batteries have been reported to ignite unexpectedly, causing property damage and risking serious injuries.

In addition to recalls, class action and individual lawsuits have been filed alleging that Amazon sold defective 18650 lithium-ion batteries that overheated, lacked proper safety protections, and caused fires or explosions.

Understanding the Risks of Defective Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and energy-dense, which makes them extremely useful, but also inherently risky if they’re poorly designed, manufactured with defects, or subject to unsafe conditions. Some of the most common hazards include:

• Overheating: Faulty batteries can generate excessive heat, potentially igniting nearby materials.
• Fire and Explosion: Thermal runaway — an uncontrollable chain reaction in a battery cell — can lead to flames or explosions.
• Chemical Burns: If a battery ruptures, corrosive materials can leak and cause chemical burns.
• Property Damage: Even when nobody is physically injured, fires sparked by battery failure can consume homes, vehicles, and possessions.

These incidents can happen suddenly and without warning, leaving survivors physically injured, emotionally shaken, and facing unexpected medical bills.

Why Product Liability Matters in Battery Recall Cases

When a defective product causes harm, legal avenues exist to hold responsible parties accountable. Product liability lawyers in Nashville, TN focus on claims where consumers are injured by dangerous or poorly designed products like lithium-ion batteries.

In legal terms, product liability can arise from several theories:

• Design Defects: When the battery’s design itself makes it unreasonably dangerous.
• Manufacturing Defects: When something went wrong during production, causing individual units to be unsafe.
• Failure to Warn: When manufacturers or sellers do not provide adequate safety information or warnings about risks.

Courts have increasingly recognized that even large online marketplaces like Amazon can be named in product liability actions if they play a significant role in the sale or distribution of defective products. 

For example, appellate courts have reversed earlier decisions and allowed claims against Amazon related to defective batteries purchased through its platform.

Legal Action Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries

Across the U.S., several lawsuits have targeted Amazon and related battery products:

• Class Action Suits: Some lawsuits allege Amazon falsely marketed lithium-ion batteries as safe while failing to implement adequate safety checks or warnings. 
• Individual Injury Claims: Cases have reported fires and burns linked to batteries that overheated or exploded, which in some situations has led to lawsuits seeking damages for medical costs and pain and suffering. 
• Precedent-Setting Decisions: In notable product liability cases, courts have found that Amazon can be treated as a distributor or retailer and held liable for defective products sold through its marketplace. 

What Should You Do If You Were Injured?

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a lithium-ion battery that overheated, caught fire, or exploded, take these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even minor burns or inhalation injuries should be evaluated.
2. Preserve Evidence: Keep the device, battery, packaging, order information, and photos of the incident.
3. Document Everything: Medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements can be vital.
4. Reach Out to Experienced Counsel: An experienced attorney can review your case and help you understand your rights.

Because statutes of limitations apply to product liability cases, it’s important not to delay reaching out for legal help.

Bart Durham Injury Law: Product Liability Lawyers

Bart Durham Injury Law has decades of experience helping people injured by defective products, including complex product liability claims. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that serious injuries can take on you and your family.