CPSC, Milwaukee Tool Corp. Announce Recall of Automotive Chargers
Home product recall 02-156. Announced by CPSC on May 13, 2002.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on May 13, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 18,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authorized power tool service center. Consumers can choose from three options: an exchange for a 12, 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack, a replacement charger or a refund.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For further details about options, consumers can contact Milwaukee Electric Tool at (800) 414-6527 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
The recall includes Power Plus automotive chargers that plug into automotive cigarette lighters, and Impact wrench kits containing these chargers. A label on the front of the charger reads, “Milwaukee...POWER-PLUS 9.6 Volt - 18 Volt AUTOMOTIVE CHARGERS.” A nameplate on the back of the charger lists the catalog number. Impact wrench kits containing these chargers have serial numbers within the range listed below. The serial number is located on the side of the Impact wrench kit. Catalog Numbers Serial Numbers Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Wrench Kit 9079-23 241A401520001 through 241A402080126
About 18,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Power Plus automotive chargers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., Brookfield, Wis.
- Home centers, hardware stores and industrial distributors sold these chargers and wrench kits containing these chargers nationwide, from March 2000 through April 2002. The chargers sold for about $115. The Impact wrench kits containing these chargers sold for about $325.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
CPSC and Milwaukee Electric Tool have received six reports of the chargers overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported involving these chargers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.