Makita batteries

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made Jun 16, 2026 · , sent to the company Jun 22, 2026 · , published by CPSC Jul 8, 2026

   The product, in the report: Product: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery Pack Model number: BL1850B (Home Depot two-pack: BL1850B-2) Manufacturer: Makita U.S.A., Inc., 14930 Northam Street, La Mirada, CA 90638 Where purchased- The Home Depot, Kauai, Hawaii Genuine Makita 18-volt LXT lithium-ion rechargeable power-tool battery pack, 5.0 amp-hour capacity, with onboard LED charge-level indicator. Product identity is confirmed by the retained battery, which still bears the visible Makita logo and “5.0Ah” marking despite fire damage (photo available). The battery was being stored inside a parked work truck, with no tool or charger attached, when it underwent thermal runaway and ignited overnight, causing an explosion and interior fire. The damaged battery has been retained as evidence and is available for inspection.

   A genuine Makita lithium ion battery that had been purchased new from an authorized retailer was stored in the back seat of our 2014 [REDACTED] pickup truck. The battery was not being charged, used, modified, or connected to any tool at the time of the incident. The truck was driven home at approximately [REDACTED], parked at our residence, and left unattended overnight.

   Sometime during the night, the battery experienced a thermal failure and ignited inside the vehicle. The battery fire caused an explosion and burned through portions of the rear seat and surrounding interior components. The fire eventually self extinguished but continued to smolder.

   The incident was discovered at approximately 830 AM on March 30, 2026, when my husband ([REDACTED]) opened the truck to leave for work and found extensive fire damage and smoke residue throughout the interior. Damage included burned seat materials, melted interior trim and plastic components, soot contamination, and a persistent chemical odor throughout the vehicle.

   No person was using the battery when the incident occurred because it happened while the battery was being stored inside the parked vehicle. No physical injuries were reported. However, the incident created a significant fire hazard and had the potential to cause serious injury, death, or a larger structure fire if the fire had spread beyond the vehicle or occurred while occupants were present.

   Following the incident, a licensed remediation company inspected the vehicle and classified the loss as a lithium ion battery thermal explosion originating from a Makita battery pack. The company found extensive soot contamination, chemical residue, and contamination of the vehicle ventilation system. The estimated cost of decontamination and remediation exceeds $16,000. The company further advised that complete elimination of odor and contamination cannot be guaranteed without replacement of major interior components, including seat materials and air distribution components. Based on the extent of the damage and remediation costs, we consider the vehicle a total loss. No mechanic shop will work on the vehicle until it is cleaned, and the cleaning costs sixteen thousand dollars just to address the toxic fumes.

   My husband relies on this truck for work and transportation. While we await Makita’s response regarding this incident, he has had to continue using the vehicle because replacing it immediately is not financially feasible. We remain hopeful that the matter can be resolved promptly and fairly.

   The battery and charger have been preserved and retained for inspection.

   Model

   Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery

   Serial number

   Destroyed in the fire, but partially visible

   Bought from

   Home Depot Kauai

   Bought

   Jun 4, 2024, about then

   Where

   Kapaa, Hawaii: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 2, Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Child

   As this report names them

   Brand Makita, made or sold by MAKITA U.S.A., INC.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

2. No incident, no one hurt

   Made Jan 29, 2026 · , sent to the company Feb 2, 2026 · , published by CPSC Feb 18, 2026

   The product, in the report: This is a Makita 5 amp hour battery. Here is a link to the walmart product: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Makita-BL1850B-2-18V-5-0Ah-Lithium-Ion-Batteries-2-Pack/5326441427

   My name is [REDACTED], and I own a landscaping company in Alabama called [REDACTED]. Our business uses Makita lithium-ion batteries to power professional landscaping equipment.

   In the summer of last year, I purchased multiple batteries through Walmarts website. The online listing advertised the batteries as Makita brand batteries. They were not advertised as compatible with Makita or third-party batteries. Based on the listing, I believed I was purchasing genuine Makita products.

   When the batteries arrived, they appeared authentic and looked nearly identical to real Makita batteries. There were no obvious signs that the products were counterfeit.

   A few months later, a serious safety incident occurred in our shop. One of the batteries suddenly exploded and caught fire. Fortunately, no one was injured. An employee was nearby and was able to extinguish the fire before it spread, but the incident created a major risk of injury and property damage.

   After the explosion, I contacted Makita to report the incident and request assistance. Makita has a team that investigates battery safety issues and examined the batteries we had in our possession. Makita informed me that some of the batteries were genuine Makita products, but others were not authentic and appeared to be counterfeit. Makita also showed us how to identify differences between real Makita batteries and counterfeit versions.

   After reviewing our purchase history, we traced the counterfeit batteries back to the Walmart online purchase. Makita also informed me that Walmart is not an authorized Makita battery dealer.

   I then contacted Walmart to report that counterfeit Makita-branded batteries were sold through their website and that one exploded and caused a fire. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this issue, Walmart has not provided a meaningful response or refund for the counterfeit products. The batteries also appear to still be listed for sale online.

   I am submitting this complaint because the sale of counterfeit lithium-ion batteries marketed as a major brand is a serious consumer safety hazard and appears to involve deceptive advertising or misrepresentation. I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that steps be taken to prevent additional consumers and businesses from unknowingly purchasing counterfeit and potentially dangerous batteries.

   Model

   Makita BL1850B-2 18V 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries (

   UPC

   Makita BL1850B-

   Serial number

   Makita BL1850B-2 18V 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries (

   Bought from

   Walmart

   Bought

   Jun 4, 2025, about then

   Where

   Maylene, Alabama: Other

   Who was involved

   Age 23, Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   No Relationship

   As this report names them

   Brand Makita (but not really), made or sold by MAKITA U.S.A., INC.

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   No Incident, No Injury

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources