Chainsaw recall notice: Kobalt 40-volt 12-inch cordless chainsaw
What the CPSC, Health Canada and the importer say about the 2020 Kobalt 40-volt 12-inch cordless chainsaw recall: the switch fault, the models and date codes, the numbers sold and the remedy.
Checked against the sources at the bottom of this page on October 9, 2026. Rules, fees and pay change: the source has the last word.
This page sets out what three records say about one recall: the Kobalt 40-volt lithium-ion 12-inch cordless electric chainsaw, recalled in the United States and Canada in September 2020. The records are the CPSC recall record, the Health Canada notice and the recall list on the importer's own site. The wider list of saw recalls is in the guide to chainsaw recalls and safety notices. Each record is described in our own words, and the notices linked below are the record.
The fault as the notices describe it
The CPSC record says the chainsaw can remain in the "on" position, which is a laceration hazard. Health Canada gives the cause: the switch contacts could weld, so the saw keeps running after the trigger is released. The CPSC record counts 48 reports of the switch contacts welding, with no injuries. Health Canada gives 45 reports for the United States and 3 for Canada, also with no injuries. The two counts differ, so both are shown.
Which saws
- Product: Kobalt brand 40-volt lithium-ion 12-inch cordless electric chainsaw, blue and black, with "Kobalt", "40v max" and "12 in. 30 cm" printed on it.
- Models: KCS 120-07 with the battery included, and KCS 120 with the battery not included. The CPSC record and the importer's list both give these model numbers.
- Date codes: the CPSC record says 11/01/13 to 03/31/20. The importer's list says 11/13 to 03/20.
- Where the numbers are printed: the CPSC record says the model number and date code are on the label in the rear handle, and the UPC is on the box.
Remedy
The CPSC record gives one remedy: stop using the saw and contact Hongkong Sun Rise Trading for a free repair, and lists the remedy type as repair. The importer's list gives the same instruction for the same models. Health Canada tells consumers to stop using the product and contact the distributor for further information, and notes that Canadian law prohibits redistributing, selling or giving away a recalled product.
Numbers, dates and where sold
United States
- Recall date: September 23, 2020 in the CPSC record, number 20191. The importer's list shows September 28, 2020.
- Units: the CPSC record gives "About 150,000", and Health Canada gives 148,600 sold in the United States.
- Sold: Lowe's stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com, January 2014 through March 2020.
- Injuries reported: none.
Canada
- Posted: September 23, 2020, identification number RA-73973. The notice calls it a joint recall with the CPSC and Hongkong Sun Rise Trading.
- Units: 1,400 sold in Canada.
- Sold: January 2014 to March 2020.
- Injuries reported: none.
Who is named
The CPSC record names Hongkong Sun Rise Trading Ltd. as the distributor and Changzhou Globe Co. Ltd. as the maker, both of China. Health Canada names the same two firms and adds Greenworks Tools Inc. of Newmarket, Ontario as the Canadian importer, with manufacture in China. The same notice date also covers a Kobalt 40-volt 8-inch cordless pole saw, which is a separate notice in both countries.
To correct or remove an entry, write to the address at the foot of this page.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recall record 20191 from the recalls web service, read October 9, 2026
- Health Canada, consumer product recall RA-73973 for the Kobalt cordless chainsaw, read October 9, 2026
- Greenworks Tools, product recall information page listing the Kobalt 40-volt 12-inch chainsaw, read October 9, 2026