Ryobi Pressure Washer Recall: How To Know If You're Affected

If you frequently pressure wash your own home, you may have decided to save some money in the long run by buying a unit instead of constantly renting one. Unfortunately, if you purchased certain models of the Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer at some point during the past several years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a recall of this outdoor power tool. The tool's capacitor has the possibility of overheating and bursting. If this happens, the machine fires projectiles outward that could strike and injure bystanders.

How do you know if you have an affected pressure washer? If you always register your Ryobi tools with the company, you might receive an automatic notification of the recall. If you aren't sure if you registered your pressure washer, you have other options available.

The affected machines are Ryobi electric pressure washers that run from an electrical cord you plug into an outlet. The affected model numbers are RY142300, which is a 2300 PSI machine, and RY142711VNM, which is a 2700 PSI machine. To find your pressure washer's model number, look on the lower part of the machine near the tire. You can also visit the Ryobi website and enter your model and serial numbers to see if your unit is on the recall list. (The serial number is listed in the same location as the model number.) Some serial numbers within the affected model numbers may not have the problem with the capacitor, and Ryobi's website will let you know for certain.

If you believe you have a recalled pressure washer, stop using the product immediately. You can visit the Ryobi website to order a free repair kit, or you can call Ryobi's customer service team during Eastern time zone business hours at 1-800-597-9624. The repair kit includes a replacement capacitor that people who own the machine can install as a DIY repair. If you visit Ryobi's website to obtain a repair kit, you'll need to enter your model number and serial number before you'll receive directions on how to order and install the repair kit.

Between the United States and Canada, Ryobi's parent company, TTI, estimates about 780,000 affected units were sold at Home Depot's stores and website between July 2017 and June 2024 for between $300 and $400. (Some affected products were available through Direct Tools Factory Outlet.) At the time of the recall, the company reported receiving 135 reports of overheated capacitors, resulting in 41 known explosions and 32 injuries to people. Victims have suffered injuries to the face, hands, eyes, and fingers.

Even though Ryobi is one of the best-ranked power tool brands, the brand has experienced multiple recalls to its outdoor and indoor power tools over the past several years. Past Ryobi recalls include for cordless hedge trimmers, cordless walk-behind lawn mowers, cordless snow blowers, and electric fan blowers.