Ryobi Pressure Washer Recalled After Explosions Cause Serious Injuries

TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Issues Recall of Ryobi Electric Pressure Washers Over Dangerous Projectile Hazard

Household tools are meant to make life easier, but when design flaws put consumers at risk, the results can be devastating. That is the situation unfolding with the Ryobi electric pressure washer recall, announced by TTI Outdoor Power Equipment in coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

On August 28, 2025, the manufacturer recalled approximately 764,000 Ryobi pressure washers in the United States and an additional 16,000 in Canada. The recall was issued after reports that the units’ capacitors can overheat, burst, and eject metal or plastic fragments at high speed. To date, 135 overheating incidents have been reported, including 41 explosions, leading to 32 documented injuries such as lacerations, fractures, and damage to the hands, eyes, and face.

This large-scale recall underscores the dangers consumers face when defective products reach the marketplace and highlights the importance of knowing your legal rights if you or a loved one has been harmed.

Which Ryobi Pressure Washers Are Included in the Recall?

The recall covers two popular Ryobi models sold nationwide:

• RY142300 (2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer)
• RY142711VNM (2700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer)

These pressure washers are bright green, with the brand name “Ryobi” printed on the front. Each has a spray nozzle, a detergent tank with a blue cap, and built-in storage for accessories.

The recall applies only to units within specific serial number ranges, which are printed on the data plate located on the side of the motor housing. Consumers are urged to cross-check their model and serial number against the official recall page provided by Ryobi at ryobitools.com/recall.

The affected units were manufactured between 2017 and 2024 in Vietnam and China and sold through major retailers such as Home Depot, Direct Tools Factory Outlet, and online stores like homedepot.com for prices between $300 and $400.

Understanding the Hazard – Why These Pressure Washers Are Dangerous

The hazard stems from a faulty capacitor located in the motor housing of the affected pressure washers. The capacitor’s job is to regulate electrical current. When functioning correctly, it ensures safe operation. However, the defective capacitors in these models are prone to overheating and exploding, sending dangerous fragments flying outward at high speed.

These fragments can strike users or nearby bystanders, creating a serious risk of:

• Deep lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
• Fractures to the hands and fingers caused by forceful impact
• Eye injuries that could cause permanent vision impairment
• Facial injuries leading to scarring or disfigurement

Consumers injured in these incidents have reported being struck without warning, highlighting how unpredictable and dangerous the defect can be.

Reported Incidents and Injuries

The recall announcement cites 135 reports of capacitor overheating, of which 41 escalated into explosions that forcefully ejected parts. At least 32 consumers have sustained injuries, many requiring immediate medical treatment.

Examples of reported injuries include:

• Hand fractures from being struck by ejected parts.
• Cuts to the face requiring emergency care.
• Eye damage, in some cases threatening long-term vision.
• Finger injuries ranging from deep lacerations to fractures.

Because pressure washers are often used in close proximity to the body, especially when adjusting hoses or nozzles, the chance of severe injury from projectiles is extremely high.

What Consumers Should Do If They Own a Recalled Pressure Washer

Consumers are instructed to immediately stop using the recalled pressure washers. Ryobi has provided a process to confirm whether a unit is affected and to obtain a free repair kit, which includes a replacement capacitor along with shipping and installation instructions.

Key steps include:

1. Visit ryobitools.com/recall.
2. Enter your model and serial number to check if your unit is affected.
3. Request the free repair kit.

Importantly, no proof of purchase is required, so even if you bought your pressure washer years ago, you may still be eligible for the free repair.

Until repairs are made, the unit should not be used, as doing so could put you or others at serious risk.

Legal Implications of the Ryobi Pressure Washer Recall

When a product is defectively designed or manufactured, consumers may be entitled to pursue legal action if they suffer injuries. Potential claims arising from this recall include:

• Product Liability: Holding the manufacturer accountable for releasing unsafe products into the marketplace.
• Negligence: Demonstrating that TTI Outdoor Power Equipment failed to adequately test or warn consumers about the risks.
• Failure to Warn: Arguing that product labeling and instructions did not adequately explain the dangers.
• Breach of Warranty: When a product sold for safe household use instead causes injury due to hidden defects.

These claims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages meant to hold the manufacturer accountable for negligence.

Why Victims Need Legal Representation

Product recalls often occur after injuries have already been reported. Unfortunately, many victims may not realize they have the right to pursue legal action. Manufacturers may attempt to minimize liability by offering repair kits without acknowledging the long-term consequences faced by those injured.

An experienced national personal injury law firm can help by:

• Investigating whether the injury was caused by a recalled unit.
• Gathering medical records and evidence to prove damages.
• Filing claims within the statute of limitations for your state.
• Pursuing fair compensation for financial and non-economic losses.

Without strong legal representation, injured consumers risk settling for far less than what their injuries truly warrant.

FAQs About Ryobi Pressure Washer Recall Lawsuits

1. What models of Ryobi pressure washers are recalled?  The recall affects Ryobi models RY142300 and RY142711VNM within certain serial number ranges. The data plate on the side of the motor housing contains the model and serial numbers.
2. Why are these pressure washers dangerous? The capacitor inside the motor housing can overheat, burst, and send fragments flying, which poses a serious risk of injury to users and bystanders.
3. How many injuries have been reported? TTI Outdoor Power Equipment has received 135 reports of overheating, including 41 explosions and 32 injuries such as fractures, cuts, and eye damage.
4. Do I need proof of purchase to qualify for the recall repair? No. Consumers can request a free repair kit through Ryobi’s recall website without providing a receipt.
5. What should I do if I was injured by a Ryobi pressure washer? You should seek medical attention immediately. Then, consider speaking with a personal injury law firm about potential compensation for your injuries.
6. What kind of compensation could I receive in a lawsuit? Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and damages for pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply.
7. How do I know if I have a valid legal claim? If your injury resulted from a recalled pressure washer, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. A legal team can evaluate your case and determine eligibility.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one were injured by a defective Ryobi pressure washer, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national law firm actively investigating claims related to this major recall.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the financial recovery you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our Ryobi Pressure Washer Injury Lawsuit Lawyers is ready to assist you.