Nearly 800,000 Ryobi electric pressure washers have been recalled after the machines exploded during use, causing serious injuries to users across the country. The recall affects two popular models sold at Home Depot and other retailers from 2017 through 2024.
If you own one of these pressure washers or suffered an injury while using one, here’s everything you need to know about this dangerous product defect and your legal options.
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Which Ryobi Pressure Washers Are Recalled?
The recall covers two specific Ryobi electric pressure washer models:
- Model RY142300 – This 2300 PSI electric pressure washer was sold primarily in green coloring and retailed for approximately $300 to $400.
- Model RY142711VNM – This higher-powered 2700 PSI model was also sold for around $300 to $400.
Both models are plug-in electric units manufactured in Vietnam and China. You can find the model number on a label plate located on the side of the motor housing of your pressure washer.
These pressure washers were sold nationwide, with approximately 764,000 units distributed in the United States and an additional 16,000 units in Canada.
Where Were These Dangerous Pressure Washers Sold?
The recalled Ryobi pressure washers were sold primarily through two major retailers:
- The Home Depot sold the majority of these units across their nationwide locations from July 2017 through June 2024.
- Direct Tools Factory Outlet also carried these models during the same timeframe.
The widespread availability of these pressure washers at popular home improvement retailers means thousands of homeowners may have purchased these dangerous machines without knowing about the serious safety defect.
What Makes These Pressure Washers Dangerous?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission identified a critical defect in the electrical system of these pressure washers. An internal capacitor can overheat during normal use, causing it to burst violently.
When the capacitor fails, it can eject metal parts and other debris with significant force. This creates an immediate projectile hazard for anyone operating the machine or standing nearby.
The defect appears to occur unpredictably during normal operation, giving users no warning before the explosion occurs.
Documented Injuries from Ryobi Pressure Washer Explosions
The recall followed extensive reports of serious injuries caused by these exploding pressure washers. As of the recall announcement, authorities received:
- 135 reports of overheating in the affected models, demonstrating the widespread nature of this defect.
- 41 confirmed reports of explosions where the capacitor burst and ejected parts from the machine.
- 32 documented injuries requiring medical treatment, with many victims suffering severe trauma.
The reported injuries include fractures to fingers and hands, facial injuries from flying debris, and serious eye injuries that could cause permanent vision damage.
These injury patterns are consistent with high-velocity impact from metal parts and other components forcefully ejected when the capacitor explodes.
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What Should You Do If You Own a Recalled Pressure Washer?
Stop using your pressure washer immediately. Do not attempt to test whether your unit has the defect or continue using it under any circumstances.
The manufacturer is offering free repair kits through their recall portal. However, if you were injured by one of these machines, you should speak with a product liability attorney before sending your pressure washer for repair.
Once a product is modified or repaired, crucial evidence about the original defect may be lost forever. This evidence could be essential for proving your injury claim.
Steps to Take After a Pressure Washer Injury
Product liability cases involving defective pressure washers can result in significant compensation for injured victims. However, preserving evidence is critical to building a strong case.
Document Your Injuries Thoroughly
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem initially. Some injuries from exploding pressure washers may worsen over time or have complications that aren’t immediately apparent.
Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, including emergency room visits, specialist consultations, imaging studies, and prescribed medications. Take photographs of visible injuries and document how they heal over time.
Preserve Physical Evidence
The exploded pressure washer and all its components represent crucial evidence in your case. Store the entire unit, including any ejected parts you can locate, in a secure location.
Do not throw away packaging materials, instruction manuals, or purchase receipts. These items help establish when and where you bought the defective product.
Photograph the pressure washer from multiple angles, paying special attention to the model and serial number plates. Document the scene where the explosion occurred and any property damage caused by flying debris.
Create a Written Record
Write down everything you remember about the incident while the details are fresh in your memory. Include information about where you were standing, what you were doing when the explosion occurred, and who witnessed the event.
Note the weather conditions, what surface you were cleaning, and how long you had been using the pressure washer before it exploded.
Understanding Your Legal Options
Product liability law protects consumers injured by dangerous and defective products. In cases involving the Ryobi pressure washer recall, several legal theories may apply to your situation.
Design Defect Claims
The capacitor defect appears to affect both recalled models, suggesting a fundamental design flaw rather than isolated manufacturing errors. Design defect claims focus on whether the product was unreasonably dangerous as designed.
Expert analysis may reveal that alternative capacitor designs, better shielding, or different electrical configurations could have prevented these explosions.
Manufacturing Defect Claims
Some units may have deviated from the intended design specifications during manufacturing, creating additional safety hazards beyond the inherent design problems.
Failure to Warn Claims
Product manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about known dangers. The timing and adequacy of warnings about the explosion risk may be relevant to your case.
Compensation Available for Pressure Washer Injuries
Victims of defective pressure washer explosions may be entitled to compensation for multiple types of damages:
- Medical expenses including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for permanent injuries.
- Lost income from time away from work during recovery, as well as reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and suffering compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement may warrant additional compensation, particularly for hand injuries that affect manual dexterity or facial scarring.
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Why You Need Legal Representation
Product liability cases against major manufacturers require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and sophisticated legal strategies. Manufacturing companies typically have experienced legal teams and substantial resources to defend against injury claims.
An experienced product liability attorney can level the playing field by securing the defective product for expert analysis, obtaining internal company documents through the discovery process, and building a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Many product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless they successfully recover compensation for your injuries.
Time Limits Apply to Product Injury Claims
Every state has statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a product liability lawsuit after an injury occurs. These deadlines vary by state but are typically between one and three years from the date of injury.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. This makes prompt action essential for protecting your legal rights.
Take Action Today
If you suffered injuries from an exploding Ryobi pressure washer, time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. The combination of a widespread recall affecting hundreds of thousands of units and documented serious injuries creates a compelling foundation for product liability claims.
Contact an experienced product liability attorney today for a free consultation about your case. Legal representation can help ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries while holding the manufacturer accountable for putting dangerous products in the marketplace.
Don’t let the manufacturer’s recall remedy prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Experienced Product Injury Attorneys
Our attorneys have over 27 years of experience representing people harmed by defective products in class action and personal injury lawsuits.
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If you or a family member suffered injuries from this recalled product, you may be entitled to compensation. Act quickly as there are time limits on all legal claims.
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