Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported May 13, 2002
CPSC, Milwaukee Tool Corp. Announce Recall of Automotive Chargers
The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis. recalled The recall includes Power Plus automotive chargers that plug into automotive cigarette li… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, Milwaukee Tool Corp. Announce Recall of Automotive Chargers was recalled by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis. in May 13, 2002. Reason: The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low volta…. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Mil…. Verify recall #02156 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low volta….
- Moderate
- severity level
- May 13, 2002
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #02156 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #02156) was formally reported on May 13, 2002. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 18,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authorized power tool service center. Consumers can choose from three options… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 609 electronics recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 18,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
The recall includes Power Plus automotive chargers that plug into automotive cigarette lighters, and Impact wrench kits containing these chargers. A label on the front of the charger reads, "Milwaukee...POWER-PLUS 9.6 Volt - 18 Volt AUTOMOTIVE CHARGERS." A nameplate on the back of the charger lists the catalog number. Impact wrench kits containing these chargers have serial numbers within the range listed below. The serial number is located on the side of the Impact wrench kit. Catalog Numbers Serial Numbers Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Wrench Kit 9079-23 241A401520001 through 241A402080126
Reason for recall
The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authorized power tool service center. Consumers can choose from three options: an exchange for a 12, 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack, a replacement charger or a refund.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 02156 |
| Date reported | May 13, 2002 |
| Date initiated | May 13, 2002 |
| Recalling firm | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis. |
| Affected scope | About 18,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authori…
- Check the recall number (02156) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
The recall includes Power Plus automotive chargers that plug into automotive cigarette lighters, and Impact wrench kits containing these chargers. A label on the front of the charger reads, "Milwaukee...POWER-PLUS 9.6 Volt - 18 Volt AUTOMOTIVE CHARGERS." A nameplate on the back of the charger lists the catalog number. Impact wrench kits containing these chargers have serial numbers within the range listed below. The serial number is located on the side of the Impact wrench kit. Catalog Numbers Serial Numbers Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Charger 48-59-0184 All Serial Range Wrench Kit 9079-23 241A401520001 through 241A402080126. Recalled by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., of Brookfield, Wis.. Units affected: About 18,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The automotive chargers are often used on job sites to charge power tool batteries. When used under low voltage conditions, the chargers can overheat. This poses a fire hazard.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should stop using the chargers immediately and return them to their nearest Milwaukee factory service center or authorized power tool service center. Consumers can choose from three options: an exchange for a 12, 14.4 or 18 volt battery pack, a replacement charger or a refund.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 13, 2002. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 02156.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (02156) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
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CPSC Moderate
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported May 13, 2002. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.