SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Electrical shock / short

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20250523-35144-2147331114. Severity: Injury, Level of care not known. Product: Ryobi RY40407VNM (107000102) (Dimensions: H 16.33 in, W 7.27 in, D 36.15 in). Incident: On May 8, 2024, I purchased a brand-new Ryobi 40V leaf blower (Model#: RY40407VNM) from my local Home Depot in Chubbuck, ID. Within the first 30 days, I requested a warranty exchange due to a defect (the handle delivered pulsing shocks to my hand when used on high-power mode). However, due to limited stock, the replacement unit I received was visibly worn and had the same issue as the original blower. After two exchanges for the exact same shock defect issue, I checked Home Depot's reviews for this model and found at least two other customers reporting the same issue with the handle delivering shocks. Given this recurring defect, I am now seeking a third exchange, from the same issue, however I am seeking an equivalent alternative model. Today, May 23, 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM MST, I contacted Ryobi customer service. I was transferred twice before being directed to submit a product safety callback request, but was informed that they could not guarantee a turnaround time for the callback, not even an estimated timeframe. Additionally, I am concerned about the potential safety risks this defect may pose to individuals with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices. The pulsing electrical shocks from the handle could interfere with these devices, potentially leading to serious health complications. Given the nature of this issue, I strongly urge Ryobi to investigate the problem further and provide a definitive resolution.