June 17, 2026 — A recent incident report details a consumer’s experience with a RoadPro RP-255 power cord that melted and deformed after being connected to a cigarette port, raising serious concerns about fire safety. The consumer, who had used the cord only a handful of times, is now afraid to use it due to the potential fire risk.
Product Details
Product: RoadPro RP-255
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on May 29, 2026, involved a consumer who purchased a RoadPro RP-255 power cord from Amazon.com. After using the product a handful of times, the consumer connected the power cord to a cigarette port. Shortly after, the power cord reportedly melted and became deformed at the connection point. The nature of the damage prompted the consumer to immediately cease using the product, expressing significant concern over a potential fire hazard.
Safety Concerns
The melting and deformation of a power cord connected to a vehicle’s power outlet present a range of severe safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of fire. Overheating electrical components can ignite flammable materials within a vehicle, such as upholstery, carpets, or dashboard components. This could lead to rapid fire spread, endangering vehicle occupants and potentially causing significant property damage. There is also a risk of electrical shock or severe burns from touching the overheated or compromised cord.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if an immediate fire does not occur, a compromised power cord indicates a fundamental flaw in its design or manufacturing. Continued use, even if it appears to function sporadically, could lead to intermittent overheating, damaging the vehicle’s electrical system, the device being powered, or eventually escalating to a fire hazard without warning.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using the RoadPro RP-255 power cord, particularly in a vehicle’s cigarette port, is potentially at risk. This includes everyday drivers, travelers, and anyone relying on portable power in their vehicles. The incident could also affect passengers in the vehicle.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, a fire originating from a defective power cord could cause extensive damage to the vehicle’s interior, electrical system, and potentially total the vehicle. If a fire occurs while the vehicle is parked near structures or other vehicles, the damage could extend far beyond the immediate product and vehicle.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a RoadPro RP-255 power cord should take immediate action to ensure their safety:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you own a RoadPro RP-255 power cord, discontinue its use immediately. Do not attempt to plug it into any power source, even if it appears undamaged. If the cord is currently plugged in, carefully and safely disconnect it. Do not attempt to repair the cord yourself.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Verify the model number “RP-255” and the brand “ROADPRO” on your power cord and its packaging.
- Prevention Measures: Always ensure that any power cord or adapter used in a vehicle is rated appropriately for the device it’s powering and for the vehicle’s electrical system. Inspect cords regularly for any signs of wear, fraying, melting, or deformation. Never use a cord that shows any signs of damage. Avoid leaving devices plugged in unattended for extended periods.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about your RoadPro RP-255 power cord, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. You should also contact the manufacturer to inform them of your experience.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, ROADPRO, has indicated that they have responded to this incident report. However, the specific details of their response are not available in the provided incident report information.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.