January 13, 2026 – An incident report concerning an Anker A1642 portable power bank details a significant safety concern where the device’s internal battery swelled, causing the product’s exterior casing to crack. The incident occurred after approximately two years of use under normal conditions, with no external factors such as drops, extreme temperatures, or water exposure contributing to the malfunction.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 21, 2025, an incident report was filed detailing a malfunction with an Anker A1642 portable power bank. The product, purchased from Amazon.com and used for approximately two years, experienced significant battery swelling. This internal expansion was severe enough to cause visible cracking to the device’s outer casing. The consumer explicitly stated that the power bank was not subjected to any physical trauma, such as being dropped, nor was it exposed to extreme heat, cold, or water. Following the incident, the consumer contacted Anker’s customer service, who advised that the product was no longer safe for use. This incident highlights a concerning potential for internal battery failure under normal operating conditions.
Safety Concerns
Battery swelling in portable electronic devices like power banks poses several serious safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers: A swollen lithium-ion battery is under immense internal pressure. This pressure can lead to a thermal runaway event, which may result in the battery overheating, catching fire, or even exploding. Such an event can cause severe burns, smoke inhalation, and traumatic injuries to anyone nearby.
- Chemical Exposure: If the battery casing ruptures completely, it can release flammable and corrosive electrolytes. Direct contact with these chemicals can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, or respiratory issues if inhaled.
- Property Damage Potential: A battery fire or explosion can quickly spread, causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, or any surfaces the device is resting on. The resulting smoke and soot can also lead to significant cleanup costs.
- Who Might Be Affected: Any user of the affected product, family members, or pets in the vicinity of the device are at risk.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an Anker A1642 portable power bank or any similar portable power device, please take the following actions:
- Immediate Steps:
* Stop Using Immediately: If you observe any swelling, bulging, cracking, or unusual heat from your power bank, stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to charge it or discharge it.
* Do Not Puncture or Open: Never attempt to repair, puncture, or open a swollen battery or device. Doing so can cause immediate fire, explosion, or chemical exposure.
* Isolate Safely: Carefully move the device to a safe, non-flammable area, such as outdoors on concrete or inside a ceramic bowl, away from combustible materials.
- How to Check If You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number, typically printed on the back or side of your Anker portable power bank. The model number for this incident is A1642.
- Prevention Measures:
* Monitor for Swelling: Regularly inspect your portable power banks and other battery-powered devices for any signs of swelling, distortion, or unusual heat.
* Avoid Extreme Conditions: Do not expose power banks to extreme temperatures (hot or cold) or direct sunlight, and keep them away from water.
* Use Recommended Chargers: Always use the charger and cable supplied with the device or a reputable third-party equivalent. Avoid overcharging.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Also, contact Anker Innovations Limited directly to report the issue.
Manufacturer’s Response
Anker Innovations Limited has reportedly responded to the incident, advising the consumer that the product is no longer safe to use. Further details regarding their full response or specific action plan are not available in this incident report.
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.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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.