A California consumer has filed a federal lawsuit against TTI Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc., alleging that certain Ryobi-branded electric pressure washers are defective and prone to exploding.
The case, Angelini v. TTI Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc., was filed September 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Plaintiff Ken Angelini claims the defect lies in the pressure washers’ capacitors, which can overheat, burst, or explode during ordinary use, allegedly placing consumers at risk of injury.
Product Defect Allegations
According to the complaint, the design and manufacturing defects make the washers unreasonably dangerous. Reports describe incidents of the capacitor “blowing up” with enough force to cause property damage and potentially harm nearby users.
The lawsuit contends that TTI knew, or should have known, about the issue but failed to adequately warn customers.
Warranty and Recall Dispute
The lawsuit criticizes the company’s handling of warranty and recall remedies. Rather than offering refunds or full replacements, the complaint says customers were required to perform their own repairs—even while products were under warranty.
The plaintiff argues that this violates consumer protection laws, including California’s Song-Beverly Warranty Act, which obligates manufacturers to provide effective repairs or replacements within a reasonable time.
Legal Claims
The filing seeks damages for:
- Strict products liability (design and manufacturing defects)
- Negligence
- Breach of express and implied warranties
- Violation of California consumer protection statutes
The plaintiff is also asking the court for injunctive relief, including stronger warnings to consumers and full refunds or replacements for defective models.
Ryobi widely sold through Home Depot
TTI Outdoor Power Equipment, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries, sells power tools and outdoor equipment under multiple brands, including Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Hoover. Ryobi’s pressure washers are widely sold through Home Depot and other major retailers.
If successful in obtaining class certification, the lawsuit could proceed as a larger class action, potentially impacting thousands of Ryobi customers across California and beyond.
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, parent company of Ryobi, alleging that certain electric pressure washers are defective and explode.){kind=link}