Health Canada recalls several outboard motors for battery-related fire hazard

Several outboard engine models are being recalled by Health Canada after they were found to have a defect which could cause them to combust when submerged in water.

The lithium ion batteries in the Torqeedo Travel and Ultralight Outboard engines may not be water tight, Health Canada says. If they're fully submerged in water, the batteries could pose a fire hazard.

Approximately 972 units were sold in Canada between January 2010 and December 2018, but the company has not received any reports of incidents or injuries as a result of the defect.

The Torqeedo Travel, with model number 503/1003 and battery serial numbers 1001 to 1752, and the Torqeedo Ultralight, with model number 403 and battery serial numbers 1117 to 1862.

Health Canada recommends people who own the affected engines should "immediately stop using the recalled lithium ion batteries and contact Torqeedo Inc. for a free repair or replacement battery."