The once-viral Haribo-branded power banks have quietly disappeared from Amazon in the US and for good reason. A recent CT scan of the 20,000 mAh model revealed a major design flaw that could pose serious safety risks, including overheating and potential fire hazards.

CT scan exposes internal battery misalignment

While these power banks made waves earlier this year among ultralight gear fans for being surprisingly compact and cheap, their internal construction may be too good to be true. According to a report by Lumafield, a CT scan of the 20,000 mAh version shows the two battery cells misaligned and loosely stabilized, with visible gaps and poorly placed electrodes.

This kind of sloppy internal design increases the risk of premature failure. More importantly, it can cause thermal hotspots, reduce battery life, and under stress lead to dangerous outcomes like overheating or combustion.

Amazon pulls plug after safety concern

Following rising concerns, Amazon delisted both the 10,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh Haribo power banks in the US. Existing orders were reportedly canceled. Though Amazon cited only a vague “potential safety or quality issue,” the Lumafield report likely sheds light on what triggered the move.

Despite their removal from the US storefront, the same models particularly the Haribo Mini Power Bank 20000mAh remain available across several European Amazon listings. No official recall has been issued by the manufacturer, DC Hong Kong Global, and Haribo itself appears uninvolved beyond branding.

What went wrong, and why it matters

At a glance, the Haribo power banks checked all the right boxes: fun branding, high capacity, low weight, and rock-bottom pricing. But power banks aren’t just accessories they’re compact lithium-ion energy storage devices. When internal components aren’t properly stabilized or aligned, the consequences can be dangerous.

Here’s what the CT scan uncovered:

• Cells were misaligned and unevenly spaced
• Electrodes lacked internal stabilization
• Potential for reduced lifespan and overheating
• Manufacturing inconsistency not visible externally

Consider safer alternatives

DC Hong Kong Global has not addressed the design or safety flaws. It has also not issued a formal recall. Until that happens, users should look for safer alternatives. The Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3 is a more reliable option. It focuses on durability and offers dependable portable power.

The Haribo branding may be cute. But when it comes to high-capacity power banks, what’s inside matters more than what’s on the label.