A class-action lawsuit alleges that Generac sold backup generators with a hidden defect that causes them to fail during power outages, despite being marketed as reliable backup power.

Plaintiffs James W. Dawson Jr. and Edmond C. Hill Jr. filed the lawsuit Oct. 18 in federal court in Florida, accusing Generac of violating consumer protection laws. The suit involves 22 kW and 24 kW models sold between 2021 and 2024.

The problem appears to be slip rings and carbon brushes, which wear out quickly and cause the generators to stop working during outages. This can be dangerous for those who rely on power for medical equipment.

The plaintiffs say Generac knew about the defect but only offered temporary fixes instead of a permanent solution and did not recall the products.

Dawson, who bought a 24 kW model in March 2022, said his generator broke down after running for just 30 minutes during Hurricane Ian, leaving him without power for nearly a week. He and others reported repeated attempts at repairs without a lasting solution.

The plaintiffs purport to represent all American purchasers of these defective generators and are seeking damages and a jury trial. This lawsuit follows a previous case against Generac for defective generators that presented fire hazards.