Meta Quest 3 Lawsuit Alleges Virtual Reality Headset Attachment Caught Fire While Charging, Killing Family Dog

Lawsuit claims a defective Aubika battery head strap, or one of its components, malfunctioned while charging the Meta Quest 3.

An insurance company has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging that a defective rechargeable battery accessory attached to a Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset caused a house fire that resulted in more than $247,000 in insured losses.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company on behalf of its insured, Scott Mason, in Madison County Circuit Court on September 17, 2026. Amazon removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky on October 19.

The lawsuit names Amazon.com Services LLC, Amazon.com Inc., Shenzhen Early Century Technology Co. Ltd. and Shenzhen Hongtuzhi E-Commerce Co. Ltd., both doing business under the Aubika name, as well as several unidentified entities involved in the battery accessory’s production or distribution.

Meta, which manufactures the Quest 3 headset, is not named as a defendant. Instead, the lawsuit primarily attributes the fire to an allegedly defective aftermarket battery-powered head strap sold under the Aubika brand.

Lithium-Ion Battery Problems

The Meta Quest 3 is a virtual reality and mixed reality headset that allows users to experience immersive digital environments, play games, exercise and interact with others through motion-tracking technology and handheld controllers.

The device contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and can be charged through a USB-C connection. Consumers can also purchase aftermarket accessories, including replacement head straps with built-in batteries designed to extend operating time, such as the Aubika product purchased by Mason.

Lithium-ion batteries store substantial amounts of energy. However, design or manufacturing defects, poor-quality components and inadequate safety features can cause them to overheat or short circuit. In some cases, these failures can trigger thermal runaway, an uncontrolled reaction that generates intense heat and may cause batteries to ignite or explode.

Numerous lawsuits filed in recent years have involved fires allegedly caused by lithium-ion batteries in products such as heated insoles, vape devices, power banks and electric vehicles.

Amazon has also been named as a defendant in prior product liability lawsuits involving items manufactured by third-party companies and sold through its online marketplace.

These claims often focus on Amazon’s role in listing products, processing payments, storing inventory and shipping merchandise to consumers. Individuals argue that the company’s involvement in the sales and distribution process may make it legally responsible when defective products cause injuries or property damage.

Meta Quest 3 Battery Head Strap Fire Allegations

According to the complaint, Mason purchased two Meta Quest 3 headsets through Amazon for $499 each on November 12, 2023. He later purchased two Aubika Fast Charging Head Straps on January 2, 2024, paying $69.99 each for accessories equipped with 8,000 mAh rechargeable batteries.

On the evening of October 9, 2024, one of the headsets, equipped with an Aubika battery head strap, was placed on a basement table and connected to a household electrical outlet using the power adapter and charging cable supplied by Meta.

The following morning, the occupants left the house around 9 a.m. When they returned approximately five hours later, they discovered smoke and a fire burning on the basement table, prompting a response from the Madison County Fire Department.

The flames had spread up the basement wall and into the dining room above, causing extensive fire, smoke, heat and water damage throughout the home. The family’s dog also died from injuries sustained in the blaze.

According to the complaint, the fire department identified an equipment or heat-source failure as the cause of ignition, with a mechanical malfunction contributing to the fire. Investigators reported no human factors contributing to the incident.

A fire investigator retained by Kentucky Farm Bureau subsequently determined that the fire originated on or near the basement table where the headset and battery head strap were charging.

The investigator discovered burned lithium-ion battery remains on the table, on the floor beneath it and melted into nearby carpeting. The headset, battery head strap, controllers, charging equipment and surrounding debris were collected and preserved as evidence.

The lawsuit alleges that the Aubika head strap or one of its components failed while charging, causing the fire. However, the complaint also identifies other products or charging accessories near the suspected point of origin as possible causes, indicating that the investigation remains ongoing.

Kentucky Farm Bureau maintains that Amazon knew or should have known about the fire risks associated with rechargeable battery head straps sold through its marketplace, but failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers.

“Upon information and belief, Amazon received customer complaints, returns, product-safety reports, and reviews before October 10, 2024 reporting overheating, melting, or burning of battery head straps sold on its marketplace, including the Head Strap, and Amazon did not warn purchasers, including Mason.”

— Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company v. Amazon.com Services LLC, et al.

The complaint raises claims of strict product liability, negligence, negligent undertaking and breach of express and implied warranties, alleging that Amazon and Aubika failed to ensure the battery accessory was reasonably safe for its intended use.

Kentucky Farm Bureau is seeking reimbursement for more than $247,000 already paid toward property repairs, damaged belongings and additional living expenses, along with any further covered losses and Mason’s $1,000 insurance deductible.

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