The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·01013·Announced 2000-10-13

Dell Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Risk

Dell is recalling approximately 27,000 notebook computer batteries because they can short circuit, overheat, and catch fire. Consumers should contact Dell to verify if their battery is affected.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with one reported incident of a battery catching fire and causing minor property damage, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe category.

Plain-English summary

Dell Computer Corp. is recalling approximately 27,000 batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers. The affected batteries were sold with the Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH, and CPxJ models, as well as the Inspiron 3700 and 3800 models. The batteries were also sold separately, including in response to service calls, from June 2000 through mid-September 2000. The batteries insert into the front-left and/or front-right of the computer and feature "DELLTM" and "MADE IN JAPAN" markings on a white sticker with an identification number.

The recall is due to a hazard where the batteries can short circuit, even when not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire. Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short circuiting and catching fire, which resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported in this incident.

Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall. They can call toll-free at (877) 741-6420 anytime, visit the firm's website at http://support.dell.com/battery/, or write to Dell Computer Corp. at One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682. Consumers should have the battery identification number available when contacting Dell.

The recalled product

Product
Batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers
Affected units
27,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas

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