The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·01140·Announced 2001-05-03

Dell Inspiron 5000 Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled for Fire Risk

Dell is recalling Inspiron 5000 battery modules because they can overcharge, become hot, and catch fire. Consumers should stop using them immediately.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with a reported instance of property damage, which aligns with the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

Dell Computer Corp. is recalling approximately 284,000 Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebook computer battery modules. The recall was initiated because these batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire. Dell has received one report of a battery overcharging that resulted in minor property damage, but no injuries have been reported.

The affected batteries were sold nationwide through catalogs and over the Internet from January 2000 through March 2001. They were included in Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e computers sold for between $2,100 and $3,100, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $130. The batteries are identified by the words "DELL," "MADE IN JAPAN," and "Inspiron 5000 Battery Module" on the top. Specific units are identified by colored stickers at the rear containing the number "99" or the series "00 51" or less, with the letter "P" in the first line.

Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately. To obtain a discount on a future purchase of a new consumer notebook or desktop computer from Dell, consumers may email [email protected] or write to Dell, Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682.

The recalled product

Product
Dell Inspiron 5000 Battery Modules
Manufacturer
Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas
Category
Consumer Product — Electronics
Hazard
Affected units
284,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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