The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·04201·Announced 2004-08-19

Apple Recalls 15-Inch PowerBook G4 Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

Apple is recalling approximately 28,000 rechargeable batteries for 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers because internal shorts can cause overheating and fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with four reports of overheating but no reported injuries, fitting the rubric for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Apple Computer Inc. is recalling rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch Apple PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) laptop computers. The recall involves approximately 28,000 units. The affected batteries contain cells manufactured during the last week of December 2003 and have the model number A1045 with serial numbers beginning with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. These identifiers are located on a label on the bottom of the battery. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are included in this recall.

The recall is being conducted because an internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Apple has received four reports of batteries overheating, though no injuries have been reported. The computers with these batteries were sold by national and regional resellers, catalogers, and Apple's online and retail stores from January 2004 through August 2004 for between $2,000 and $2,600. The batteries were also sold separately for about $130.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. Apple can be reached at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday, or via the website www.apple.com/support/powerbook/batteryexchange.

The recalled product

Product
Rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch Apple PowerBook G4 computers
Manufacturer
Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Laptop Batteries
Hazard
Affected units
28,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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