The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·04559·Announced 2004-06-24

Verizon Recalls Counterfeit LG TM-510 Cell Phone Batteries

Verizon Wireless is recalling approximately 50,000 counterfeit LG-branded TM-510 cell phone batteries because they lack safety devices and can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

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 source text explicitly reports injuries to users and property damage resulting from the fire and burn hazards associated with the counterfeit batteries, which meets the criteria for a Severe (Score 4) classification.

Plain-English summary

Verizon Wireless is recalling approximately 50,000 counterfeit LG-branded TM-510 cell phone batteries. These batteries were sold at Verizon Wireless retail locations nationwide and on the company's website from August 2002 to November 2003 for between $40 and $60. The recalled batteries are found in LG TM-510 model cell phones and have specific manufacturer/date codes: "AEMLLL 02220," "AEMMHH 02220," "AEMLLL 02X25H," or "AEMMHH 02725."

The recall is being issued because these counterfeit batteries do not contain a safety device in the circuitry to prevent overcharging, especially when used with a non-LG charger. This defect can cause the batteries to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to users. Verizon Wireless has received 18 reports of incidents involving these counterfeit batteries, including injuries to users and property damage.

Consumers with an LG TM-510 cell phone battery having one of the identified manufacturer/date codes and purchased from Verizon Wireless should stop charging the battery immediately. They should contact Verizon Wireless at (800) 922-0204 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a replacement battery. Verizon Wireless is also sending letters directly to consumers notifying them of this hazard.

The recalled product

Product
Counterfeit LG-branded TM-510 Cell Phone Batteries
Manufacturer
Verizon Wireless of Bedminster, N.J.
Category
Consumer Product — Cell Phone Batteries
Hazard
Affected units
50,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

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