The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·05179·Announced 2005-05-20

Apple Recalls iBook and PowerBook G4 Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

Apple is recalling approximately 128,000 lithium-ion batteries for iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers in the U.S. because an internal short can cause overheating and fire.

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 six reported instances of overheating worldwide, including two in the U.S., which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or high-risk hazards with reported incidents, warranting a Severe classification.

Plain-English summary

Apple Computer Inc. is recalling rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4, and 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers. The recall covers approximately 128,000 units in the United States. The affected batteries have model numbers A1061, A1078, and A1079, with serial numbers ranging from HQ441 to HQ507 or 3X446 to 3X510. These computers were sold by national and regional resellers, catalogers, and Apple stores from October 2004 through May 2005.

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 six reports worldwide of batteries overheating, including two reports in the United States. No injuries or deaths have been reported in the source text.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled battery, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until the replacement arrives. Apple can be contacted at (800) 275-2273 or via their website at www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange.

The recalled product

Product
Rechargeable batteries for iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers
Manufacturer
Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Computer Batteries
Hazard
Affected units
128,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.

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Same hazard · fire

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