The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·06023·Announced 2005-11-08

Nikon Recalls EN-EL3 Rechargeable Battery Packs Due to Overheating Risk

Nikon is recalling EN-EL3 rechargeable battery packs sold with digital SLR cameras because they can short circuit, overheat, and melt, posing a burn hazard.

What this means for you

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 risk-of-harm product (burn hazard from overheating/melting) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Nikon Inc. is recalling approximately 200,000 rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs with model number EN-EL3 in the United States, with about 710,000 units affected worldwide. These batteries were sold as power sources for Nikon's digital SLR D100, D70, and D50 model cameras, as well as separately. The battery packs are rated at 7.4V/1400mAh, and the model number is written on the side of the battery.

The recall is being conducted because the battery packs can short circuit, causing them to overheat and possibly melt. This poses a burn hazard to consumers. Nikon has confirmed four reports of incidents of this problem worldwide, with no reports of injuries.

The battery packs were sold at camera, mass merchandise, catalog, Internet, and office supply stores nationwide from May 2004 through November 2005. The price was about $50 for the battery only and about $800 to $1,500 when sold with the digital SLR camera. Consumers should stop using the battery packs immediately and contact Nikon's website to determine if their specific unit is included in the recall. Nikon will provide a free replacement battery pack. For additional information, consumers can contact Nikon Inc. Customer Service at (800) 645-6678 or visit www.nikonusa.com.

The recalled product

Product
Nikon Rechargeable Battery Packs with Model Number EN-EL3
Affected units
200,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Same manufacturer · Nikon Inc., of Melville, N.Y.

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