Lenovo and IBM Recall ThinkPad Notebook Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
Lenovo and IBM are recalling specific ThinkPad notebook computer batteries due to a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the batteries and contact Lenovo for a free replacement.
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 one confirmed report of property damage, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe category.
Plain-English summary
Lenovo and IBM are recalling rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers. The recall involves approximately 168,500 battery packs sold in the United States between February 2005 and September 2006. These batteries were sold as accessories or as part of ThinkPad T, R, and X series computers. The batteries were manufactured by Sony Energy Devices Corp. of Japan.
The recalled batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Lenovo has received one confirmed report of a battery overheating and causing a fire that damaged a notebook computer. The incident occurred in an airport terminal, resulting in minor property damage, but no injuries were reported.
Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately. They should contact Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 or visit www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram to determine if their battery is affected and to receive a free replacement. Until a replacement arrives, consumers can use their computer by removing the battery and plugging in the AC adapter. Consumers should use only genuine ThinkPad batteries obtained from Lenovo or authorized resellers.
The recalled product
- Product
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers
- Manufacturer
- Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 168,500
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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