Sony Recalls Lithium-Ion Batteries for Notebook Computers Due to Fire Hazard

Plain-English summary

Sony Energy Devices Corp. of Japan is recalling rechargeable lithium-ion batteries containing Sony cells that were used in notebook computers manufactured by Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation, Gateway Inc., Sony Electronics Inc., and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. The recall covers approximately 340,000 batteries sold in the United States, with an additional 3,080,000 battery packs sold worldwide. These batteries were sold with or separately for specific notebook computer models between December 2004 and October 2006.

The batteries are being recalled because they can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. There have been 16 reports of notebook computer batteries overheating, which caused minor property damage and two minor burns. All reported incidents and injuries were associated with earlier recalls of notebook computer batteries containing these Sony cells. There have been no incidents involving batteries sold by the notebook manufacturers participating in this specific announcement.

Consumers should remove the affected batteries from their notebook computers until they contact their computer manufacturer for further instructions. Batteries covered by this program will be replaced free of charge. Consumers should use only batteries obtained from their computer manufacturer or an authorized reseller. Contact information for the participating manufacturers is available through their respective websites or customer service lines.

The recalled product

Product

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries containing Sony cells used in Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation, Gateway Inc., Sony Electronics Inc., and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. notebook computers

Manufacturer

Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan

Category

Consumer Product — Electronics / Batteries

Hazard

• fire
• burn-injury

Affected units

340,000

Distribution

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