Coby Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player Batteries Recalled for Fire Hazard

Plain-English summary

Coby Electronics Corp. is re-announcing a recall for rechargeable batteries sold with specific portable DVD/CD/MP3 players, including models TF-DVD 1020 and TF-DVD 8501. The recall involves approximately 32,600 units originally announced in October 2008 and reannounced in October 2009. The re-announcement is prompted by a low return rate and additional reports of fires.

The recalled rechargeable batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Coby Electronics has received 32 reports of the battery overheating. For the TF-DVD 1020 model, there were 18 additional incidents of overheating, 17 of which resulted in property damage ranging from minor up to $9,650. No additional incidents have been reported for the TF-DVD 8501 model.

The TF-DVD 1020 units were sold from May 2007 through July 2008 for about $168, while the TF-DVD 8501 units were sold from January 2007 through September 2009 for between $140 and $275. These products were sold at discount, electronics, music, toy, office supply stores, and distributors nationwide. Consumers should immediately stop using the players with the recalled batteries and contact Coby Electronics to arrange for a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled batteries, consumers can continue to use the units with the AC or DC power adapter.

The recalled product

Product

Rechargeable Batteries sold with Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players

Manufacturer

Coby Electronics Corp., of Lake Success, N.Y.

Category

Consumer Product — Electronics

Hazard

• fire
• overheating

Affected units

32,600

Distribution

Related recalls