The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·10284·Announced 2010-06-30

Sony Recalls VAIO Laptop Computers Due to Overheating Burn Hazard

Sony is recalling about 233,000 VAIO notebook computers because they can overheat and cause burns. Consumers should install a free firmware update to fix the issue.

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) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Sony Electronics Inc. is recalling approximately 233,000 VAIO notebook computers, specifically the VPCF11 Series and VPCCW2 Series models. These computers were sold for between $800 and $1,500 at retailers including Best Buy, Costco, Fry's, Amazon.com, and Sony Style stores between January 2010 and April 2010.

The recalled computers can overheat, which poses a burn hazard to consumers. Sony has received 30 reports of units overheating, resulting in deformed keyboards and casings. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately visit http://esupport.sony.com/US/f1cw2update for instructions on how to update the computer's BIOS firmware. This update will prevent the computer from overheating. The firmware update is also available through the VAIO Update software program installed on the recalled computers, and a prompt will appear when users log on. Consumers can also call Sony or visit Sony Style retail stores for help installing the update.

The recalled product

Product
Notebook computers
Manufacturer
Sony Electronics Inc. of San Diego, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Notebook Computers
Hazard
Affected units
233,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · burn injury

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