Toshiba Recalls Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
Recall 16131 · Mar 30, 2016 · Toshiba
91,000
units affected
91,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 16131
- Date
- Mar 30, 2016
- Company
- Toshiba
- Units affected
- 91,000
- Product
- Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers
- Product type
- Batteries and Chargers
- Remedy
- Replacement
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
This recall involves Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 39 models of Toshiba Portege, Satellite, and Tecra laptops. The battery packs were also sold separately and also installed by Toshiba as part of a repair. Battery packs included in this recall have part numbers that begin with G71C (G71C*******). Part numbers are printed on the battery pack. A complete list of battery pack part numbers included in this recall can be found on the firm's website at http://go.toshiba.com/battery.
What can happen
The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should immediately go to the firm's website and click on the battery pack utility link in the first shadowed box on the page. Consumers can also perform a manual check using the laptop and battery pack's model, part and serial numbers. If it is part of the recall, consumers should power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow the instructions to obtain a free replacement battery pack. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers should use the laptop by plugging into AC power only.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- The firm has received four reports of the battery packs overheating and melting. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Office Depot, Staples and other electronics stores nationwide, and online at Toshibadirect.com and other websites from June 2011 through January 2016 for between $500 and $1,000 for the laptop and between $70 and $130 for the battery pack.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled panasonic battery packs used in toshiba laptop computers?
Consumers should immediately go to the firm's website and click on the battery pack utility link in the first shadowed box on the page. Consumers can also perform a manual check using the laptop and battery pack's model, part and serial numbers. If it is part of the recall, consumers should power off the laptop.
What is the hazard?
The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.