CPSC Recalls HP Batteries for Fire Hazard
On May 21, the CPSC in conjunction with Hewlett Packard announced a voluntary recall of the lithium-ion batteries used in Hewlett Packard and Compaq notebook computers. This recall of about 54,000 units is the second round of recalls on HP batteries used in the HP and Compaq computers. About 70,000 units were previously recalled in May, 2009.
The lithium-ion batteries are under recall because they can overheat and cause a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Since the May 2009 recall, HP has received 38 additional reports of batteries that overheated and ruptured, resulting in 11 instances of minor personal injury and 31 instances of minor property damage.
The recalled lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used with several model series of HP and Compaq notebook computers. For a chart showing all notebook model numbers associated with batteries recalled to date, click here. The computer model number is located at the top of the service label on the bottom of the notebook computer. Please note that not all batteries matching the bar codes are being recalled.
The HP batteries and computers were sold at computer and electronics stores nationwide, HP.com and hpshopping.com from August 2007 through July 2008 for between $500 and $3,000. The battery packs were also sold separately for between $100 and $160.
Consumers should immediately remove the batteries from their notebook computer and contact HP to determine if their battery is included in this recall, even if the battery was previously checked. Consumers with recalled batteries will receive a free replacement battery.
After removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers may use the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives. HP recommends that only batteries obtained from HP or an HP authorized reseller be used with HP notebook PCs.
For additional information, consumers may visit the HP Battery Replacement Program website at http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement or call (888) 202-4320 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Related Resources:
- HP Expands Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard (CPSC)
- Defective and Dangerous Products - FAQ (FindLaw)
- Personal Injuries from Defective Products (provided by Law Offices of Jeffrey Hasson P.C.)
- Products Liability FAQ (provided by Mark C. Tanenbaum, P.A.)