Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers
CPSC Recall #07-118 — February 28, 2007
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 07-118 |
| Recall Date | February 28, 2007 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 100,000 battery packs (an additional 105,000 battery packs were sold worldwide) |
| Manufacturer | Battery Manufacturer: Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., of Japan |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Lenovo's Web sites |
| telephone and direct sales |
| and Lenovo authorized distributors nationwide between November 2005 and February 2007 |
| as an accessory for about $180 |
| and as part of a ThinkPad notebook computer for between $750 and $3 |
| 500. |
Product
Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lenovo (United States) Inc., of Research Triangle Park, N.C. and Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., of Japan, are voluntarily recalling about 100,000 battery packs (with an additional 105,000 battery packs were sold worldwide) Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers. If the battery in the laptop is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard to users. This is not an internal battery cell defect.Name of product: Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computersUnits: About 100,000 battery packs (an additional 105,000 battery packs were sold worldwide)Battery Distributor: Lenovo (United States) Inc., of Research Triangle Park, N.C.Battery Manufacturer: Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., of JapanHazard: If the battery in the laptop is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard to users. This is not an internal battery cell defect.Incidents/Injuries: Lenovo has received four reports of batteries overheating and damaging the notebook. This caused damage to the notebook computers, minor property damage and, in one case, minor eye irritation to one consumer.Description: Lenovo sold these extended-life batteries with new ThinkPad notebook PCs or as optional or replacement batteries for the following ThinkPad notebook models: R Series (R60 and R60e), T Series (T60 and T60p) and Z Series (Z60m, Z61e, Z61m, and Z61p). The recalled 9-cell batteries have the following part number, which can be found on the battery label: FRU P/N 92P1131.Sold through: Lenovo's Web sites, telephone and direct sales, and Lenovo authorized distributors nationwide between November 2005 and February 2007, as an accessory for about $180, and as part of a ThinkPad notebook computer for between $750 and $3,500.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries and contact Lenovo for additional information and to receive a free replacement battery. Consumers should use only ThinkPad batteries obtained from either Lenovo or an authorized reseller.Consumer Contact: Customers should contact Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 anytime, or log on to www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram to determine if the battery is part of the recall and to order a replacement battery.Note: In September 2006, Lenovo conducted a recall of batteries manufactured by another firm for a different problem.
Hazard
If the battery in the laptop is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard to users. This is not an internal battery cell defect.
Incidents & Injuries
Lenovo has received four reports of batteries overheating and damaging the notebook. This caused damage to the notebook computers, minor property damage and, in one case, minor eye irritation to one consumer.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries and contact Lenovo for additional information and to receive a free replacement battery. Consumers should use only ThinkPad batteries obtained from either Lenovo or an authorized reseller.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.