HP and Compaq Notebook Computer Batteries

CPSC Recall #06-145 — April 20, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number06-145
Recall DateApril 20, 2006
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 4,100 (about 15,700 batteries worldwide)
ImporterHewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

National and regional computer and electronics stores
online stores
and at hp.com and hpshopping.com from January 2005 through December 2005 for between $1
000 and $3
000. The battery packs also were sold separately for between $100 and $130.

Product

HP and Compaq Notebook Computer Batteries

Description

The recalled lithium ion rechargeable batteries are used with various HP and Compaq notebook computers. The recalled batteries are a subset of those manufactured in early January 2005, and will have a bar code label starting with L3. HP and Compaq Notebook Model Series that may contain a recalled battery include: HP Pavilion FamilyHP Compaq FamilyCompaq Presario Familydv1xxxze2xxxnx48xxV2xxxM2xxxThe notebook model is located on the display screen bezel or in the labeling on the bottom of the notebook.

Hazard

An internal failure can cause the battery to overheat and melt or char the plastic case, posing a burn and fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating, including two in the United States. One minor burn injury has been reported. Eleven cases of minor property damage were reported, including one in the United States.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the "L3" coded batteries immediately and contact HP to determine if the specific battery is one of the ones being recalled, and if it is, receive a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the notebook until a replacement battery arrives.

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.