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Batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers

CPSC Recall #01-013 — October 12, 2000

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-013
Recall DateOctober 12, 2000
Remedy TypeInspect
Units AffectedAbout 27,000
Manufactured InJapan

Where It Was Sold

Dell's website and catalogs sold computers with these batteries
customer kits containing the batteries
and individual batteries from June 2000 through mid-September 2000. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $1
500 and $3
000
and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $170.

Product

Batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 batteries used in notebook-style personal computers. These batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire. Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported. The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800. The batteries also were sold separately, including in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the front-left and/or front-right of the computer. "DELLTM" and "MADE IN JAPAN" are written on the batteries. The batteries' identification number is written on a white sticker. Consumers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall. Dell's website and catalogs sold computers with these batteries, customer kits containing the batteries, and individual batteries from June 2000 through mid-September 2000. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $1,500 and $3,000, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $170. Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall. To contact Dell, call toll-free at (877) 741-6420 anytime, or go to the firm's website at http://support.dell.com/battery/. Consumers also can write to: Dell Computer Corp., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682. 

Hazard

These batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire.

Incidents & Injuries

Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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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 (Inspect) 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.

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