Dell Inspiron 5000 Battery Modules

CPSC Recall #01-140 — May 2, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-140
Recall DateMay 2, 2001
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 284,000
Manufactured InJapan

Where It Was Sold

Dell sold these batteries nationwide through catalogs and over the Internet from January 2000 through March 2001. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $2
100 and $3
100
and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $130.

Product

Dell Inspiron 5000 Battery Modules

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 284,000 batteries used in notebook-style personal computers. These batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire.Dell has received one report of a battery overcharging, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.The recalled batteries were sold in Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebook computers and sold separately for use in both of these systems. The words, "DELL," "MADE IN JAPAN," and "Inspiron 5000 Battery Module" are printed on the top of the batteries. An identification number is written on a colored sticker at the rear of the battery. Those batteries that have colored stickers containing either the number "99" or the series "00 51" or less, and the letter "P" in the first line, are being recalled.Dell sold these batteries nationwide through catalogs and over the Internet from January 2000 through March 2001. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $2,100 and $3,100, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $130.Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and email Dell at [email protected] or write to the company at Dell, Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 to obtain a discount on a future purchase from Dell of a new consumer notebook or desktop computer.In October 2000, CPSC announced a recall of Dell Notebook computer batteries for the Inspiron 3700 and 3800 systems.

Hazard

These batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire.

Incidents & Injuries

Dell has received one report of a battery overcharging, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and email Dell at [email protected] or write to the company at Dell, Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 to obtain a discount on a future purchase from Dell of a new consumer notebook or desktop computer.

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.