Dell Notebook Computer Batteries
CPSC Recall #06-056 - December 15, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-056 |
| Recall Date | December 15, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 22,000 in the U.S. |
| Manufacturer | Dell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas |
| Manufactured In | Japan or China |
Where It Was Sold
| Dell sold these batteries with the notebook computers |
| as part of a service replacement |
| and as individual units on its Web site and catalogs from October 5 |
| 2004 |
| through October 13 |
| 2005. The computers with these batteries sold for between $900 and $2 |
| 650 |
| and individual batteries sold for between $99 and $179. |
Product
Dell Notebook Computer Batteries
Description
The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude™ D410, D505, D510, D600, D610, D800, D810; Inspiron™ 510M, 600M, 6000, 8600, 9200, 9300, XPS Gen 2; and Dell Precision™ M20 and M70 mobile workstations. The batteries were also sold separately, including as secondary batteries and in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the battery bay located on the underside of the notebook. "Dell" and "Made in Japan" or "Made in China" are stamped on the batteries. The identification number for each battery appears on a white sticker. Customers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.
Hazard
These batteries can overheat, which could pose a fire risk.
Incidents & Injuries
Dell has received three reports of batteries overheating. The incidents involved damage to a tabletop, a desktop, and minor damage to personal effects. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Customers should contact Dell to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall. If it is, consumers should immediately stop using the battery as a power source for their notebook computer. Dell will provide a free replacement battery.
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.