Panasonic cordless power tool battery packs
CPSC Recall #03-113 — April 22, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-113 |
| Recall Date | April 22, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 64,000 |
| Manufacturer | Panasonic Consumer Electronics, of Secaucus, N.J. |
| Manufactured In | Mexico |
Where It Was Sold
| Home improvement |
| hardware and mail order outlets nationwide. Battery packs were sold in the Panasonic Cordless Power Tool kit and separately as an accessory pack and replacement battery for the power tools. The battery packs cost between $150 and $400 (with kits) and between $50 and $100 (individually). |
Product
Panasonic cordless power tool battery packs
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Panasonic Consumer Electronics, of Secaucus, N.J. is recalling about 64,000 cordless power tool battery packs. The battery packs can detach from the power tool unexpectedly and strike the operator or bystander, resulting in injuries.Name of product: Panasonic cordless power tool battery packsUnits: About 64,000Manufacturer: Panasonic Consumer Electronics, of Secaucus, N.J.Hazard: Battery packs can detach from the power tool unexpectedly and strike the operator or bystander, resulting in injuries.Incidents/Injuries: Two reports of batteries detaching have been received. No injuries have been reported.Description: Only battery packs manufactured between May 1, 2001 and Nov. 20, 2002, with model numbers EY9230, EY9136, EY9231, EY9200, EY9106 and EY9201 stamped on the top of the battery pack are included in this recall. The battery pack is black and yellow.Sold at: Home improvement, hardware and mail order outlets nationwide. Battery packs were sold in the Panasonic Cordless Power Tool kit and separately as an accessory pack and replacement battery for the power tools. The battery packs cost between $150 and $400 (with kits) and between $50 and $100 (individually).Manufactured in: MexicoRemedy: Contact Panasonic Consumer Electronics to receive return instructions and a free replacement battery pack.Consumer Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics, (800) 833-9626 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at Panasonic.com/cordlesstools. Media Contact: William Pritchard (201) 348-7182 or Kalia Farrell (201) 392-6159
Hazard
Battery packs can detach from the power tool unexpectedly and strike the operator or bystander, resulting in injuries.
Incidents & Injuries
Two reports of batteries detaching have been received. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Contact Panasonic Consumer Electronics to receive return instructions and a free replacement battery pack.
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.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.