Portable DVD player batteries

CPSC Recall #05-139 — March 22, 2005

Recall Summary

Recall Number05-139
Recall DateMarch 22, 2005
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 47,000 units
ManufacturerThomson Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Electronic and department stores nationwide from September 2002 through July 2003 for between $340 and $490.

Product

Portable DVD player batteries

Description

Only batteries used with the RCA portable DVD players with model number DRC600N are being recalled. The DRC600N model DVD player with the battery attached is about 7?-inches wide, 5?-inches deep, and 2-inches high. The cabinet housing is plastic, except for a metal "skin" on the top of the player. The metal "skin" is silver colored, and the rest of the DVD player is tan or dark gray. The logo "RCA LiFE," along with the words "DVD VIDEO" are printed on the top of the DVD Player. The battery attaches to the bottom of the DVD player.

Hazard

The battery can overheat and explode while recharging, posing a burn and fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Thomson Inc. has received 11 reports of batteries overheating and five reports of batteries exploding. There are two reports of consumers suffering burned fingers from picking up a battery after it overheated.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using and stop recharging the battery immediately and contact Thomson Inc. for a free replacement battery. The portable DVD player is not being recalled, and consumers can continue to use it without the battery until they receive a replacement battery. The player can be used with the AC Power Adapter by simply unplugging the battery from the unit and plugging the AC Power Adapter into the 9-volt jack on the unit.

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.