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Rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers

CPSC Recall #04-201 — August 18, 2004

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-201
Recall DateAugust 18, 2004
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 28,000
ManufacturerLG Chem Ltd., of South Korea (battery)
Manufactured InTaiwan

Where It Was Sold

National and regional resellers
catalogers
and Apple's online and retail stores sold the computers with the batteries from January 2004 through August 2004 for between $2000 and $2600. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130.

Product

Rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. is voluntarily recalling about 28,000 rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch PowerBook G4 computers. An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.Name of product: Rechargeable batteries used in 15-inch PowerBook G4 computersUnits: About 28,000Computer Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.Battery Manufacturer: LG Chem Ltd., of South KoreaProblem: An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.Incidents/Injuries: Apple has received four reports of batteries overheating, though no injuries have been reported.Description: The recalled batteries are used with the 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) laptop computer. The batteries, which contain cells manufactured during the last week of December 2003 only, have the model number A1045 and serial numbers that begin with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label on the bottom of the battery. The battery is approximately 4 inches long, 3 inches wide, and ? inches tall. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.Sold at: National and regional resellers, catalogers, and Apple's online and retail stores sold the computers with the batteries from January 2004 through August 2004 for between $2000 and $2600. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130.Assembled in: TaiwanRemedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge.Consumer Contact: Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple's website at www.apple.com/support/powerbook/batteryexchange.

Hazard

An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Apple has received four reports of batteries overheating, though no injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge.

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.

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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 (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.

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