Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers recalled over fire hazard

Recall date

March 30, 2016

Source

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Official notice title

Toshiba Recalls Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

Recall number

16131

Brand / firm

Panasonic, of Japan

Sold / distributed

Office Depot, Staples and other electronics stores nationwide, and online at Toshibadirect.com and other websites from June 2011 through January 2016 for between $500 and $1,000 for the laptop and between $70 and $130 for the battery pack.

Why it was recalled

The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.

What was recalled

This recall involves Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 39 models of Toshiba Portege, Satellite, and Tecra laptops. The battery packs were also sold separately and also installed by Toshiba as part of a repair. Battery packs included in this recall have part numbers that begin with G71C (G71C*******). Part numbers are printed on the battery pack. A complete list of battery pack part numbers included in this recall can be found on the firm's website at http://go.toshiba.com/battery.

What to do

Consumers should immediately go to the firm's website and click on the battery pack utility link in the first shadowed box on the page. Consumers can also perform a manual check using the laptop and battery pack's model, part and serial numbers. If it is part of the recall, consumers should power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow the instructions to obtain a free replacement battery pack. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers should use the laptop by plugging into AC power only.. Follow the official notice for full instructions.