CPSC, Dell Announce Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. 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: Dell Notebook Computer Batteries

Units: About 22,000 in the U.S.

Manufacturer/Distributor: Dell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas

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.

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.

Sold at: 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.

Manufactured in: Japan or China

Remedy: 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.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dell toll-free at (866) 342-0011 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, go to the firm's Web site at www.dellbatteryprogram.com, or write to: Dell Inc., Attn: Battery Program, 9701 Metric Blvd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78758.

Firm's Media Contact: Tom Kehoe and Venancio Figueroa III, (512) 725-0281 and (512) 723-1726, tom_kehoe@dell.com and venancio_figueroa@dell.com