December 16, 2005
Dell is recalling about 22,000 notebook batteries. The recalled batteries can overheat, which could pose a fire risk. (Reports in July 2006 suggested Dell may have delayed the recall for as long as two years).
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.
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.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.
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 firms Web site at www.dellbatteryprogram.com, or write to: Dell Inc., Attn: Battery Program, 9701 Metric Blvd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78758.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
