HP is recalling 50,000 batteries from select laptop models and mobile workstations made in the past two years, as their batteries may pose safety hazards.
The company says that it received reports of the affected lithium-ion battery models charring, melting, or overheating in laptops and mobile workstations, so it's issuing a voluntary recall to replace the batteries free of charge. In one case, a faulty battery even caused a minor injury, and in three other cases, the batteries caused property damage worth $4,500 in total.
HP Laptop Battery Recall
The voluntary recall affects a number of devices in the HP ProBook, HP Envy, and HP ZBook series sold between December 2015 and December 2017. Not all models are affected, however, and HP has made validation tools available so that customers can check whether their device is affected.
If it is, HP will replace the faulty battery for free, with the help of an authorized technician. The batteries are not customer-replaceable as the power cells are internal. Customers are highly advised not to attempt to change the battery themselves but contact HP if they are affected by this recall.
HP Laptops And Workstations Affected By The Recall
"The batteries were shipped with or sold as accessories for HP ProBooks (64x G2 and G3 series, 65x G2 and G3 series), HPx360 310 G2, HP Envy m6, HP Pavilion x360, HP 11, HP ZBook (17 G3, 17 G4, and Studio G3) Mobile Workstations," says HP.
Some of these faulty batteries were also available to purchase as replacement batteries or accessories for the HP ZBook Studio G4 mobile workstation, as well as for all of the aforementioned HP products.
The affected models were sold via a number of third-party retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, as well as through HP's own website. Those who own an HP device included in this list are advised to download HP's Battery Validation Utility tool and check if their device's battery poses a safety hazard and needs to be replaced. Head over to HP's dedicated website for more details.
The validation process is simple and straightforward and should not take more than a minute. If the validation tool determines that the battery needs replacement, HP will send an authorized technician to take care of it.
Until the battery replacement, customers affected by this recall can keep using their devices if they install a special BIOS update from HP, which will put the device in "Battery Safety Mode." As long as it's enabled, this mode will deplete the battery and prevent it from charging again. This means that users will only be able to use their device while it's plugged in.
