Citing the possibility of a fire hazard, computer maker Lenovo has started a recall for the batteries from several ThinkPad laptops that could pose a fire hazard due to overheating.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPSC) has only received two reports of the batteries overheating, but in each case the battery, laptop or nearby property was damaged. No injuries were reported The USPSC instigated the recall. About 34,500 laptops with the defective batteries have been sold in the United States with another 2,900 being sold in Canada. Lenovo sold additional units into other countries, but the company did not specify which nations were impacted.
Another source noted that China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has said the recall in that country involves 117,732 batteries.
The defective units were sold through various retailers and Lenovo.com from October 2010 through April 2011.
"This recall involves Lenovo battery packs sold with the following ThinkPad notebook computers: the Edge 11, 13 and 14 series, the T410, T420, T510 and W510 series, and the X100e, X120e, X200, X201 and X201s series," the USPSC said in a statement.
In addition, a battery pack that could be purchased separately as a replacment is also included in the recall. These have one of the following part numbers starting with the fourth digit in a long series of numbers and letters printed on a white sticker below the bar code on the battery pack: 42T4695, 42T4711, 42T4798, 42T4804, 42T4812, 42T4822, 42T4828, 42T4834, 42T4840 and 42T4890.
" Lenovo is offering replacement batteries free of charge regardless of warranty status, Lenovo said.
The USPSC said consumers who find themselves in possession of either a laptop or battery pack should immediately turn off the computer, remove the battery and then contact Lenovo for a free replacement. The ThinkPads can still be used with their power cord.
Lenovo has created site where consumers can check to see if their computer or battery is included in the recall. Consumers can also call Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
