Sony Recalls VAIO Flip PC Laptops Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Personal computers

Hazard: The computers' lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled personal computers, shut it down and unplug it; and contact Sony for instructions on how to arrange for an inspection free of charge to the consumer and a free repair or full refund of the computer's purchase price.

Consumer Contact: Sony toll-free at (866)702-7669 anytime or online at www.sony.com and click on the Support tab, then on Electronics and then on Product Support. Once on the Product Support site, click on the Computers & Tablets tab, then on VAIO Laptops & Desktops and scroll down to Product Alerts for more information.

Photos are available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Sony-Recalls-VAIO-Flip-PC-Laptops.

Recall Details

Units: About 680

Description: This recall includes Sony's VAIO Flip PC laptops with model number (product name) SVF11N13CXS. The computers were sold in three colors silver, black and pink. They have a Panasonic-manufactured lithium-ion battery and a folding touch screen that measures about 11.6 inches diagonally and a backlit keyboard. The VAIO logo is etched on the outer top of the computer, near the hinge. The model and serial numbers are printed on a black label with white lettering on the underside of the screen. To locate the label, consumers should open the computer, move the switch from the lock to the release position and flip the display.

Incidents/Injuries: Sony is aware of four incidents, which occurred in Asia, of computers overheating, resulting in units smoking, catching on fire and melting. No injuries have been reported. 

Sold at: Sony retail stores nationwide and online at www.store.sony.com from February 2014 to April 2014 for about $800.

Importer: Sony Electronics Inc. of San Diego, Calif.

Manufactured in: China

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.  Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.

Media Contact
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CPSC Consumer Information Hotline
Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:
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Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission