Sony Recalls VAIO Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2016/Sony-Recalls-VAIO-Laptop-Computer-Battery-Packs/

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Panasonic battery packs used in Sony Electronics laptop computers

Hazard: The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.

Remedy: Replace

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs, power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow instructions to obtain a free replacement. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers can use the laptop by plugging in the AC power only.

Consumer Contact: Sony Electronics toll-free at 888-476-6988 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday or online at www.sony.com, click on "Support" and then "Support Alerts" for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 1,700 (in addition, 21 were sold in Canada)

Description: This recall involves Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 18 models of Sony's VAIO Series laptop computers. The Panasonic battery packs were also sold separately and installed by Sony as part of repairs. Panasonic battery packs included in this recall have model number VGP-BPS26 and part numbers 1-853-237-11 and 1-853-237-21. Panasonic battery pack model and part numbers are printed on the back of the battery pack. Recalled model numbers for the Sony VAIO Series laptop computers are:

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold at: Best Buy, Sony retail stores, other consumer electronic stores nationwide and online at www.store.sony.com and other websites from February 2013 through October 2013 for between $550 and $1,000 as part of Sony VAIO laptops and for about $170 for battery packs sold separately

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

Manufacturer: SANYO ENERGY (Suzhou) CO, Ltd. of China, Panasonic subsidiary

Manufactured in: China

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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