CPSC recall 01-013, announced October 13, 2000, covers Dell Computer Batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers (about 27,000 units). These batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire. The notice cites 1 incident report. Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall. Recall contact: call (877) 741-6420, or go to support.dell.com/battery.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
The batteries' identification number is written on a white sticker.
Which products are included?
The recalled batteries were sold with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800. The batteries also were sold separately, including in response to service calls. The batteries insert into the front-left and/or front-right of the computer. "DELLTM" and "MADE IN JAPAN" are written on the batteries. The batteries' identification number is written on a white sticker. Consumers should have this number available when they contact Dell to determine if their battery is part of the recall.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- When sold
- Since June 2000
- Price paid
- $100 to $3,000
Why it was recalled
These batteries can short circuit, even when the battery is not in use, causing them to become very hot, release smoke and possibly catch fire.
Incidents and injuries
Dell has received one report of a battery in a Dell computer short circuiting and catching fire. The incident resulted in minor property damage. No injuries were reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should contact Dell immediately to determine if their notebook computer battery is part of this recall.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Contact the firm. Call (877) 741-6420, or go to support.dell.com/battery.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- Dell Computer
- Product type
- Battery chargers, Laptop batteries
- Recall number
- 01-013
- Units
- About 27,000
- Manufactured in
- Japan
- Sold at / sales period
- Dell's web site and catalogs sold computers with these batteries, customer kits containing the batteries, and individual batteries, from June 2000 through mid-September 2000. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $1,500 and $3,000, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $170.
- Importer
- Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas
Batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers
CPSC product type: Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery
This recall in context
Compared with the 124 battery charger recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 27,000 units: the 58th-largest of 114 battery charger recalls that state a unit count. The median is 27,400 units.
- Hazard
- Fire: named in 92 of 124 battery charger recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Brand history
- Dell Computer is named in 2 CPSC notices in this index, from 2000 to 2001. This recall is the earliest. 2 of them are battery charger recalls.
Recall contact information
To contact Dell, call toll-free at (877) 741-6420 anytime, or go to the firm's website at http://support.dell.com/battery/. Consumers also can write to: Dell Computer Corp., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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