CPSC recall 01-140, announced May 3, 2001, covers Dell Inspiron 5000 Battery Modules (about 284,000 units). These batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire. The notice cites 1 incident report. Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Dell to obtain a discount on a future purchase from Dell of a new consumer notebook or desktop computer. Recall contact: email 2001BatterySupport@dell.com.
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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.
An identification number is written on a colored sticker at the rear of the battery.
Which products are included?
The recalled batteries were sold in Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebook computers and sold separately for use in both of these systems. The words, "DELL," "MADE IN JAPAN," and "Inspiron 5000 Battery Module" are printed on the top of the batteries. An identification number is written on a colored sticker at the rear of the battery. Those batteries that have colored stickers containing either the number "99" or the series "00 51" or less, and the letter "P" in the first line, are being recalled.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Where to look
a colored sticker at the rear of the battery
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- January 2000 through March 2001
- Price paid
- $100 to $3,100
Why it was recalled
These batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire.
Incidents and injuries
Dell has received one report of a battery overcharging, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Dell to obtain a discount on a future purchase from Dell of a new consumer notebook or desktop computer.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Email 2001BatterySupport@dell.com.
- 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
- 01-140
- Units
- About 284,000
- Manufactured in
- Japan
- Sold at / sales period
- Dell sold these batteries nationwide through catalogs and over the Internet, from January 2000 through March 2001. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $2,100 and $3,100, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $130.
- Importer
- Dell Computer Corp., of Round Rock, Texas
Dell Inspiron 5000 Battery Modules
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
- 284,000 units: the 18th-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 most recent. The one before: Dell Computer Batteries used with certain Dell notebook computers (01-013, Oct 2000). 2 of them are battery charger recalls.
- Time on sale
- 15 months. Recalled 2 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Consumers may email Dell at 2001BatterySupport@dell.com or write to the company at Dell, Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 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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