CPSC recall 03-197, announced September 25, 2003, covers Sony VAIO notebook computers (about 5,600 units). Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings. The notice reports no incidents. Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Recall contact: call (800) 880-9743, or go to www.sony.com/pcsupport.
Advertisements
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.
Check the product label for these CPSC-listed model numbers: PCG-FRV25, PCG-FRV27.
Which products are included?
Only Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27 sold from June through July 2003 are part of the recall. These computers will have slow modem speeds, generally below 24K, while using the notebook's AC adapter. Consumers unsure of their modem speed can check it at the Sony PC support Web site: www.sony.com/pcsupport. Sony previously announced this recall on July 10, 2003
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 2 listed, all starting with
PCG-FRV2. Yours must match one exactly. - When sold
- June 2003 through July 2003
- Price paid
- $1,500
Why it was recalled
Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings.
Incidents and injuries
None reported.
Official remedy
Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Sony also will extend the current limited warranty for repaired products to 2 years from date of original purchase.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 2 listed in this recall.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 880-9743, or go to www.sony.com/pcsupport.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
Advertisements
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Sony
- Manufacturer
- Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan
- Recall number
- 03-197
- Units
- About 5,600
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Electronic and computer stores nationwide, from June 2003 through July 2003, for about $1,500.
Sony VAIO notebook computers
CPSC product type: Computer Equipment
This recall in context
Compared with the 221 home electronics recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 5,600 units: the 141st-largest of 200 home electronics recalls that state a unit count. The median is 25,950 units.
- Hazard
- Electric shock: named in 36 of 221 home electronics recalls.
- Brand history
- Sony is named in 14 CPSC notices in this index, from 2003 to 2017. This recall is the earliest.
- Time on sale
- 2 months. Recalled 2 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Call Sony at (800) 880-9743 anytime or visit their website at www.sony.com/pcsupport
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.
Advertisements
