Recall #07-118 · Published March 1, 2007

Sanyo Electric Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers

Lenovo Recalls ThinkPad Notebook PC Extended-Life Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

CPSC published a recall notice for Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers from Sanyo Electric on March 1, 2007. CPSC identifies this hazard: If the battery in the laptop is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard to users. This is not an internal battery cell defect. The official remedy states: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries and contact Lenovo for additional information and to receive a free replacement battery. Consumers should use only ThinkPad batteries obtained from either Lenovo or an authorized reseller.

Recalled Lithium-ion battery
Recalled Lithium-ion battery
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

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.

Affected model numbers

Additional identifying details

The recalled 9-cell batteries have the following part number, which can be found on the battery label: FRU P/N 92P1131.

Which products are included?

Lenovo sold these extended-life batteries with new ThinkPad notebook PCs or as optional or replacement batteries for the following ThinkPad notebook models: R Series (R60 and R60e), T Series (T60 and T60p) and Z Series (Z60m, Z61e, Z61m, and Z61p). The recalled 9-cell batteries have the following part number, which can be found on the battery label: FRU P/N 92P1131.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

If the battery in the laptop is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard to users. This is not an internal battery cell defect.

Incidents and injuries

Lenovo has received four reports of batteries overheating and damaging the notebook. This caused damage to the notebook computers, minor property damage and, in one case, minor eye irritation to one consumer.

Official remedy

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries and contact Lenovo for additional information and to receive a free replacement battery. Consumers should use only ThinkPad batteries obtained from either Lenovo or an authorized reseller.

Product and sales details

Brand
Sanyo Electric
Manufacturer
Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., of Japan
Recall number
07-118
Units
About 100,000 battery packs (an additional 105,000 battery packs were sold worldwide)
Manufactured in
China
Sold at / sales period
Lenovo's Web sites, telephone and direct sales, and Lenovo authorized distributors nationwide between November 2005 and February 2007, as an accessory for about $180, and as part of a ThinkPad notebook computer for between $750 and $3,500.
Distributor
Lenovo (United States) Inc., of Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Lithium-ion extended-life batteries used in ThinkPad notebook computers

CPSC product type: Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery

Recall contact information

Customers should contact Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 anytime, or log on to www.lenovo.com/batteryprogram to determine if the battery is part of the recall and to order a replacement battery.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Related recalls

Selected by shared brand or household-product category.