Recall #15-117 · Published April 21, 2015

Lenovo ThinkPad notebook computer battery packs

Lenovo Expands Recall of Battery Packs for ThinkPad Notebook Computers Due to Fire Hazard

CPSC published a recall notice for ThinkPad notebook computer battery packs from Lenovo on April 21, 2015. CPSC identifies this hazard: The battery packs can overheat, posing a fire hazard. The official remedy states: Consumers should immediately turn off their ThinkPad notebook computer, remove the battery pack and contact Lenovo for a free replacement battery pack. Consumers can continue to use their ThinkPad notebook without the battery pack by plugging in the AC adapter and power cord.

Lenovo battery pack
Lenovo battery pack
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.

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.

Additional identifying details

Recalled battery packs have one of the following part numbers starting with the fourth digit in a long series of numbers and letters printed on a white sticker below the bar code on the battery pack: 42T4695, 42T4711, 42T4740, 42T4798, 42T4804, 42T4812, 42T4816, 42T4822, 42T4826, 42T4828, 42T4834, 42T4840, 42T4862, 42T4868, 42T4874, 42T4880, 42T4890, 42T4944, 42T4948, 42T4954, 42T4958, 45N1022 and 45N1050.

Which products are included?

This recall involves Lenovo battery packs sold with the following ThinkPad notebook computers: the Edge 11, 13, 14, 15, 120, 125, 320, 325, 420, 425, 430, 520, 525 and 530 series; the L412, L420/421, L512 and L520 series; the T410, T420, T510 and T520 series; the W510 and W520 series; and the X100e, X120e, X121e, X130e, X200, X200s, X201, X201s, X220 and X220t series. The battery packs were also sold separately. The black battery packs measure between 8 to 11 inches long, 1 to 3 inches wide and about 1 inch high. Recalled battery packs have one of the following part numbers starting with the fourth digit in a long series of numbers and letters printed on a white sticker below the bar code on the battery pack: 42T4695, 42T4711, 42T4740, 42T4798, 42T4804, 42T4812, 42T4816, 42T4822, 42T4826, 42T4828, 42T4834, 42T4840, 42T4862, 42T4868, 42T4874, 42T4880, 42T4890, 42T4944, 42T4948, 42T4954, 42T4958, 45N1022 and 45N1050.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The battery packs can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents and injuries

Lenovo has received four reports of incidents of battery packs overheating and damaging the computers, battery packs and surrounding property. One incident included a consumer's skin being reddened and burn marks on the consumer's clothing.

Official remedy

Consumers should immediately turn off their ThinkPad notebook computer, remove the battery pack and contact Lenovo for a free replacement battery pack. Consumers can continue to use their ThinkPad notebook without the battery pack by plugging in the AC adapter and power cord.

Remedy type: Replace

Product and sales details

Brand
Lenovo
Recall number
15-117
Units
About 148,800 in the United States and 17,700 in Canada (About 34,500 in the United States and 2,900 in Canada were recalled in March 2014)
Manufactured in
China
Sold at / sales period
Computer and electronics stores, and authorized dealers nationwide and online at www.lenovo.com from February 2010 through June 2012 for between $350 and $3,000 when sold as part of ThinkPad notebook computers. The battery packs were also sold separately for between $80 and $150.
Importer
Lenovo Inc., of Morrisville, N.C.

ThinkPad notebook computer battery packs

CPSC product type: Batteries and Chargers

Recall contact information

Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.lenovo.com and select Support at the top of the page, then click on the link to the recall page in the News and Alerts section at the bottom right of the page for more information.

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

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