Recall #16-131 · Published March 30, 2016

Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers

Toshiba Recalls Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

CPSC published a recall notice for Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers from Panasonic on March 30, 2016. CPSC identifies this hazard: The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers. The official remedy states: Consumers should immediately go to the firm's website and click on the battery pack utility link in the first shadowed box on the page. Consumers can also perform a manual check using the laptop and battery pack's model, part and serial numbers. If it is part of the recall, consumers should power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow the instructions to obtain a free replacement battery pack. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers should use the laptop by plugging into AC power only.

Location of battery pack part number
Location of battery pack part number
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.

Which products are included?

This recall involves Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 39 models of Toshiba Portege, Satellite, and Tecra laptops. The battery packs were also sold separately and also installed by Toshiba as part of a repair. Battery packs included in this recall have part numbers that begin with G71C (G71C*******). Part numbers are printed on the battery pack. A complete list of battery pack part numbers included in this recall can be found on the firm's website at http://go.toshiba.com/battery.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.

Incidents and injuries

The firm has received four reports of the battery packs overheating and melting. No injuries have been reported.

Official remedy

Consumers should immediately go to the firm's website and click on the battery pack utility link in the first shadowed box on the page. Consumers can also perform a manual check using the laptop and battery pack's model, part and serial numbers. If it is part of the recall, consumers should power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow the instructions to obtain a free replacement battery pack. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers should use the laptop by plugging into AC power only.

Remedy type: Replace

Product and sales details

Manufacturer
Panasonic, of Japan
Recall number
16-131
Units
About 91,000 (in addition, 10,000 were sold in Canada)
Manufactured in
China, Japan
Sold at / sales period
Office Depot, Staples and other electronics stores nationwide, and online at Toshibadirect.com and other websites from June 2011 through January 2016 for between $500 and $1,000 for the laptop and between $70 and $130 for the battery pack.
Importer
Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., of Irvine, Calif.

Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers

CPSC product type: Batteries and Chargers

Recall contact information

Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. toll-free at 866-224-1346 any day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT, online at www.us.toshiba.com and click on "Consumer Notices" under the Support heading at the bottom of the page or at http://go.toshiba.com/battery.

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

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