CPSC recall 16-131, announced March 30, 2016, covers Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers (about 91,000 units). The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers. The notice cites 4 incident reports. 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. Recall contact: call 866-224-1346, or go to www.us.toshiba.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.
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 noticeWhat to look for
- Also in the notice
- Item or SKU numbers. Compare these as well.
- When sold
- June 2011 through January 2016
- Price paid
- $70 to $1,000
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.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Contact the firm. Call 866-224-1346, or go to www.us.toshiba.com.
- Get the remedy. This recall offers a replacement. The notice says the remedy is free.
- 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
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer
- Panasonic, of Japan
- Product type
- Battery chargers, Laptop batteries
- 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
This recall in context
Compared with the 124 battery charger recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 91,000 units: the 36th-largest of 114 battery charger recalls that state a unit count. The median is 27,400 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 92 of 124 battery charger recalls, the most common hazard among them. Burn: named in 47 of 124 battery charger recalls.
- Remedy
- Replacement: offered in 25 of 124 battery charger recalls, the most common remedy.
- Brand history
- Panasonic is named in 6 CPSC notices in this index, from 2015 to 2026. This recall is the 3rd. The one before: Panasonic Lithium-ion Computer Battery Packs (16-126, Mar 2016). 2 of them are battery charger recalls.
- Time on sale
- About 5 years. Recalled 2 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
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.
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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