CPSC recall 16-197, announced June 15, 2016, covers SANYO ENERGY (Suzhou) Panasonic battery packs used in Sony Electronics laptop computers (about 1,700 units). The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards. The notice reports no incidents. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs, power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow instructions to obtain a free replacement. Recall contact: call 888-476-6988, or go to www.sony.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.
Affected model numbers
Panasonic battery packs included in this recall have model number VGP-BPS26 and part numbers 1-853-237-11 and 1-853-237-21.
Which products are included?
This recall involves Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 18 models of Sony's VAIO Series laptop computers. The Panasonic battery packs were also sold separately and installed by Sony as part of repairs. Panasonic battery packs included in this recall have model number VGP-BPS26 and part numbers 1-853-237-11 and 1-853-237-21. Panasonic battery pack model and part numbers are printed on the back of the battery pack. Recalled model numbers for the Sony VAIO Series laptop computers are: Sony VAIO Series laptop computer model numbers SVE15132CXW SVE1513KCXS SVE15134CXP SVE1513MCXB SVE15134CXS SVE1513MCXW SVE15134CXW SVE1513MPXS SVE15135CXW SVE1513RCXB SVE151390X SVE1513RCXS SVE1513APXS SVE1513RCXW SVE1513BCXS SVE1513TCXW SVE1513JCXW SVE171390X
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 19 listed. Yours must match one exactly.
- Also in the notice
- Item or SKU numbers. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the back of the battery pack
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- February 2013 through October 2013
- Where sold
- Best Buy, among the sellers the notice names
- Price paid
- $170 to $1,000
Why it was recalled
The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.
Incidents and injuries
None reported
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs, power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow instructions to obtain a free replacement. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers can use the laptop by plugging in the AC power only.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 19 listed in this recall, then check the item or SKU numbers the notice lists.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call 888-476-6988, or go to www.sony.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
- Manufacturer
- SANYO ENERGY (Suzhou) CO, Ltd. of China, Panasonic subsidiary
- Product type
- Battery chargers, Laptop batteries
- Recall number
- 16-197
- Units
- About 1,700 (in addition, 21 were sold in Canada)
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Best Buy, Sony retail stores, other consumer electronic stores nationwide and online at www.store.sony.com and other websites from February 2013 through October 2013 for between $550 and $1,000 as part of Sony VAIO laptops and for about $170 for battery packs sold separately
- Importer
- Sony Electronics, Inc., of San Diego, Calif.
Panasonic battery packs used in Sony Electronics 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
- 1,700 units: the 90th-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
- SANYO ENERGY (Suzhou) is named in 2 CPSC notices in this index, from 2016 to 2017. This recall is the earliest.
- Time on sale
- 9 months. Recalled 32 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Sony Electronics toll-free at 888-476-6988 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday or online at www.sony.com, click on "Support" and then "Support Alerts" for more information.
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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