HP recalls notebook batteries as a safety hazard

Hewlett Packard is at it again, recalling defective battery packs in its notebook computers. The affected computers are the HP, HP Pavilion, HP Compaq, and Compaq Presario. Battery packs sold separately are also involved in the recall. The items were sold nationwide beginning in August 2007 through March 2008. Both high end and low end models are affected.

The recall was initiated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission which monitors thousands of different consumer products for risk factors. Two reports were made of batteries overheating and erupting in flames causing minor property damage, but there were no injuries. The problem is occurring in lithium-ion batteries. No brand was identified, but they were manufactured in China. HP, Dell and Toshiba in October, 2008 recalled Sony batteries that were in their laptop computers.

HP says it is not recalling its notebooks, only the removable battery packs used in the notebooks. They claim that the notebooks will function under A/C power until a replacement battery pack is received, free, from HP. To determine if your computer is affected, look at the product number that is located on the service tag on the bottom of the notebook as shown in the photo. Instructions are contained in a letter to their customers.

This isn’t the first problem HP has had with batteries in its products. They have been involved in recalls as far back as October, 2005, with similar recalls in April, 2006 and October, 2008. The 2005 problem was an internal short that caused battery cells to overheat and melt or char the plastic case, potentially causing burns or fire. Then, HP noted 16 such reports, with only property damage, and no injuries.

In February, HP participated in an unrelated recall. An animated Kung Fu Panda character contained a USB flash drive that was considered a possible choking hazard for small children. Their company policy states that “HP “participates in voluntary replacement programs for components or products that may cause functionality issues but are not related to a safety hazard. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, HP participates in voluntary recall programs when a defective part is shown to cause a potential safety hazard.”