HP Recalls 135,000 Notebook Batteries

Computer company issues voluntary recall of select notebook batteries after reports of overheating and minor property damage.

Hewlett Packard, working in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today announced a voluntary recall of select HP and Compaq notebook computer battery packs. The total number of recalled products numbers about 135,000 worldwide, with around 85,000 being here in the United States.

The reason for the recall, as explained in this USCPSC notice, relates to an internal short which could cause the battery cells to overheat and melt or char the plastic case. HP has received 16 reports of batteries overheating thus far, with four case of minor property damage. No injuries have occurred thus far.

The recalled battery packs were manufactured between March 2004 and September 2004 and have a bar code label starting with GC, IA, L0 or L1. The list of HP and Compaq notebooks impacted is included in the USCPSC notice.   Consumers with one of the defective battery packs are asked to stop using them and to contact Hewlett Packard for a free replacement by visiting this website or calling (888) 404-7398.