Sony Electronics is recalling 1,700 Panasonic battery packs that were used in Sony’s VAIO Series laptop computers. The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.
The recalled battery packs were made in China by SANYO ENERGY (Suzhou) CO, a Panasonic subsidiary. They were sold at 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. They were installed in 18 models of Sony’s VAIO Series laptop computers. See the CPSC notice for a list of computer model numbers. The battery packs were also sold separately or installed during 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.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs, turn off the laptop, remove the battery, and follow instructions to obtain a free replacement. In the meantime, the laptops can be used by plugging in the AC power only.
