Recall: Sony Recalls VAIO Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

Description: 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

Name of product: Panasonic battery packs used in Sony Electronics laptop computers

Units: About 1,700 (in addition, 21 were sold in Canada)

Manufacturer: SANYO ENERGY (Suzhou) CO, Ltd. of China, Panasonic subsidiary

Hazard: The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.

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.

Recall date: June 15, 2016

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

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

Importers: Sony Electronics, Inc., of San Diego, Calif.

Manufactured in: China

Consumer contact: 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.

Recall number: 16-197