Recall: Sony Expands Recall of VAIO Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards (Recall Alert)

Description: This expanded recall involves Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 18 models of Sony's VAIO Series laptop computers. Sony has expanded the number of affected battery packs under this recall. The Panasonic battery packs were manufactured with the laptop and battery packs were sold separately or installed by Sony as part of a repair. Panasonic battery packs included in this recall have model number VGP-BPS26 and part numbers 1-853-237-11 and 1-853-237-21 printed on the back of the battery pack. Recalled model numbers for the Sony VAIO laptop computer are: Sony VAIO Series laptop computer model numbers SVE14A1 SVE14A2 SVE14A3 SVE1413 SVE1511 SVE1512 SVE1513 SVE1513APXS SVE1513BCXS SVE1513JCXW SVE1513KCXS SVE1513MCXB SVE1513MCXW SVE1513MPXS SVE1513RCXB SVE1513RCXS SVE1513RCXW SVE1513TCXW SVE15132CXW SVE15134CXP SVE15134CXS SVE15134CXW SVE15135CXW SVE151390X SVE1712 SVE1713 SVE171390X VPCCA1 VPCCA2 VPCCA3 VPCCB1 VPCCB2 VPCCB3 VPCCB4 VPCEH1 VPCEH2 VPCEH3 VPCEJ1 VPCEJ2

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

Units: About 700 (In addition, about 1,700 units were previously recalled on June 15, 2016)

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 should use the laptop by plugging in AC power only. Battery packs previously identified as not affected by the June 15, 2016 recall are included in this expanded announcement.

Recall date: February 07, 2017

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: 17-732