Dell recalls 4.1 million batteries

Details are still thin about the specific models affected by this latest battery recall, but it would appear Dell is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in recalling what's been said to be "the largest safety recall in the history of the consumer electronics industry." We're talking 4.1 million units installed in Dell machines sold between April 2004 and July 18th, an absolutely mind boggling number compared to their last recall, which was in the thousands. The kicker here is the batteries were actually contracted out to Sony for manufacture, meaning of course that anyone else using Sony-built batteries, like, say Sony (and Apple, should we be looking your way?) may also have their units taken back. While we are a little wary of one Dell exec's statement that they're "getting ahead of the issue," which in our opinion would have actually been issuing this recall four months ago, we're glad they're finally taking care of business before someone actually gets hurt.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: Dell's press release states the recall covers the following machines, so be aware! Dell Latitude D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810; Inspiron 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400, E1705; and Dell Precision M20, M60, M70 and M90 mobile workstations; and XPS, XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710. Also, you're to go here, and to pop that batt post haste.

[Mike @ Aug 14th 2006 8:03PM]

Here's a link to the Dell statement, which also has a link to check if your battery is affected.

http://www.direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2006/08/14/1803.aspx

[dov @ Aug 14th 2006 8:17PM]

I bet they wanna have a big party, with big fireworks.. lol.. :D

[monique @ Mar 19th 2007 9:45PM]

Dell as a company sucks. Michael Dell can't even control whats going on thats why he decides to come back and for what. The employess already don't care about the product thats why they misshandle it. Then they want to blame it on SONY. Sony distributes batteries to other clients and those clients aren;t complaining. DELL can go to hell!

[leboff @ Aug 14th 2006 8:22PM]

apparently you can find out if your battery is affected here:
http://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/

but i'm getting a 'server not found' error...

[Guruboy @ Aug 14th 2006 8:25PM]

Before the slew of anti-Dell comments, I really want to point out that recalls do not mean the product is bad and certainly not that the company is now tainted. There have been numerous battery recalls from virtually every laptop manufacturer. Portable batteries are certainly a "hot spot" for mass recalls, pardon the pun. Even the best companies of their industries have recalls. Totyota just had one for a minor defect in the Prius' steering. Of course, I can't even begin to list all the large recalls for American-made cars.

Recalls should be music to a consumer's ears, because it means they'll be getting reimbursed for a possibly defective product.

[shawn @ Aug 14th 2006 8:30PM]

i think it is funny that the spokes person for dell is named Blackburn.... come on they could have appointed a different guy to announce this one then someone named blackburn! lol...

i agree with not bashing dell over this. there may be other reasons to bash them. but i dont think this would be it. the cells were made by sony any way. when it comes down to it dell gets all their parts from somewhere else... they just put them together, setup systems then provide support. very good support i will add.

[Martey @ Aug 14th 2006 8:32PM]

leboff, I think that website is for a previous Dell recall, not the one from December 2005, but the one from June.

[Martey @ Aug 14th 2006 8:34PM]

Oops, I guess they are re-enabling it. Disregard my previous comment.

[wxrman @ Aug 14th 2006 8:42PM]

Of course... if one of these little timebombs were to do this in, say...

AN AIRPLANE!

It could get bad...

Wonder if the Feds are even considering potential fire hazards from these... and for that matter... their potential for lighting fires...

...intentionally.

[Tyler @ Aug 14th 2006 8:49PM]

FYI - Many IBM & Lenovo laptops use Sony made batteries.

[DJ @ Aug 14th 2006 8:55PM]

Notice that the announcement was made after the markets closed. Both stocks were up on Monday, but in after hours trades, they both down between 3 - 4%.

[Mr.Gadget @ Aug 14th 2006 9:01PM]

I've always had a problem with Dell computers particular after almost every Dell laptop had something wrong with it with a consulting company that I worked for.

This is what happens when you outsource too much and leave quality checks in the hands of others....

[paul @ Aug 14th 2006 9:30PM]

I quote the website:

"To determine if your laptop battery is part of this recall, you can go here. This website will be live shortly after midnight Central Time. You’ll find answers to FAQs and new information as it is available here on Direct2Dell."

The link will not work until 1:00 AM EST, 12:00 AM CST, 11:00 PM MST, and 10:00 PM PST.

[Paul @ Aug 14th 2006 9:31PM]

wxrman: No, the government isn't concerned about laptop batteries blowing up on a plane. They have real worries:

SNAKES on a PLANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, man, I had to. I just had to.

[Jeremy @ Aug 14th 2006 9:43PM]

It is a bit concerning to see many other companies that utilize the same batteries, such as Apple, have not taken any action on this yet. There has been quite a few cases of iBook batteries catching fire lately.

*backs away from his iBook*

[Perrey Z. @ Aug 14th 2006 9:55PM]

So this recall involves Sony battery packs on Dell laptops or ALL Sony battery packs in general? i'm concerned and worry about this., i have a 11-month VAIO and tend to use it on my lap while wearing shorts as well as my bed during nightime work.

[Justin @ Aug 14th 2006 10:10PM]

Besides from the battery saga, Dell is the worst computer company around. I've had so many problems with my Dell XPS laptop it's rediculous.

When I've complained I've spent literally at least 10 hours on the phone trying to sort it out. They also refused to fully refund me for a laptop I purchased that never even arrived! Worst customer service of any company out there.

Just spend a little bit more and buy from a reputable brand.

You're not buying Dell, you're buying Hell.

[Tyler @ Aug 14th 2006 10:24PM]

Apparently the site is live now... entered my info for my Insprion 6000 and it says the battery needs to be replaced... Said my order is #375 Bet that climbs REAL fast!

[David Li @ Aug 14th 2006 10:42PM]

My battery has overheated twice (my CPU was emergency downclocked by the BIOS) after using it almost completely and then letting it charge. I had to disconnect the batter both times. Dunno what would have happened if I didn't.

And my battery NOT on the recall list. My laptop model and a model that looks EXACTLY like mine is on the recall list. Bastards...

[Derrick @ Aug 14th 2006 11:08PM]

Dell must be cutting corners. Dell probably specify the battery contractor to cut the cost somewhere by using cheaper parts. The battery maybe Sony but Sony makes them according to Dell specification. Your HP or ThinkPad battery maybe OK even though they are made by the same contractor.

You pay peanuts, you get monkey to design them. :)

[Cows @ Aug 14th 2006 11:14PM]

@David,

Shouldn't you be happy then, because this means they didn't install one of the faulty batteries into your laptop?

Laptops overheat. That's what happens, and desktop-replacement/heavy gaming laptops are especially prone to this. It's part of the deal of getting what is basically a space heater packed into something the size of a Wheaties box. Your processor generates a considerable amount of heat. So does your video card. And your ram. As do your hard drives. Don't blame all your heat issues on the batteries.

According to the article: "Dell said the cause of the fire was a short circuit in one of the fuel cells. It was caused by microscopic metal particles that contaminated the electrolyte, a porous insulator."

Therefore the fact that your laptop is getting a little toasty has nothing to do with a potential battery explosion. Laptop-go-boom because of an an electrical fault, not a temperature engineering problem.

[David Li @ Aug 14th 2006 11:24PM]

@ Cows
No, the problem was that the battery was getting really hot. That indicates that it's likely to be a battery problem. It did not have to do with any computer activity I was having at the moment. In fact, the air coming of the fans for the CPU and GPU felt quite cool while the palm rest was scortching.

Oh and BTW, the recall page is a bit of confusing. The model number for my battery is 8N544. It says on my battery "TYPE 8N544" and "Replace only with Dell battery module type 8N544."
...
However, if I look on the label, the 5 alphanumerics that the battery recall page says is my model number is "2P692". Which is not 8N544 which is what Dell usally uses to identify my battery model. In fact, no where in the 20 alphanumeric serial number on the label is "8N544".

[Chris @ Aug 14th 2006 11:51PM]

Before I start, this isn't an anti-Dell comment. I love Dell. I have 2 Desktops, 1 Notebook.

LOL. Who didn't see this coming? Um... wait a minute... 4.1 million batteries eh? Scratch the part about who didn't see this coming. 4.1 million batteries is a hell of alot. It'll take a decade to get 'em all back.

Today, August 14, 2016. A Dell Notebook battery was the source of a high rise fire. Burning for over 10 hours.

I have a sweet imagination. It was exaggerated of course. Batteries won't last that long and everybody will have gotten a new notebook anyways.

[Nathan M @ Aug 14th 2006 11:55PM]

"Besides from the battery saga, Dell is the worst computer company around. I've had so many problems with my Dell XPS laptop it's rediculous." Hm, can't say I've ever had a problem with my Dell.

"When I've complained I've spent literally at least 10 hours on the phone trying to sort it out." That's when you start searching Google instead of relying on dumb Tech Support. :P

"They also refused to fully refund me for a laptop I purchased that never even arrived!" See, that's not their fault, it's the post office's. They can't control whether or not it gets lost in the mail. That's like blaming Sony for bad third party games. :P

[Tony @ Aug 14th 2006 11:58PM]

The NYTimes has an article on this, including some past fire events. My favorite anecdote was about the Sony battery factory that caught fire.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/technology/15battery.html?hp&ex=1155614400&en=7af8f0b380e906bb&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[LC @ Aug 15th 2006 12:06AM]

Looks like Sony found a creative way to screw the competition ;P

[Johnny @ Aug 15th 2006 12:27AM]

LOL, oh Dell haters... I remember one time my DVD burner stopped working, so after about 5 minutes of the guy having me fiddle with the burner, he said "okay, it seems to be defective, we'll send you another one free of charge." and it was there the next day. compare that to when my microsoft router suddenly stopped working and the guy says "oh, that's been known to happen with those models. we discontinued that model so you can't get a refund or replacement. thank you for calling microsoft."

stop whining, please.

[Finished.Law.School @ Aug 15th 2006 1:16AM]

Sony can't get anything right lately.
Their fucking ego has them blinded from common sense.

[Oolon Coluphid @ Aug 15th 2006 1:21AM]

I just checked mine. Nope, not affected. Whew...

[clay @ Aug 15th 2006 3:12AM]

i like the fact that they are getting recalled. i guess i am the only one that realizes that after a year of use, the overall life of the battery goes down, and now i get both of my batteries replaced free of charge! new batteries!!!! WOOOTTTT!!!!!!!!

[David @ Aug 15th 2006 4:34AM]

Yay, my E1405 isn't affected!

[snife @ Aug 15th 2006 6:03AM]

Tyler - ThinkPads do not use Sony batteries - it is all Sanyou and Panasonic - maybe you should check your facts before dragging a completely unrelated brand into a post.

I really hate Dell as I think they have really harmed the compuer industry, I hope they take the hit from this and maybe realise that you cannot keep cutting costs if you want to produce a decent product.

[Jay @ Aug 15th 2006 9:14AM]

People need to realize that the factory producing these is a manufacturing subsidiary of Sony. They manufacture various battery products to the customers specifications. The quality of the battery is determined by the customer. The factory builds to their designs. Dell does this with all of their components. Whoever can build the cheapest component gets the contract. It's no mystery why they have quality problems when this is the way they do business.

[stewart @ Aug 15th 2006 10:01AM]

Just to put the record straight. I check the site with my 9400 and my battery serial # is not effected. It very likely that only a small percentage of actual batteries are effected.

[Daniel @ Aug 15th 2006 10:09AM]

My battery is on the list, so now what I have wait 20 days to use my laptop. I guess I could use the computer plug in to the wall.

One thing about dell they did get the word out. My mom saw something about the dell batter on the CNN crawl.

[Richard @ Aug 15th 2006 10:47AM]

You might find this article of some interest -- a good overview on the comments here about what causes this and why.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2006-08-14-dell-battery-recall_x.htm

[Advisor-Norris @ Aug 15th 2006 12:06PM]

The actual site URL to check battery recall is https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/Identify.aspx

[Josh @ Aug 15th 2006 12:36PM]

just ordered 35 replacements where i work. and it ill take 20 business days. we are screwed.

[tekdroid @ Aug 15th 2006 1:25PM]

Sony + Dhell cost-cutting = like.no.other

[OG nukka Billy Bob @ Aug 15th 2006 3:42PM]

Same thing happened to a couple of friends of mine who own Macs, Apple paid for the damages. Make better batteries bastids!

[Zeke Messenger @ Aug 15th 2006 4:36PM]

Here is something interesting. On the Dell battery recall page https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/Identify.aspx
you must have the caps lock button enabled or hold down shift while entering characters for proper authentication to occur. Even though their input mask is set to caps automatically you still must have the caps lock button enabled or shift. How sneaky of them. Dell has been contacted but I would go back and check my battery id again.

[tiuk @ Aug 15th 2006 5:22PM]

Tyler - Entered the PPID for an Inspiron 6000 that belongs to someone who works here (well, it belongs to the company), it's eligible for replacement. The order number? 88321. Word travels fast.

[grzesiomasa @ Aug 15th 2006 6:02PM]

i'm happy that mine is affected and it didn't blown up, i'll get new battery FREE. 50quid surprice. thanks dell.

[jmal @ Aug 15th 2006 11:15PM]

mine isn't affected.

just for reference, it's an:
inspiron 6000
battery ID F5133

hopefully this really is a safe battery and not just dell cutting corners on an expensive or unpopular battery.

[Phil @ Aug 16th 2006 2:11AM]

I posted this, hopefully helpful, comment and the Engadget folks deleted it. I wonder why:

While you are listing 30+ laptop models, it might have been useful to list the 30+ battery IDs that are affected. According to dellbaterprogram.com if your battery's 4th-8th position of the serial number (which has the format xx-xyyyyy-xxxxx-xxx-xxxx with the y's representing the characters to check) has the following then you are affected:

1K055 C5340 D6024 JD616 U5867 X5333
3K590 C5446 D6025 JD617 U5882 X5875
59474 C6269 F2100 KD494 W5915 X5877
6P922 C6270 F5132 M3006 X5308 Y1333
C2603 D2961 GD785 RD857 X5329 Y4500
C5339 D5555 H3191 TD349 X5332 Y5466

Maybe that will save some time.

[Joe Burlo @ Aug 17th 2006 12:24PM]

I had 2 Sony Vaio laptops die on me over the past 3 years, always about 3/4 weeks after the waranty expires. First one was after 13 months. I did not buy an extended waranty as I assumed that a company like Sony made quality products. Sony make you return the lap top to france and you have to pre pay the shipping at over £75 a time or they will not even look at it. The Ram went and the Ram was part of the motherboard...so £1500 to replace the ram...after 13 months....I don't think so Sony! No apologies, no refund. I wonder if Sony tell people that their stuff only lasts a just over a year? My second sony Vaio became unreliable.

So my 3rd laptop was a Dell....absolute bliss. It did what it said on the tin. It works, whichever county I am in.....then I discover that Dell used Sony batteries...is this some kind of conspiracy where Sony try to get you through the back door? if I had known about the Sony parts in my dell, I would not have bought the dell.

[David J. Mann @ Aug 27th 2006 8:11PM]

My Dell model is listed, but the battery number is not in the list of the recalls.

Joe Burlo: you are not alone on Sony stuff tending to quit right out of the warranty. A friend of mine in San Frnacisco had a desktop Vaio. The monitor went bang 13 DAYS out of warranty, and Sony's answer was basically to take a long walk off a short pier. He bought another monitor, all was fine. For a month. MoBo died,

He no longer buys Sony.

I have had some of their consumer products prove to be less than stellar, so I no longer buy their stuff. I have one of their cordless phones from about 6 or so years back that works very well. Stuff since than has been trash.

I no longer buy Sony.

[Peter Davis @ Dec 18th 2006 10:11AM]

I am in dispute with Dell over their lap-top charger.

When the charger has not been used for some time (so that it's internal capacitors are discharged), plugging in the charger trips the RCD in my house, switching off all the power.

The RCD (residual current device) trips if there is an earth leakage current of more than 30 ma. These are commonly used in the UK to protect the user from electrocution. Once the charger has charged a little, the trip switch is not tripped off.

This is nothing to do with the laptop and occurs with the charger alone. I have had 3 replacement chargers, all exactly the same.

Is anyone else experiencing this problem?

Peter

[happybop @ Jan 30th 2007 4:32AM]

Hi Peter,

Mine has just started to do this which suggests some component has changed within the charger. The laptop is six months old. Just like yours, it doesn't do it every time.

happybop

[PJ @ Mar 10th 2007 2:47PM]

It seems that not all Dell batteries are made the same. I had some bad experieces with some aftermarket batteries. Stick with Original batteries as the cells are made in Japan instead of China. http://www.brandbatteries.com