Advertisement

Sony to recall 1.6 million Bravia TVs due to melting components (update: not a full recall)

A vast number of Bravia LCD TVs dating from 2007 and 2008 will be recalled after components in some Japanese sets went into meltdown and started smoking. So far only eleven incidents have been reported and it looks like no one has been hurt or experienced any wider damage, but Sony says it wants to take back 1.6 million TVs that were sold in the US, Europe, Japan and elsewhere. No word on exactly which models are affected, but we're expecting further details from Sony imminently.

Update: Looks like this might not be a full recall after all. We can't access Sony's support site right now, but the BBC reports that UK owners of the following models can summon an engineer to inspect their set if they're worried: KDL-40D3400, KDL-40D3500, KDL-40D3550, KDL-40D3660, KDL-40V3000, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40X3000, KDL-40X3500.


Update 2: Check after the break for US recall information.

Show full PR text

NOTICE FOR SONY BRAVIA LCD HDTV
Models KDL-40V3000, KDL-40VL130, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40WL135, KDL-40XBR4, and KDL-40XBR5


SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 12, 2011 – It has come to Sony's attention through reports in Japan that in rare cases a particular component incorporated in certain models of 40" BRAVIA LCD HDTV [Model nos. KDL-40V3000, KDL-40VL130, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40WL135, KDL-40XBR4, and KDL-40XBR5] was damaged and as a result, may overheat and at times ignite inside the television. This could possibly result in a hole at a part of the cabinet ceiling. Sony has no reports of any resulting damages to other property or bodily injuries.

"We know our customers choose Sony based in large part to the trust associated with our brand and the products and services we so strongly stand behind," said Brian Siegel, vice president of the Television Division at Sony Electronics. "We will not take our customers' trust for granted and are committed to addressing this issue proactively."

Beginning immediately, Sony offers all customers of the affected models [KDL-40V3000, KDL-40VL130, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40WL135, KDL-40XBR4, and KDL-40XBR5] a free evaluation for the covered product. U.S. customers who have a TV covered by this notice, should visit www.updatemytv.com to schedule a dedicated service technician to perform an evaluation.

When a request is made, Sony's service representative will promptly visit and evaluate the television, and repair it at no charge if an affected component is found.

In the meantime, it is important for those who have a covered television and notice any abnormality in their TV unit and its performance (e.g.; unusual noise, unusual smell, or smoking), to immediately turn the unit off, unplug the cord, cease using the TV, and contact Sony. It has been confirmed that symptoms do not occur when the power is off.

Customers can confirm the model number of their TV by looking at the label on the rear of the television. Additionally, the model number can be found on their warranty card.

U.S. customers with a television model identified above, should contact Sony at their earliest convenience at www.updatemytv.com or toll-free at (888) 868-7389 to schedule a free evaluation.