HP laptop batteries overheating leads to recall
Laptops sold between December 2015 and December 2017 may be powered by a battery that's prone to overheating or even melting.
If you own a laptop, you already have the Meltdown and Spectre security flaws to worry about. If you own a HP laptop, add another potential woe to your list.
A small number of HP laptops and mobile workstations shipped between December 2015 and December 2017 will need their batteries replaced because they have a "potential to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard," the company said Thursday. These batteries are sealed within the laptop, which means their removal and replacement is not a DIY job.
"This action pertains to approximately 0.1 percent of the HP systems sold globally over the past two years," a HP spokesperson said. "We are taking immediate action to address this issue including a voluntary recall and replacement of the batteries."
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall affects more than 52,000 laptops and mobile workstations.
HP will send those impacted a free battery replacement, as well as help arrange an appointment to get it replaced. If you own a HP laptop or workstation, you can check here to see if your unit is affected. HP released the table below showing which models are prone to the fault.
Issues with battery safety and longevity have long haunted the tech industry. Among the more recent fiascoes have been Samsung's overheating phone batteries in 2016 to Apple's attempts to deal with limping batteries revealed last month.
HP's recall comes after eight reports of batteries "overheating, melting or charring," according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. One of these incidents led to a first-degree burn on someone's hand, the commission said, while three caused property damage of up to $4,500.
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