Toshiba recalls 100,000 laptop batteries due to risk of 'overheating and melting'

Toshiba is recalling over 100,000 laptop batteries due to a risk that they can overheat and melt.

The recall covers 39 models of Toshiba Portege, Satellite, and Tecra laptops fitted with Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs. Not only were the battery packs installed into new laptops, but they were also sold separately and also installed by Toshiba as part of a repair.

How can you tell if your laptop is affected?

Affected battery packs have part numbers that begin with G71C (G71C*******). You can find the part numbers are printed on the battery pack.

A complete list of battery pack part numbers included in this recall can be found on the firm's website at http://go.toshiba.com/battery.

Consumers are urged to go to Toshiba's website and click on the battery pack utility link. Alternatively, consumers can carry out a manual check using the laptop and battery pack's model, part and serial numbers. If your battery is one that's affected, you should power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow the instructions to obtain a free replacement battery pack. In the meantime, you can carry on using the laptop by plugging into AC power.

Toshiba has received four reports of the battery packs overheating and melting, but as yet no injuries have been reported.

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