After a string of reports that MacBook replacement batteries have caught fire, Best Buy has decided to recall 5,100 units.
AP first reported news of the recall this afternoon and said Best Buy is contacting customers individually to see if they would like a battery replacement, or a Best Buy giftcard for the value of the replacement battery.
Here’s which MacBook replacement batteries are being recalled:
“Best Buy Co. is voluntarily recalling both black and white ATG lithium-ion replacement batteries for the notebook computers. The batteries were sold online or shipped to customers through its Geek Squad services from September of 2008 through June of 2012 for about $50.”
There have been 13 reports sent to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission claiming that the Best Buy batteries have caught fire, with one consumer even suffering a serious leg burn.
Update: Best Buy has reached out to Cult of Mac with the following statement regarding the battery recall:
“After receiving reports from customers of these lithium ion batteries overheating when charging, we believe the right thing to do is to contact our customers and ask them to return the product for replacement or for a Best Buy gift card. While we are only one of many companies that may have sold these batteries, we feel they are a potential fire and burn hazard and want to keep our customers safe.”
Update 2: Turns out the recall is just for MacBook replacement batteries, not MacBook Pro batteries. Hat tip to Durango, CO’s most fearless volunteer firefighter for pointing out the correction.
Source: AP
