Recall Expanded For Toshiba Laptop Batteries

Toshiba is expanding its recall of battery packs used in its laptop computers due to a fire hazard.

According to WPRI 12, about 100,000 of the lithium-ion battery packs manufactured by Panasonic were recalled back in March. On Wednesday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced an additional 83,000 battery packs which were added to the recall.

"The company has received five reports of the battery packs overheating and melting, including one since the initial recall."

The battery packs were installed in 41 models of Toshiba Satellite laptops. They were sold at Staples, Office Depot, and other electronics stores nationwide and online from June 2011 through November 2016. The price was between $500 and $1,000 for the laptop and between $70 and $130 for only the battery pack.

The recalled products have part numbers printed on them that begin with G71C, followed by seven other digits.

"Consumers should power off the laptop, remove the battery, and follow the instructions on Toshiba’s website to obtain a free replacement battery back. Until the replacement is received, only use the computer by plugging into AC power."

"For more information, contact Toshiba America Information Systems toll-free at 866-224-1346 any day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT."

With additional reporting by Sal Lopez