HP recalls 50,000 faulty laptop batteries; offers replacement

HP has announced a worldwide recall and replacement program for 50,000 faulty lithium-ion batteries. The affected devices include notebooks and mobile workstations which were shipped during December 2015 to December 2017. This sudden recall is issued due to the danger of fire and overheating problems.

According United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “HP has received eight reports of battery packs overheating, melting, or charring, including three reports of property damage totalling $4,500 with one report of a minor injury involving a first degree burn to the hand.” The affected devices include ProBook (64x G2 and G3 series, 65x G2 and G3 series), ZBook (17 G3, 17 G4, and "Studio" G3), x360 310 G2, Pavilion x360, Envy m6 models.

For all these affected devices, HP is proving a battery replacement service by an authorised certified technician at zero cost since most of these batteries are non-removable. The post also suggests, “Consumers should immediately visit www.HP.com/go/batteryprogram2018 to see if their battery is included in the recall and for instructions on how to enable “Battery Safety Mode” if their battery is included in the recall.” The company is also offering a BIOS update which can place the battery in "Battery Safe Mode" so that device can use the battery safely by connecting to an HP power adapter. The Battery Safe Mode is applicable to only those products that are affected by this recall.