Nokia Recalls Batteries Following Short-Circuit Worries

Nokia has issued a warning and recal notice for itss Nokia-branded BL-5C battery manufactured by Matsushita Battery Industrial between December 2005 and November 2006. Nokia says that in very rare cases the Nokia-branded BL-5C batteries could potentially experience overheating initiated by a short circuit while charging, causing the battery to dislodge.

Nokia has several suppliers for BL-5C batteries who have collectively produced more than 300 million BL-5C batteries. This advisory applies only to the 46 million batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006, from which there have been approximately 100 incidents of overheating reported globally. No serious injuries or property damage have been reported.

Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery. According to Nokia's knowledge this issue does not affect any other use of the mobile device.

How to identify a BL-5C battery manufactured by Matsushita during the relevant period

In order to determine if a battery is subject to this advisory, it is necessary to remove the battery from the device. A Nokia battery will have "Nokia" and "BL-5C" printed on the front of the battery. On the reverse, the Nokia mark appears at the top and the battery identification number (consisting of 26 characters) is found at the bottom. Consumers should refer to this identification number to determine if their battery is among the batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006. A comparison of that number with those subject to this advisory will determine a consumer's ability to obtain a replacement free of charge.

Consumers should visit the website www.nokia.com/batteryreplacement or contact their local Nokia call center.

This recall notice does not apply to any other Nokia-branded battery.

Posted to the site on 14th August 2007