CPSC, Dell Computer Corp. Announce Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries
Home product recall 01-140. Announced by CPSC on May 3, 2001.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on May 3, 2001. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 284,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
These batteries can overcharge, causing them to become very hot, release smoke, and possibly catch fire.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these batteries immediately and contact Dell to obtain a discount on a future purchase from Dell of a new consumer notebook or desktop computer.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Consumers may email Dell at 2001BatterySupport@dell.com or write to the company at Dell, Inc., RR2E, MSC #8222, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682.
Which ones are recalled?
The recalled batteries were sold in Dell Inspiron 5000 and 5000e notebook computers and sold separately for use in both of these systems. The words, “DELL,” “MADE IN JAPAN,” and “Inspiron 5000 Battery Module” are printed on the top of the batteries. An identification number is written on a colored sticker at the rear of the battery. Those batteries that have colored stickers containing either the number “99” or the series “00 51” or less, and the letter “P” in the first line, are being recalled.
About 284,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Dell Inspiron 5000 Battery Modules.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by Dell Computer Corp., Round Rock, Texas.
- Dell sold these batteries nationwide through catalogs and over the Internet, from January 2000 through March 2001. The computers with these batteries were sold for between $2,100 and $3,100, and individual batteries were sold for between $100 and $130.
- Made in Japan, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Dell has received one report of a battery overcharging, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.