Sony recalls 73,000 VAIO notebooks that pose a burn hazard

Sony announced today that it is recalling 73,000 of its TZ-series VAIO notebooks because the units can overheat and pose burn hazards. the company has received 15 reports of overheating, including one consumer who suffered a minor burn. According to the recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating.

The recalled notebook computer models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series and were sold nationwide from July 2007 through August 2008 for between $1,700 and $4,000. The computers’ screen size is slightly more than 11 inches when measured diagonally.

Not all units are affected. Consumers can contact Sony at 1-888-526-6219 to determine if their unit is included in the recall. Sony is also asking owners of the laptops to visit its Web site  where they can input the product code and serial number found on the bottom of the notebook to be checked against a database of affected units.

If a notebook is in the batch recalled, Sony says it will provide an inspection and, if necessary, on-site repair at your home or office. Alternatively, VAIO notebook owners can ship their notebooks to a SONY service center identified by the manufacturer. In the meantime, owners of the recalled notebooks should stop using them, the CPSC cautions.

Comments

[Pam Baggett]

This is not fair. If they are going to exchange, then do so via a local retailer. I user my Vaio every day for business. I can't possibly wait for them to "inspect" it. I need a NEW COMPUTER right away.