Dell Details on Notebook Battery Recall

Dell announced a recall today of lithium-ion batteries sold in many of our notebook computers over the past two years. You may have seen the recent New York Times story or have seen other details in the blogosphere.  As the leader of the mobile business for Dell, I wanted to share my thoughts on this recall.

Lithium-ion is a proven technology which has been widely used in our industry for over ten years. These batteries are not just for notebook computers – they are found in many electronic products including cell phones and music players. For more information on lithium-ion safety, you can visit the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association.

I don’t mind telling you this recall follows an extensive investigation, but the decision to err on the side of safety was never in doubt. My team and I come to work in Austin and around the world every day so we can put great products in the hands of our customers. There were very few incidents to go on here, and it would have been easy to justify them as anomalies. However, we’re not willing to do that, because in everything that we do, it is absolutely about safety first.

This is a voluntary recall of approximately 4.1 million batteries, making it one of the largest in Dell’s history. Many of you are thinking that this action is a direct result of the notebook fire at a business meeting in Osaka, Japan back in June, as well as a couple of other incidents that have been posted on the Internet.

The fact is, we are looking at safety data every single day, and this did not start when we heard about the incident in Osaka. Our technical support agents are trained to look out for anything that comes up on a call that might be indicative of a safety matter, no matter how small. When we hear about these things, we work with the customer to get them a new replacement system right away, so they can get back up and running. We then work with the customer to get the affected system back to Dell (we call this a “capture”) so we can take a good, hard look at it. Dell has a global safety organization with engineers and experts at our centers around the world. In most of these cases, we are able to determine that the cause of the customer complaint is not a hazard for other customers. Nevertheless, we learn a lot from our customers’ experience and we use this information in the future development of our products. That’s one reason it’s great having a direct relationship with our customers.

In very rare instances, a real safety hazard does present itself. In these cases, the customer captured systems are sent through a detailed forensic analysis, kind of like what you would see on “CSI.” Dell has extensive lab capability for these investigations and a lot of the work is done right here. We also work with third-party labs to complete and verify this analysis, because we value independent outside opinions. In any case, our safety engineers are involved every step of the way.

Analyzing the data is the tricky part—that’s what brought us to where we are today. We’re lucky that in being direct we have access not only to real-time customer data, but also can correlate that information with data from our component supply partners such as Sony, who is the manufacturer of the battery cells in this particular case. We look at product performance data all the time, but we give it extra scrutiny when there is a problem that might impact our customers and their well being. In this case, there was not much to go on, especially considering how few incidents there were in relation to how many notebooks Dell sells as the largest notebook brand worldwide. Since we engage directly with our customers and build every system to each customer's unique order, we know what product we have shipped to whom. We are now focused on communicating to those notebook customers impacted by this recall and making the replacement process as simple as possible. Some might say we are being conservative and even overreacting in taking this broad action, but even one more incident is too many.

On behalf of Dell, I’d like to apologize to all affected customers. Above all else, your safety is important to us. We also understand that the work that you do on your notebook is invaluable to you, and we’re committed to getting replacement batteries shipped out to you as quickly as we can.

To determine if your laptop battery is part of this recall, you can go here. This website will be live shortly after midnight Central Time. This site is now live.  You’ll find answers to FAQs and new information as it is available here on Direct2Dell.

Published Monday, August 14, 2006 6:30 PM
by Alex Gruzen, Sr. VP - Mobility Product Group  
Filed Under: , , , , ,

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Comments

 

Ivan said:

Thanks for the heads up from a loyal Dell customer...
August 14, 2006 7:13 PM
 

Romzy said:

Hopefully, this should stem the overflowing number of customers who are logging to the Chat Support for queries related to their Battery recall. If possible, can this be included in the IVRs or the Chat Presentations so that customers are informed while they are waiting to speak to an agent?

Romanick A
DELL CHAT SUPPORT
August 14, 2006 7:24 PM
 

REBECCA MILLER LOGAN said:

All the hyperlinks about the battery recall placed by Dell are non functional to this point. Please contact me by e-mail.
August 14, 2006 7:38 PM
 

Daniel R said:

Hey Guys,

As I sit here next to my Dell Inspiron 600m...The link "http://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/" doesnt seem to work for me, it goes nowhere.

Typo in the link? Website down?

Let me know!
August 14, 2006 7:45 PM
 

Thomas P Vaughan said:

I bought my Inspirion E1505 in March 16.  I believe my battery is part of the recall.  I will check the website http://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/ when it goes live later tonight.  I hope there are no problems.  I am wondering id I should remove my battery now.
August 14, 2006 8:08 PM
 

Cecilia Fox said:

Will you contact all people who have the batteries in question?
When will this happen and how will we ship the questionable batteries back to you?
August 14, 2006 8:28 PM
 

Rough Stuff.....? said:

Just amazed at the number of units involved, over 4 million.  Curious to see the number of which come back over time.  If lucky, 25% of these units will come back post-recall, all of which will not have exploded.  This is a widely used product in other mobile devices so we shall see what the other companies involved will do.


cited no. of inolved:
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2006/2006_08_14_rr_002?c=us&l=en&s=corp
August 14, 2006 8:32 PM
 

Brad said:

Would you not characterize this a systemic problem with Dell laptop batteries considering that there were similar (albeit smaller scale) recalls in Dell laptop batteries in 2000, 2001, 2005 and now?

I believe if consumer safety is of the utmost concern then Dell may want to re-evaluate relationships with its battery manufacturers.
August 14, 2006 8:33 PM
 

Dell Lied said:


Good luck with the recall. If these are all batteries manufactured by Sony, good luck working out the details with Sony. Common use technologies such as batteries come with inherent potential risks. However, their prevalence in our daily lives dictates a greater than usual quality and safety testing regimen, that obviously failed here for Dell to consider over 4 million units to be at risk. This one is not on Dell, it is on the actual manufacturer of the batteries.

Del,, it took longer than it should have, but good going on looking out for your customers safety. The battery manufacturer isn't the one putting this recall out, or the warning, and risking their reputatio. Dell is, and in this particular instance, it's not Dells fault.  

But then, maybe it's just karma.

Still, I appreciate the recall. Now I have to go check some batteries.

-DL
August 14, 2006 8:38 PM
 

Jason Bryan said:

Alex,

Thank you for erring on the side of safety.  I know that a recall of this magnitude is a massive undertaking and I appreciate Dell's committment to consumer safety.

Best of luck,
Jason Bryan
August 14, 2006 9:21 PM
 

S.E.L. said:

Dell has done the right thing by recalling the batteries; the batteries can be replaced, but people cannot - and as Alex so correctly noted, it is all about customer safety.

I can only hope that our replacement batteries are shipped out as quickly as is possible.  How Dell handles a recall of this size and scope will be interesting to watch.

One question for Dell:  I presume that our batteries will be replaced with an identical battery? (for example, a 9-cell with a comparable 9-cell)

August 14, 2006 9:31 PM
 

Knic said:

It would be nice during recalls like this, if you would explain to people how to sign up to get email/phone/mail notices of future recalls.
August 14, 2006 10:00 PM
 

David Li said:

My battery has overheated twice (my CPU was emergency downclocked by the BIOS) after using it almost completely and then letting it charge. I had to disconnect the batter both times. Dunno what would have happened if I didn't.

And my battery NOT on the recall list. My laptop model and a model that looks EXACTLY like mine is on the recall list. Dell's reputation is not very good for me ATM...
August 14, 2006 10:02 PM
 

Jim Jones said:

I commend Dell for looking out for the consumer on this issue.  I have been fearful of leaving my system on while unattended.  It'll be nice that I can leave my system on over night and not have to worry about my house catching on fire.

Jim
<a href="http://www.runfatboy.net">RunFatBoy</a> -- Exercise for the rest of us.
August 14, 2006 10:03 PM
 

stingray said:

Thanks Alex for the heads up.

Hey Cecilia, I read in the NYT piece that:

"Dell said it would notify affected customers by mail and online, or through corporate sales representatives, and arrange to send a replacement battery. In the meantime, it advised owners to remove the original battery and use a power cord."
August 14, 2006 10:34 PM
 

Lionel Menchaca, Digital Media Manager said:

Wanted to make sure everyone knows that the Dell Battery Recall site is now live.  Please check it to see if your laptop battery is part of this recall.  Thanks.
August 14, 2006 11:02 PM
 

John Rittendal said:

"Some might say we are being conservative and even overreacting in taking this broad action.."

others, more intelligent, might say that this is the beginnings of a class action suit in t he making, and that was THE material  driver of this decision!

You must surely have a description of the issue that causes you to recall some but not all batteries. What are those issues? You owe a more factual, less spun, explanation to us loyal users.
August 15, 2006 12:02 AM
 

samik said:

I think you should also explain somewhere why some batteries are involved and others aren't.  A lot of customers are worried that you're "missing" their specific model #.  Especially on the same model of a laptop, what specifically makes one battery involved in the recall different from other batteries for the same model not involved in the recall.

Moreover, can you explain why certain batteries are not included.  Sometimes for food recalls, it may be that rat droppings were found in a certain plant and thats why those specific packets are recalled.

What specifically makes you so sure that only these batteries are involved.  Were they made at a faulty place or something? From the articles, it sounds like it was a manufacturing defect and not specific to  a certain plant.

Please, please for our peace of mind, elaborate on this.

Thank you.
August 15, 2006 1:09 AM
 

Eric said:

Hey,

Just wanted to note something on the replacement page - you can get different messages about replacements being required if you type a letter "O" instead of a number "0", or vice versa; as an example, mine with two zeros requires replacement (as part of the C5446 series), but a typo of a letter "O" gives no replacement required
August 15, 2006 1:32 AM
 

George Johnson said:

Hi
Why did Michael Dell not tell everyone about the recall at yesterday's press conference in Sydney, Australia? When he was asked about the the recent problems and if there were any developments, he did not volunteer the information that a new battery recall was in the works. If he was so concern about customer safety, why was the announcement held over until after the press conference was over?
August 15, 2006 2:30 AM
 

David Leon said:

Good work.. do ensure that the regional Tech Support/ Customer Care crew has sufficient capacity to take the additional calls..

Perhaps battries should be regarded as key commodity to be closely watched in terms of supply and quality going forward..
August 15, 2006 7:22 AM
 

David Lee said:

Just a suggestion.. I think all Dell employees should participate in contacting the end users on this issue if the contact team is swamped with request.. I am sure they have firends who may be affected as well..
August 15, 2006 7:27 AM
 

Ronald said:

Can I drop my battrey at Dell recycling centers and get a replacement?
August 15, 2006 7:33 AM
 

george said:

Will I be allowed to take my dell computer with this battery on to an airline? What would happen if it exploded on an aircraft? Could it cause a castrophic situation? Has Dell contacted the TSA for there evaluation?
August 15, 2006 7:49 AM
 

Rezn said:

It is NOT Dell's fault that Sony produced faulty batteries. Whenever you people buy Dell computers go ahead and buy the 4 year Premium Warranty. It is 100% worth it.
August 15, 2006 8:03 AM
 

Direct2Dell said:

I just talked to Dell SVP Alex Gruzen who posted on Direct2Dell earlier and is head of our Mobile Products...
August 15, 2006 8:27 AM
 

Aaron Assael said:

I just bought a new Dell Inspiron 1505.  It's being delivered today (Aug. 15).  Did Dell stop installing the batteries in question as soon as the issue became known or do I still have to check it?
August 15, 2006 9:06 AM
 

Scott B said:

My battery was recalled.

Will I be receiving a battery equivalent in the number of cells as the original battery or will I be getting a basic standard good-enough-for-government-work battery?

When I originally bought my laptop, I purchased a higher costing battery from Dell that had more cells. I'd like to know that I will be receiving something similar.
August 15, 2006 9:44 AM
 

TechBlog said:

Responding to safety concerns after multiple reports of notebook batteries catching fire, Dell said today it is recalling 4.1 million batteries made for the company by Sony. In a news release, Dell said that, &quot;Under rare conditions, it is possible..
August 15, 2006 10:18 AM
 

Equalizer said:

Why isnt the Dell 1300 or B130 part of the recall.
Story below indicates fire incident  with this laptop.

"Exploding" Dell Laptop Destroys Truck, Imperils Outsdoorsmen... morning -- before Forqueran's Dell Inspiron 1300/B130 set his truck ablaze. ... Battery Recall. Dell, in conjunction with the US Consumer Product Safety ...
August 15, 2006 10:51 AM
 

JMJstevens said:

I'm a loyal Dell customer and an IT Manager for a small consulting firm, and I find the recall, frankly, unneccesary.  6 out of 4.1 million batteries have this problem, I'd like to take my chances.

Unfortunately, this logic doesn't go over well with our paranoid user community, so I'm dutifully arranging the return for those of our Latitude D-series fleet which require it.

A bit of feedback on the page for entering numbers:

The requirement to enter each part of the code individually is unnecessarily onerous for those of us who have to enter multiple codes.  I have a list of 35 codes, and if I had a blank open field, such as those used by UPS and DHL to track packages, I could copy and paste the entire thing in.  If one of them comes back in the wrong format, just kick out an error.

Please, pass on this feedback to those who might be able to do something about it.

Thank you.
August 15, 2006 2:14 PM
 

NathanM said:

I am floored at the number of people who can not follow directions.  I am simply amazed that some of you can even turn on your computer.  Alex clearly said that "This website will be live shortly after midnight Central Time".  Yet, in the comments, people are complaining that they can't get to the site well before that time.  Come on, people... learn to read.  You found the link, but not the sentence RIGHT NEXT TO IT that said it would be live later that night.  

Geez, people... read directions.
August 15, 2006 3:12 PM
 

Ken said:

Why should it matter if the batteries are a Sony product. It should still be Dell's responsibility to make sure incidents like these do not happen. They are the ones putting these batteries in the laptops and selling them off. I'm angry that Dell is trying to blame Sony. I believe if they are going distribute these batteries to consumers, they should be held full responsibility. I was in the process of purchasing a second dell laptop XPS M1210, but now I feel that Dell products can't be trusted. I wish I hadn't bougth my first dell laptop and want a full refund. I will be contacting dell services for this.
August 15, 2006 4:49 PM
 

Jeff said:

My laptop is a Inspiron 640m which seems like i dont need a new battery.... SCORE!!!
August 16, 2006 7:52 AM
 

Eric said:

Ken,

Dell isn't blaming Sony, Sony is taking the blame on there own.  Sony admited to manufacturing defective battery cells.  And in case you haven't read, Dell is taking the responsibility for this recall.  Considering Sony admits that they sell these battery cells to other vendors including Apple and HP,  I would say Dell recalling these batteries is outstanding and they have gained even more of my respect for taking these actions.    
August 16, 2006 2:43 PM
 

Mike said:

This recall program is a nightmare for corporate customers with a large amount of Dell laptop in use.

Dell is unable to provide a list of purchased laptop with service tag & battery manufacturer / battery concerned by recall.
August 17, 2006 10:46 AM
 

Barry Klein said:

I have not been able to really read the details of the "recall".  I don't see where batteries are "recalled" but how a new battery will be sent out if you bought a product with a suspect one.  What are you requesting that customers do with their targeted batteries?  I hope you are not requesting that they ship them back to you - by air - and expose them to altitude/thermal issues that are more extreme than just depositing at a Radio Shack or Staples collector.

Barry
August 17, 2006 3:47 PM

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