Previous recalls of about 32,600—13,000 previously recalled in October 2008 and 19,600 in October 2009—Rechargeable Batteries Sold with Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players are being reannounced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The October 2008 recall announcement can be accessed here.
The recalled Rechargeable Batteries Sold with Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players were manufactured in China and imported by Coby Electronics Corp., of Lake Success, New York. Imports from China into the United States have long been making headlines for issues with defective parts and dangerous elements, including dangerous lead levels in children’s toys and products. Recalls have also been associated with dangerous, sometimes deadly, medications, pet food, consumer food and health items, and the ongoing drywall debacle that has been the culprit in untold numbers of cases involving homes across the United States plagued with corroding metals and offensive odors.
The rechargeable batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. To date, Coby Electronics has received 22 reports of the battery overheating. Eighteen additional incidents of the battery overheating in the TF-DVD 1020 model were reported, 17 of which resulted in property damage ranging from minor damage to damage assessed at up to $9,650. No additional incidents have been reported for the TF-DVD 8501 model.
The recall involves Coby DVD/CD/MP3 players with product numbers TF-DVD 1020 and TF-DVD 8501. “Coby” is printed on the front cover and the product number is on the bottom of the unit. The serial numbers on the recalled rechargeable batteries are printed on a label on the following batteries:
• Product Number TF-DVD 1020, described as a Swivel Screen, with the following Serial Numbers: DG240043D503000001-1006, DG240006D503000001-400, DG240039D603000001-3000, DG240111D603000001-2000, DG240143D602000001-3000, DG240106D602000001-2000, DG240106D702000001-2000, DG240183D942000001-100, DG240071DB02000001-1400, DG240115D702000001-2500
• Product Number TF-DVD 8501, described as 8 ½-Inch Screen, with Serial Numbers that begin with “HY.”
The recalled Rechargeable Batteries Sold with Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players were sold at discount, electronics, music, toy, and office supply stores and distributors of electronic products nationwide. The TF-DVD 1020 units were sold from May 2007 through July 2008 for about $168. The TF-DVD 8501 units were sold from January 2007 through September 2009 for between $140 and $275.
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately stop using the players with the recalled batteries and contact the firm to arrange for a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled batteries from the unit, consumers can continue to use it with the AC or DC power adapter. Coby Electronics can be reached toll-free at (866) 945-2629 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday or at the firm’s Web site at www.cobyusa.com
