Toshiba has issued an urgent recall for 16.8 million laptop adaptors due to serious fire and burn hazards. The recall pertains to adaptors sold with Toshiba personal laptops, or separately, bearing date codes between April 2008 and December 2012.
Consumers in Australia and beyond are advised to cease using these laptop adaptors immediately and contact Dynabook for a no-cost replacement to mitigate the risks associated with this recall.
Consumer Impact and Response
In light of Toshiba’s extensive recall of laptop AC adapters, consumers are being actively informed and directed on measures to ensure their safety. The following steps have been outlined for those who may have purchased or are using the affected adapters:
- Immediate Action:
- Discontinue the use of the recalled AC adapters immediately.
- Unplug the device from the wall socket to eliminate any risk of fire or burn injuries.
- Verification and Replacement Process:
- Visit Toshiba’s dedicated recall website or the worldwide recall portal.
- Enter the adapter’s model and serial number to determine if it is part of the recall and arrange replacement if required.
- For those without internet access, Dynabook’s customer service can be reached at 1300 396 226 for assistance.
Consumers are encouraged to act swiftly to prevent any potential hazards associated with the continued use of these adapters.
Manufacturer’s Statement and Actions
In a decisive move to address safety concerns, Dynabook Americas Inc., formerly Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., has taken responsibility for the recall of specific AC Adapters that pose a fire hazard. These adapters were sold with Toshiba brand laptops or as individual accessories at various retailers and through Toshiba.com from April 2008 to April 2014, priced between $25 and $75.
Key actions taken by the manufacturer include:
- Identification: Customers are advised to check their AC Adapters against the specific model numbers and serial number date code ranges listed on the recall notice.
- Recall Process: Those with affected adapters should visit the order webpage, provide contact details, submit a photo of their AC Adapter, and agree to dispose of the recalled item responsibly.
- Replacement: Upon verification, customers will receive a free replacement AC Adapter to eliminate any associated risks.
The urgency of the recall stems from the potential degradation of material inside the adapter’s DC-IN plug, which can lead to overheating, sparking, and subsequent fire hazards, presenting a risk of serious injury, death, or property damage. Dynabook’s proactive steps aim to mitigate these risks and ensure customer safety.
Conclusion
The urgent recall issued by Toshiba, through Dynabook, has underscored the potential safety hazards that can arise from electronic accessories like laptop AC adapters. Highlighting the significant number of impacted units, it’s evident that the steps taken to address the overheating incidents are both necessary and extensive. This proactive response serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer vigilance and manufacturer accountability when it comes to product safety.
For customers concerned about their safety and seeking further assistance, Dynabook has established a communication channel offering support. Should you need more information on the recall or to verify if your adapter is impacted, do not hesitate to contact Dynabook by phone on 1300 396 226. It’s crucial that affected consumers take prompt action to prevent the risk of injury or property damage, demonstrating how critical it is to stay informed about product recalls and follow through with recommended safety measures.