Lenovo has announced a product defect recall for more than 80,000 of its fifth-generation ThinkPad XI Carbon laptops. According to news reports, if you own a ThinkPad XI Carbon that was manufactured between December 2016 and October 2017, there is a chance that it’s included in the recall, which was issued over possible overheating and fire concerns. About 78,000 units in the United States could be potentially affected in addition to about 5,500 more sold in Canada.
Manufacturing Defect
Lenovo said a limited number of such laptops might have an unfastened screw that could damage the laptop’s battery causing it to overheat and potentially pose a fire hazard. So far, the company reports it hasn’t gotten any reports of overheating in the United States, but that it has received three global reports about overheating that led to the laptop getting damaged. No damage to other property or users themselves has been reported. Lenovo also says that laptops manufactured after November 2017 are not at risk of having the loose screw.
ThinkPad XI Carbon owners can go to the company’s website and enter their serial number and machine type to see if their laptop is part of the recall. The company is urging anyone with one of these laptops to stop using them right away until they can be inspected for the loose screw. Any repairs relating to the recall will be provided at no charge to consumers, as required by the law. The company has reportedly known about this product defect for several weeks and says it has spent some time investigating the cause and then alerting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Laptop Fires and Dangers
Laptop fires have been in the news recently although they aren’t as common as phones, e-cigarettes or other devices such as hoverboards that spontaneously explode or combust. While those fires have been linked to lithium-ion batteries, this recall with Lenovo ThinkPads seems to have to do with a manufacturing defect. Regardless of why the fires occur, they could prove dangerous and destructive when they do occur.
Product manufacturers have a responsibility to manufacture products that are safe for consumers. This means they should make products that have quality parts and have quality control measures in place to prevent safety defects. If you have suffered property loss or have been injured by a defective product you may be able to seek compensation by filing a product liability lawsuit or a class action lawsuit. Depending on the types of damages and losses you have suffered, you may have the option of holding the manufacturer accountable. An experienced consumer lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights.
