BestBuy recall Macbook batteries as fire risk

BestBuy is recalling two models of replacement batteries for Macbook computers after multiple reports of overheating and one customer suffering burns.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says BestBuy “received 13 reports that the battery caught fire, including one report of a serious burn to a consumer’s leg.”

The models in question are both ATG lithium-ion replacement batteries. According to the CPSC, they’ll be labeled as MC-MBOOK13B (a black model) and MC-BOOK13W (a white model). It’s possible that’s a typo and the latter should read “MC-MBOOK13W”. In any case, both models also carry the ATG logo.

The batteries were on sale through the Bestbuy.com website from September 2008 to June 2012, as well as the Partstore.com site that Best Buy also owns. Some customers may also have received the batteries as replacements through the Geek Squad Protection plan.

BestBuy says it will contact customers thought to be affected and is urging all customers to stop using the battery immediately and to contact (888) 737-6954 or bestbuypartexchange@decisionone.com as soon as possible. Customers can either get a replacement or get a refund in the form of a $50 Best Buy gift card (equivalent to the original purchase price.)

The CSPS lists the batteries as being for the MacBook Pro, though Design Trend reports that is incorrect and they are actually for the now discontinued polycarbonate MacBook.

BestBuy says it sold around 5,100 of the batteries, but notes that “many companies… may have sold these batteries.” The CSPS doesn’t yet have news of any other retailers recalling the batteries, which were made in China and imported by BTI Corp.