52 seconds ago 2009-12-04T03:14:22-08:00
Finnish mobile-phone maker Nokia is recalling millions of phone chargers. The Espoo, Finland-based company on Monday said chargers made by a supplier have shown some defects.
Nokia, the world's top mobile-phone maker, is recalling the AC-3E and AC-3U models manufactured by China's BYD Electronic Company between June 15 and Aug. 9 this year, as well as the AC-4U model manufactured between April 13 and Oct. 25 this year. While Nokia hasn't disclosed the number of faulty chargers affected by the recall, reports say the number is upward of 14 million.
"The reliability and quality of our products is Nokia's top priority," Nokia wrote on its charger-exchange Web site. "If you have confirmed that your charger is eligible to be replaced, we advise that you stop using it and seek a free replacement charger."
Consumers who own the specific Nokia chargers are being asked to return the defective chargers in exchange for a free replacement, according to the company.
A Shocking Discovery
An exchange program has been arranged for all markets in which affected chargers have been sold, according to the company. "To minimize inconvenience to our customers, the exchange will take place at the country level," it said.
To do so, customers are being encouraged to visit Nokia's exchange Web site at http://chargerexchange.nokia.com. Users need complete four steps to confirm if their charger is one of the faulty models being recalled. Consumers need to first enter the charger's model number, then the identification number. Once that is complete, consumers are asked to fill in certain details and the company will then verify whether the charger can be exchanged.
The company identified a problem with the specific Nokia-branded chargers manufactured by BYD, which has also made mobile-phone pieces for Motorola, during a routine quality-control process. The plastic covers on the chargers can come loose and separate, according to Nokia. If the plastic does come loose, the charger's components pose a risk to individuals who touch them while the charger is plugged into a live socket.
"While we are not aware of any incidents or injuries related to the affected chargers, as a precautionary measure we will exchange affected charger models free of charge," Nokia said.
Nokia did not respond to requests for comment.
Not The First Time
This isn't the first time Nokia has had to recall products. In August 2007, Nokia recalled more than 40 million lithium-ion batteries. The batteries, made by Japan-based Matsushita Battery Industrial between December 2005 and September 2006, were considered dangerous because they could overheat while charging.
"It is not new to Nokia," said Carolina Milanesi, a Gartner analyst. "They could have done without this, but the reality is it will have minimal to no impact on sales."
BYD Electronics, a subsidiary of BYD Ltd., will likely be incurring the costs of the recall.
