Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported September 25, 2003
CPSC, Sony Electronics Inc. Announce Recall of Certain VAIO Notebook Computers
Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan recalled Only Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27 sold from Jun… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, Sony Electronics Inc. Announce Recall of Certain VAIO Notebook Computers was recalled by Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan in September 25, 2003. Reason: Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the …. Remedy: Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from t…. Verify recall #03197 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the ….
- Moderate
- severity level
- September 25, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03197 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #03197) was formally reported on September 25, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 5,600.
The documented reason for this recall is: Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Sony also will extend the current li… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 609 electronics recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 5,600
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
Only Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27 sold from June through July 2003 are part of the recall. These computers will have slow modem speeds, generally below 24K, while using the notebook's AC adapter. Consumers unsure of their modem speed can check it at the Sony PC support Web site: www.sony.com/pcsupport. Sony previously announced this recall on July 10, 2003
Reason for recall
Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Sony also will extend the current limited warranty for repaired products to 2 years from date of original purchase.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03197 |
| Date reported | September 25, 2003 |
| Date initiated | September 25, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan |
| Affected scope | About 5,600 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact S…
- Check the recall number (03197) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Only Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27 sold from June through July 2003 are part of the recall. These computers will have slow modem speeds, generally below 24K, while using the notebook's AC adapter. Consumers unsure of their modem speed can check it at the Sony PC support Web site: www.sony.com/pcsupport. Sony previously announced this recall on July 10, 2003. Recalled by Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan. Units affected: About 5,600.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Users could receive a mild electric shock, when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Sony also will extend the current limited warranty for repaired products to 2 years from date of original purchase.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on September 25, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03197.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03197) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
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Shenzhen Bopu Product Design Co., Ltd., dba POPOOO, of China · 2026-07-02
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CPSC Moderate
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Super Off-Road Solar Power Banks Recalled Due to Overheating; Imported by Spector & Co.
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CPSC Moderate
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School Specialty, LLC, of Greenville, Wisconsin · 2026-06-11
Compare this recall with Projecting LED Finger Light Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Se… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported September 25, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.