CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of PowerBook Computer Batteries

An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Recall #: 04201
Affected scope: About 28,000

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher. · Updated September 2026

Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. recalled The recalled batteries are used with the 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) laptop computer.….

CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of PowerBook Computer Batteries was recalled by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. in August 19, 2004. Reason: An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arran…. Verify recall #04201 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. issued this CPSC recall-An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers..

None
agency class: August 19, 2004
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #04201 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above 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.

Product description

The recalled batteries are used with the 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) laptop computer. The batteries, which contain cells manufactured during the last week of December 2003 only, have the model number A1045 and serial numbers that begin with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label on the bottom of the battery. The battery is approximately 4 inches long, 3 inches wide, and ¾ inches tall. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.

Reason for recall

An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute	Value
Agency	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class	Not classified by agency
Status	Active
Recall number	04201
Date reported	August 19, 2004
Date initiated	August 19, 2004
Recalling firm	Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.
Affected scope	About 28,000
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 should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of ch…

Check the recall number (04201) 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? ▼

Why was this product recalled? ▼

An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

What should consumers do? ▼

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge.

Which agency issued this recall? ▼

This recall was issued by the CPSC on August 19, 2004. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 04201.

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.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

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Similar severity · nearest report date

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Similar Electronics · nearest report date

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This recall: CPSC, reported August 19, 2004. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026