Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported May 20, 2005
CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of iBook and PowerBook Computer Batteries
An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. recalled The recalled lithium-ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of iBook and PowerBook Computer Batteries was recalled by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. in May 20, 2005. 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 #05179 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers..
- Moderate
- severity level
- May 20, 2005
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #05179 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #05179) was formally reported on May 20, 2005. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 128,000 units (in the United States).
The documented reason for this recall is: An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. 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 should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBoo… - 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 128,000 units (in the United States)
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
The recalled lithium-ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall. Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial number range 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 HQ441 - HQ507 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 3X446 - 3X510 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 3X446 - 3X509
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. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 05179 |
| Date reported | May 20, 2005 |
| Date initiated | May 20, 2005 |
| Recalling firm | Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. |
| Affected scope | About 128,000 units (in the United States) |
| 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 (05179) 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? ▼
The recalled lithium-ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall. Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial number range 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 HQ441 - HQ507 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 3X446 - 3X510 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 3X446 - 3X509. Recalled by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.. Units affected: About 128,000 units (in the United States).
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. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 20, 2005. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 05179.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (05179) 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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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 May 20, 2005. 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.