CPSC, Belkin Announce Recall of Batteries Sold with Bluetooth™ GPS Navigation System

The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Customers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Li-Polymer battery pack sold with Bluetooth™ Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation System

Units: About 10,300

Distributor: Belkin Corporation of Compton, Calif.

Hazard: The battery can overheat, expand, and possibly rupture, creating an explosion or fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Belkin reports 15 incidents of batteries overheating and expanding. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Li-Polymer battery packs sold with Belkin Bluetooth™ GPS Navigation System models F8T051 and F8T051-DL. The GPS model number can be found on a label on the bottom of the unit. “Part No.: 300-203712001” and Model No.: AE-8210” are written on the side of the battery.

Sold By: The Belkin Web site, other Web retailers and computer and electronics stores sold the GPS device with recalled batteries nationwide from November 2003 through February 2005 for about $400.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers stop using the GPS product immediately and contact Belkin for information on receiving a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Belkin toll-free at (800) 223-5546 ext. 2064 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.belkin.com