Google, HP Recall Thousands of Defective Chromebook 11 Chargers

Google (GOOG) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) have issued a recall for 145,000 power supply/chargers for the HP Chromebook 11, following numerous user reports of the chargers creating a hazard by overheating and melting.

A recall report issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Dec. 17 advised consumers to “stop using this product unless otherwise instructed.”

HP apologized for the recall in a blog post and directed consumers to a website to request a free replacement charger. “We apologize again for the inconvenience this has caused. Your safety is our top priority,” the vendor said.

HP said it has resumed sales of its Chromebook 11 packaged with a replacement charger.

In mid-November, HP pulled its $279 Chromebook 11 unit off retail shelves—including Amazon (AMZN) and Best Buy (BBY) outlets—amid eight reported instances of overheating chargers and one case in which the power supply melted.

At the time, Google Product Management Vice President Caesar Sengupta, in acknowledging “a small number of user reports that some chargers included with the device have been damaged due to overheating during use,” advised HP Chromebook 11 buyers to avoid using the charger and replace it with any Underwriters Lab (UL)-listed micro USB charger.

Google, he said, would “identify the appropriate corrective action,” in conjunction with the CPSC and provide additional instructions to users.

Well, consider that info as provided. The CPSC identified the offending charging unit by model number MU15-N1052-A000S, and said Google “has received nine reports of chargers overheating and melting during use. There is one report of a small burn to a consumer and one report of minor property damage to a pillow from an overheating charger.”

The CPSC advised consumer to “immediately stop using the recalled charger for the HP Chromebook 11 and contact Google for a free replacement charger.”

The recall report said the defective chargers were shipped with the Chromebook 11 and sold at Best Buy stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, bestbuy.com, Google Play at play.google.com, and HP Shopping at shopping.hp.com from October through November.