Nokia recalls 46 million cell phone batteries

Nokia today issued a product advisory that up to as many as 46 million cellphone batteries could pose a risk of overheating and exploding.

The advisory applies to model BL-5C batteries manufactured by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd. from December 2005 to November 2006.

"Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery," the Finnish mobile phone manufacturer said. "According to Nokia's knowledge, this issue does not affect any other use of the mobile device."

The battery recall affects batteries found in seven models of Nokia phones: Nokia 6620, Nokia 3120, Nokia 6682, Nokia 2610, Nokia 6085, Nokia 6030, and Nokia 6670.

Nokia said the impact will be minimal as the affected models are no longer the most popular model cellphones, and many of them have probably already been retired or upgraded.

Nokia spokesperson Keith Nowak downplayed the recall, saying that any overheating is likely not a serious danger.

"There have been 100 incidents out of 300 million batteries, so there's not much risk. The battery defect could damage a phone, although there have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage."

Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd. of Japan, a division of Panasonic Electronics, is one of several suppliers that have together made some 300 million BL-5C batteries. The lithium-ion battery is one of 14 different battery types used in Nokia phones.

To determine if your "BL-5C" model battery is affected by this recall, you must remove hte battery from the phone to view the 26 character battery identification number on the back side of the battery (opposite of the side that is printed with "NOKIA" and "BL-5C".

Consumers in the U.S. and Canada should visit the website [url>http://www.nokia.com/batteryreplacement[/url> and enter the battery identification number. The website will say whether the battery is affected by the recall. Alternatively, customers can contact Nokia via the following numbers: In the U.S., 1-888-259-4399; in Canada 1-888-226-6542.

Nokia will replace any affected batteries for free.