It’s official - the Samsung Galaxy Note7 has now been recalled in the US by its Consumer Product Safety Commission, with Canada and Mexico following suit.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the CPSC, has officially recalled Galaxy Note7 devices sold in the US ‘prior to September 15, 2016'. This is the first time the recall has been made official - an extremtely important distinction from any voluntary exchange program.
The CPSC says the hazard is as follows:
The lithium-ion battery in the Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious burn hazard to consumers.
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The remedy is either a refund, or a replacement of the Note7 with a new one, from your ‘wireless carrier or place of purchase.’
US readers can also ‘call Samsung toll-free at 844-365-6197 anytime, or go online to Samsung’s site here.
‘About 1 million’ units are affected in the US.
The additional notes the CPSC gives are as follows:
‘This recall involves the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone sold before September 15, 2016. The recalled devices have a 5.7 inch screen and were sold in the following colours: Black Onyx, Blue Coral, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium with a matching stylus.
‘Samsung is printed on the top front of the phone and Galaxy Note7 is printed on the back of the phone.
‘To determine if your phone has been recalled, locate the IMEI number on the back of the phone or the packaging, and enter the IMEI number into the online registration site www.samsung.com or call Samsung toll-free at 844-365-6197.’
Incidents/Injuries:
Samsung says it has ‘received 92 reports of the batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage, including fires in cars and a garage.’
The CPSC states:
‘Consumers should immediately stop using and power down the recalled Galaxy Note7 devices purchased before September 15, 2016. Contact the wireless carrier, retail outlet or Samsung.com where you purchased your device to receive free of charge a new Galaxy Note7 with a different battery, a refund or a new replacement device. Go to www.samsung.com for more details.’
The CPSC also advises that: ‘Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.’
Sadly, news report indicate many Note7 users are ignoring the recall and are putting themselves in clear and present danger, despite the previous voluntary exchange program and various airlines banning the Note7 from in-air use or recharging.
One report suggests Samsung will issue a firmware update to restrict battery charging to 60% capacity. Others have suggested either barring the IMEI numbers of affected devices, or issuing an update that disables affected phones, with both of those actions effectively forcing owners to seek a replacement.
One bright spark of a reader noted that some Note7 users might be using devices without SIM cards and Wi-Fi access, but that usage scenario would have to be extremely slim.
So - please don’t be a moron. Get your Note7 in for replacement ASAP. If you continue to be a moron, you’re likely to find your explosive interest in the Note7 is duly rewarded. Get it replaced! Or get a refund.
DO NOT BE A MORON, DO NOT LISTEN TO RECKLESS CLAIMS THAT ONLY A TINY PERCENTAGE OF UNITS MAY BE AFFECTED, OR YOU RISK PAYING A HEAVY, HEAVY PRICE.
