April 23, 2003
Name of product: Panasonic cordless power tool battery packs
Units: About 64,000
Manufacturer: Panasonic Consumer Electronics, of Secaucus, N.J.
Hazard: Battery packs can detach from the power tool unexpectedly and
strike the operator or bystander, resulting in injuries.
Description: Only battery packs manufactured between May 1, 2001 and
Nov. 20, 2002, with model numbers EY9230, EY9136, EY9231, EY9200, EY9106 and
EY9201 stamped on the top of the battery pack are included in this recall. The
battery pack is black and yellow.
Sold at: Home improvement, hardware and mail order outlets nationwide.
Battery packs were sold in the Panasonic Cordless Power Tool kit and separately
as an accessory pack and replacement battery for the power tools. The battery
packs cost between $150 and $400 (with kits) and between $50 and $100
(individually).
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Contact Panasonic Consumer Electronics to receive return
instructions and a free replacement battery pack.
Consumer Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics, (800) 833-9626 between
9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at Panasonic.com/cordlesstools
Media Contact: William Pritchard (201) 348-7182 or Kalia Farrell (201)
392-6159