NTT DoCoMo Recalls 1.3M Phone Batteries

Following the high-profile recall problem for Sony due to a fire risk in laptop batteries, another Japanese company has been forced to recall its batteries as well, but this time it involves cellular phones. NTT DoCoMo said Thursday that it is recalling 1.3 million Sanyo Electric batteries in Mitsubishi D902i phones at an expected cost of up to $35 million.

According to the Japanese carrier, the batteries include deformed parts that could cause the battery to rupture if it is accidentally dented. The issue could occur during or immediately after changing. At least one battery has already confirmed to have ruptured, and there may be as many as 17 other cases of overheating or rupture due to the problem. Owners of the affected phones are being notified, NTT DoCoMo said.