Garmin issues nüvi GPS recall

Posted on 26 Aug 2010 at 10:09

Satellite navigation expert Garmin has announced a recall of certain nüvi models due to a flaw which can result in overheating and, potentially, a fire risk.

The company describes the "voluntary recall" as covering a "specific battery that was manufactured by the battery supplier within a limited date code range," although the range itself could cover a large number of physical devices.

Owners of the Gamin nüvi models 200W, 250W, and 260W, plus any model in the nüvi 7xx range, are warned that the interaction of a certain printed circuit board design within the device combined with a certain model of battery can "in rare circumstances [...] increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire hazard."

The good news is that Garmin has so far not identified any injuries or "significant" property damage resulting from the flaw, but has decided to issue the recall notice "out of an abundance of caution."

If you believe that you have an affected Garmin nüvi unit, the company has set up a recall page where you can check your serial number against those that form the body of the recall notice. If your device is indeed affected, Garmin advise that you cease using it immediately pending a free battery replacement, with Garmin covering the cost of shipping.

Although Garmin has only notified US customers of the flaw so far - via a letter - the recall affects units sold worldwide.

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