Sony is recalling Panasonic lithium-ion battery packs installed in 18 models of Sony's VAIO Series laptop computers, dut to burn anf fire hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the specific lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.

About 1700 affected laptops were sold at: Best Buy, Sony retail stores, other consumer electronic stores across the U.S. and online at www.store.sony.com and other websites from February 2013 through October 2013 for between $550 and $1,000 as part of Sony VAIO laptops and for about $170 for battery packs sold separately.

The Panasonic battery packs were also sold separately and installed by Sony as part of repairs. Panasonic battery packs included in this recall have model number VGP-BPS26 and part numbers 1-853-237-11 and 1-853-237-21. Panasonic battery pack model and part numbers are printed on the back of the battery pack. Recalled model numbers for the Sony VAIO Series laptop computers are:

• SVE15132CXW
  
• SVE1513KCXS
• SVE15134CXP
  
• SVE1513MCXB
• SVE15134CXS
  
• SVE1513MCXW
• SVE15134CXW
  
• SVE1513MPXS
• SVE15135CXW
  
• SVE1513RCXB
• SVE151390X
  
• SVE1513RCXS
• SVE1513APXS
  
• SVE1513RCXW
• SVE1513BCXS
  
• SVE1513TCXW
• SVE1513JCXW
  
• SVE171390X

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs, power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow instructions to obtain a free replacement. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers can use the laptop by plugging in the AC power only.

Sony is offering consumers a toll-free number at 888-476-6988 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.