NVIDIA recalls some Shield Tablets because of possible fire hazard

NVIDIA today announced a voluntary recall of some of its 8-inch Shield Tablets because of a concern over the battery overheating and possibly causing a fire.

The tablets in question would have been sold between June 2014 and July 2015, with model numbers P1761, P1761W and P1761WX and serial numbers 0410215901781 through 0425214604018. (Which is, well, pretty much the whole range.)

Here's how to see if your tablet falls under the recall:

  1. Update your Shield tablet to the latest software.
  2. Go to Settings>About tablet
  3. Choose "Status"
  4. Look at the "Battery" category.
  5. If your battery section says B01, you're in the clear.
  6. If your battery sections says Y01, you'll need to swap out your tablet.

The recall procedure actually is built into that latest software update, and you'll use that in conjunction with NVIDIA's recall website to get the ball moving. After that, it's time to put that tablet down for a bit.

It appears as though the old tablets will not need to be returned to NVIDIA. The company notes at the bottom of the claim, "I understand when I turn on my replacement tablet, my original tablet will be deactivated remotely and rendered unusable."

Here's the full release:

SANTA CLARA, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 31, 2015) - NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) today announced a voluntary recall of its SHIELD™ 8-inch tablets that were sold between July 2014 and July 2015, which the company will replace. NVIDIA has determined that the battery in these tablets can overheat, posing a fire hazard. The recall does not affect any other NVIDIA products.NVIDIA is asking customers to visit www.nvidia.com/support/tabletrecall for information on how to obtain a replacement device. NVIDIA is also asking consumers to stop using the recalled tablet, except as needed to participate in the recall and back up data. Consumers will receive a replacement tablet after registering to participate in the recall. NVIDIA is coordinating with appropriate governmental agencies to ensure that the recall follows established industry practices.

Phil Nickinson