The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Acer America , today announced a voluntary program for the replacement of certain notebook computer lithium-ion batteries containing Sony-made cells.

Acer said that the specific lithium-ion batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The company estimates that the recall includes about 27,000 bateries sold in the U.S. and has set up a web site listing the affected models. "We encourage you to check to see if your Acer notebook may have one of these battery packs and, if it does, we will replace your battery pack for a new one at no cost to you," reads Acer's announcement. Customers should also stop using the recalled batteries immediately, Acer said, and use their AC adapter and power cord until a replacement battery arrives.

The following Acer notebook computer models sold in the United States and Canada may have battery packs affected by this replacement program:

TravelMate Series Beginning with:242x, 320x, 321x, 330x, 422x, 467x, 561x, C20x.
Aspire Series Beginning with:556x, 560x, 567x, 930x, 941x, 980x.

Until now, there have been 16 reports of notebook batteries overheating. These reports were associated with earlier recalls by other notebook computer manufacturers of batteries containing the specific Sony cells.