Nokia warns cellphone batteries could overheat

helsinki, finland -- Nokia Corp. warned Tuesday that as many as 46 million batteries used in some of its cellphones could be faulty and pose a risk of overheating.

The advisory applies to lithium-ion batteries manufactured by Matsushita from December 2005 to November 2006, the world’s largest mobile-phone maker said.

Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. of Japan is one of several suppliers that have together made about 300 million Nokia-branded BL-5C batteries, one of 14 types used in the phones.

Nokia said 100 incidents of overheating of the Matsushita-made BL-5C batteries have been reported worldwide, but it added that “no serious injuries or property damage have been reported.”

“Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery,” the Finnish company said.

Nokia did not recall the batteries but said concerned customers could request a replacement for any BL-5C battery affected by the advisory.