Following incidents in Japan, Sony initiates worldwide recall of 40-inch Bravias. Here is what you must do if you own one

Sony announced on October 13, 2011, that following several reports of Bravia TVs overheating, the company could have to recall up to 1.6 million units from customers. Reports so far have suggested that faulty components are causing the TVs to overheat and emit smoke and, in several cases, internal parts to melt. So far, all reported incidents are from Japan, but Sony is taking no chances, and is instigating a worldwide product alert.

Richard Parris, TV expert at our sister magazine, Which?, says, ‘While this is a potentially dramatic fault, Sony seems to be responding quickly and on a large scale. With as many as 1.6 million units affected worldwide, it’s no small offering to provide free inspection and potentially free repair to customers who’ve bought these TVs. If you suspect you own an affected model, act fast to confirm this and contact Sony to get your TV inspected.’

WHICH TVs ARE AT RISK?

The likelihood of owning a faulty model in India is not very high. Sony India representative Pooja Chaudhary said, ‘It has come to our attention through reports in Japan that in rare cases a particular component incorporated in certain models of 40-inch Bravia LCD TVs, mostly launched between 2007 and 2008, was damaged and as a result may overheat and at times, ignite inside the TV set and possibly melt a part of the cabinet ceiling.

‘Affected models in India are the KLV-40W300A and KLV-40X350A, of which we sold 3,200 units between 2007 and 2008. These account for only 0.2% of Bravias sold in India. However, till now, we have received no complaints.’

WHAT TO DO

• Check your model number If you own a 40-inch Sony Bravia TV, and suspect this fault, then confirm the model number. Check it on the casing, or on the instruction manual.
• Contact Sony Pooja says, ‘Upon request, Sony India is offering a free inspection of the affected products. A Sony service representative will promptly visit, check and repair your TV if a faulty component is found, free of charge.’

Contact Sony’s product support team on 1800-103-7799.