Apple PowerBook 45W AC Adapter Recall

✨ Plain-English Summary

Apple is recalling about 570,000 AC adapters for older PowerBook G3 laptops because they can overheat and create a fire risk. While no injuries have been reported yet, Apple has received six reports of overheating adapters, making this a serious safety issue that requires immediate action. (Estimated repair/replacement value: $30-80 if not covered by recall program)

Source & Verification

This page summarizes the official notice and keeps key facts easy to verify.

Official source

CPSC

Announced by source

July 6, 2001

Last reviewed by RecallRadar

March 4, 2026

What You Should Do

1. 1Stop using your Apple PowerBook 45W AC Adapter (Model M4402) immediately if you have one
2. 2Call Apple's recall hotline at (866) 277-2096 (open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. CT, seven days a week)
3. 3Provide your adapter details to receive a free replacement
4. 4Visit www.apple.com/adapterexchange/ for online support options

What's Being Recalled

Quoted source excerpt from the official notice.

July 6, 2001Release # 01-188 Apple Recall Hotline: (866) 277-2096 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076 Apple Media Contact: Nathalie Welch, (408) 974-5430 or welch@apple.com CPSC, Apple Announces Recall of AC Adapter for Prior Generation PowerBook Laptops WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Apple, of Cupertino, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 570,000 AC adapters worldwide that were sold with prior generation PowerBook G3s. These AC adapters could overheat, posing a fire hazard.Apple received six reports of these adapters overheating. No injuries have been reported.No Titanium PowerBook G4 or iBook power adapters are part of this recall. The recall includes only AC adapters with a two-pin connector that came with Apple Macintosh PowerBooks or that were sold separately. The small rectangular black AC adapter box has a permanently attached cord on one end that connects to the computer and a detachable two-prong cord on the other end to plug into an AC outlet. It is approximately 4.75 inches long by 2 inches wide. The label located on the side of the adapter reads in part, "Macintosh PowerBook 45W AC Adapter" and "Model Number: M4402." Electronic and computer stores worldwide and Apple's web site sold these AC adapters with PowerBook G3s from May 1998 through March 2000. They also were sold separately for about $69.Consumers should stop using these AC adapters and contact Apple to receive a free replacement. For more information, contact Apple at (866) 277-2096 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Sunday through Saturday, or go to their web site at www.apple.com/adapterexchange/ Hazard: Fire & Fire-Related Burn

Who's Affected

Specific models and identifiers listed in the source notice:

Technical model codes are manufacturer identifiers. Match both the product name and model code from your device settings, label, or packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Official Resources

Use these primary sources for final eligibility and claim instructions.