In HP's most recent case, batteries beginning with the bar code L3 are affected and may be found in HP and Compaq notebooks. HP Pavilion family notebooks with model numbers dv1xxx, ze2xxx, as well as HP Compaq family notebooks with model number nx48xx, may be affected. Compaq Presario models V2xxx and M2xxx may also be affected, according to the U.S. Consumer Product report.

HP is voluntarily recalling the lithium ion rechargeable batteries, which were sold at national and regional computer and electronics stores, as well as online, last year.

"An internal failure can cause the battery to overheat and melt, or char the plastic case, posing a burn and fire hazard," according to the safety commission. "HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating ... One minor injury has been reported (and) 11 cases of minor property damage."