Garmin is voluntarily recalling certain nüvi devices that contain a specific battery that was manufactured by the battery supplier within a limited date code range.
Garmin has identified potential overheating issues when certain batteries manufactured by the third-party battery supplier within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design.
It appears that the interaction of these factors can, in rare circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire hazard. Although there have been no injuries or significant property damage caused by this issue, Garmin is taking this action out of an abundance of caution.
The recalled devices include a small subset of the following nüvi model numbers:
nüvi 200W, 250W, & 260W
nüvi 7xx (where xx is a two-digit number)
Owners can contact Garmin at 913-397-8200 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.
If it is one of the recalled units you will be directed to the needed information to acquire a Return Label for shipping your unit for the free repair.
Battery recal includes some installed in automobiles
Not just the hand-held units, from what I see. Apparently, some that were installed in automobiles are included.
Garmin International has issued a recall for about 796,000 factory-installed GPS units placed in some Volvo, Volkswagen, Suzuki, Smart, Land Rover, Mazda, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
A potential overheating issue triggered the recall. The batteries, in combination with a specific circuit board layout, can overheat, possibly causing a fire in the car. No reported failures have caused significant property damage or injuries yet, according to Garmin.
Garmin will notify owners of the affected systems, and technicians will repair the GPS units for free by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery.
Owners can contact Garmin at 913-397-8200 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.
What about the heating in the NUVI 3790, isn't this caused by the battery?
Yesterday my device hung twice around 2030hrs when the temperature outside the car was 39deg centigrade and the car had the Aircon on.