KDDI Corp Recalls 214000 Kyocera Phones

TOKYO (Thomson Financial) - Japan's second largest cellular operator KDDI Corp said it would recall some 214,000 mobile phones that may overheat and blow up, after several people were injured.

KDDI, known for its 'au' brand, will replace battery packs of its W42K model, marketed only in Japan, a company spokesman said.

The firm received 13 complaints from users of the cell phone made by Kyocera Corp about the trouble. Three of them suffered slight burns, the spokesman said.

The problem lies in the battery packs, which may short-circuit, generate smoke and blow up if their surface is damaged, he said.

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tag: International Recalls, Kyocera W42K recall, KDDI Corp Recall