January 30, 2026 – A consumer has reported a serious safety incident involving a 2023 Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Max) that experienced an internal electrical failure, emitted smoke, and caused a minor burn shortly after an Apple-authorized logic-board replacement. The incident raises concerns about potential post-repair safety defects in the popular laptop model.
Product Details
Incident Overview
According to the incident report, the 2023 Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Max, serial number D6NJ033YH9) was returned to the owner on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after an Apple-authorized repair. The original service was performed to address issues where the device would freeze at login and subsequently hang on the Apple logo during boot. The repair involved a logic-board replacement.
The safety incident occurred two days later, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during the first full charge cycle after the repair. While the laptop was connected to AC power via an Apple-provided MagSafe charger and a surge protector, the owner reported hearing a distinct “pop/hissing” sound emanating from their office. Immediately following this, visible smoke began to emit from the MacBook’s chassis, accompanied by a strong, acrid burning electrical odor. The laptop subsequently shut off on its own.
Recognizing the potential fire risk, the owner promptly unplugged the device and moved it outdoors. During this process, they sustained a burn to a finger from a hot spot on the underside of the MacBook Pro, indicating an internal fire. Since the incident, the owner has stored the device in their vehicle out of concern for potential thermal runaway and further fire hazards. No property damage was observed during the initial incident. The owner confirmed that the MagSafe charger and surge protector in use at the time of the incident were fully functional and not the cause, having been used successfully with a backup laptop since.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several significant safety concerns for consumers:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: The emission of smoke and a burning odor, coupled with a “pop/hissing” sound, strongly suggests an internal electrical short or component failure that could escalate into a full-blown fire. Such an event poses an immediate risk to the user, nearby occupants, and surrounding property.
- Burn Injury Risk: The report explicitly mentions a burn injury to the owner’s finger due to a hot spot on the device’s underside. This demonstrates the potential for direct physical harm from touching a malfunctioning device experiencing extreme heat.
- Thermal Runaway Potential: The owner’s decision to store the device in their vehicle due to concerns about thermal runaway is a valid one. Battery-powered devices, especially those that have experienced internal electrical issues, can be susceptible to uncontrolled temperature increases that may lead to delayed ignition or explosion, even hours or days after an initial event.
- Post-Repair Defect Risk: The fact that the incident occurred shortly after an authorized repair, specifically involving a logic-board replacement, raises questions about the quality control of repair processes, replacement components, or the diagnostic procedures in place. This suggests a potential risk not only for new products but also for devices that have undergone servicing.
- Property Damage Potential: While no property damage was observed in this specific case, an uncontrolled electrical fire from a laptop could easily ignite furniture, drapes, or other flammable materials in a home or office environment, leading to extensive property loss.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an Apple MacBook Pro (2023) — M3 Max, especially one that has recently undergone a logic-board replacement or any other internal repair, please take the following precautions:
- Be Vigilant for Warning Signs: Pay attention to any unusual sounds (pops, hisses), odors (burning plastic or electrical smell), smoke, extreme heat from the device, or sudden shutdowns. These are critical indicators of a potential internal malfunction.
- Immediately Discontinue Use and Unplug: If you observe any of these warning signs, immediately unplug the device from its power source and stop using it.
- Safe Handling and Storage: If the device is hot or smoking, do not attempt to open it. Carefully move it to a non-flammable surface, away from combustible materials. If safe to do so, move it outdoors. Do not store a potentially compromised device inside your home or vehicle due to fire risk. If you suspect thermal runaway, contact local fire authorities for guidance.
- Check for Similar Issues: Review your device’s service history, particularly if a logic board or battery has been replaced. If you notice any performance anomalies or unusual behavior after a repair, contact Apple support immediately.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident, it is crucial to report it. You can file a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. Detailed reports help regulatory bodies identify potential broader hazards and prompt necessary action.
- Preserve Evidence: If an incident occurs, take photos or videos of the device and any visible damage, and keep all purchase and repair documentation. Do not discard the affected device unless instructed by authorities.
Manufacturer’s Response
Following the incident, the owner contacted Apple by phone multiple times and reported receiving inconsistent guidance, including being advised to self-ship a potentially hazardous device, and a promised shipping label never arrived. The owner also noted speaking to individuals from Apple’s “Safety Team” at one point, only to be later informed by another support agent that such a team does not exist. The owner’s attempts to escalate the matter to Customer Relations were reportedly refused.
Subsequently, the owner brought the unit to an Apple Store. A technician inspected the device, noting that “something sparked,” and promptly placed the unit in a fire-proof safe. The owner was informed that the device would be replaced rather than repaired. The consumer expressed significant concern about the level of support provided, particularly regarding the initial difficulty in safely returning a potentially explosive or fire-prone device. As of the date of this post, a formal response from Apple to the CPSC incident report itself is unknown.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.