December 17, 2025 – A recent incident report highlights a serious safety concern involving Uniden OEM Lithium Ion batteries used in the Uniden BT-954 product. The report details instances of these batteries expanding and breaking their housing, posing potential hazards to consumers.
Product Details
Incident Overview
According to an incident report filed on November 30, 2025, Uniden OEM Lithium Ion batteries, specifically those associated with the Uniden BT-954 device, have been observed expanding significantly and subsequently breaking their battery housing. This phenomenon, often referred to as “battery swelling” or “bloating,” indicates a critical internal failure within the lithium-ion cell. While the exact circumstances leading to this specific incident are not detailed in the report, battery swelling is commonly caused by overcharging, manufacturing defects, internal short circuits, or exposure to extreme temperatures. When a lithium-ion battery swells, it generates gases internally, leading to increased pressure that can deform and ultimately rupture the battery’s outer casing and the device’s housing.
Safety Concerns
The expansion and rupture of lithium-ion battery housing present several significant safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers:
* Fire Hazard: Swollen batteries are at a higher risk of thermal runaway, which can lead to overheating, sparking, and potentially igniting, causing a fire.
* Explosion Risk: The pressure build-up within a swollen battery can cause it to rupture violently, potentially expelling hot gases, flame, or battery components.
* Chemical Exposure: A ruptured battery can leak corrosive and flammable electrolyte chemicals, leading to chemical burns upon contact with skin or eyes, and emitting toxic fumes.
* Physical Injury: Fragments from a burst battery or device housing can become projectiles, causing lacerations or blunt force trauma.
- Long-Term Risks: Continued use or charging of a swollen battery significantly escalates the risk of a catastrophic failure (fire, explosion, chemical leak). Even if no immediate incident occurs, the integrity of the device and battery is compromised.
- Who Might Be Affected: Users of the Uniden BT-954, particularly those who handle or are in close proximity to the device, including children and pets if they come into contact with a compromised device. Individuals attempting to remove or dispose of a swollen battery without proper precautions are also at risk.
- Property Damage Potential: A battery fire or explosion can cause extensive damage to the device itself, surrounding furniture, electronics, and the structure of a home or office. Chemical leaks can also damage surfaces and materials.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Uniden BT-954 or any device using Uniden OEM Lithium Ion batteries should take immediate precautions:
- Immediate Steps to Take:
* Stop Use Immediately: If you observe any signs of battery swelling (bulging, cracking, or deformation of the battery or device housing), stop using the Uniden BT-954 and its battery at once.
* Do Not Charge: Do NOT attempt to charge a swollen battery, as this significantly increases the risk of fire or explosion.
* Handle with Caution: If safe to do so, carefully move the device to a non-flammable area, such as outdoors on concrete or in a ceramic pot, away from combustible materials.
* Do Not Puncture or Open: Never attempt to puncture, open, or tamper with a swollen battery.
* Proper Disposal: Do not dispose of swollen lithium-ion batteries in regular household trash. Contact your local waste management facility or recycling center for proper e-waste and battery disposal guidelines.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product:
* Inspect your Uniden BT-954 and its OEM batteries regularly for any visual signs of swelling, cracks, leaks, or unusual heat. The model number (BT-954) should be visible on the device or its packaging.
- Prevention Measures:
* Always use the original Uniden charger or a certified compatible charger specifically designed for the BT-954.
* Avoid exposing batteries or the device to extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold).
* Do not leave batteries charging unattended or overnight, especially if they show signs of damage.
* Replace batteries that are old, frequently overheated, or show any signs of wear and tear.
- Reporting Procedures:
* If you experience a similar incident or have concerns about your Uniden BT-954 battery, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify safety trends and potentially leads to recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer’s response to this specific incident report is currently unknown. Uniden America Corporation has not yet provided information regarding the incident, any investigations, or potential remedies. Consumers seeking further information or assistance should consider contacting Uniden America Corporation directly.
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.