Microsoft Wants to Replace Your Surface Pro Power Cord

It’s official! Microsoft posted an announcement on its blog and launched a website dedicated to the Surface Pro power cord recall.

To be fair–and clear–the problem with the power cords is still primarily a function of abuse by you. However, Microsoft has determined that many of the earlier model Surface Pro AC power cords qualify for a recall:

Reports began circulating yesterday that Microsoft intended to launch a recall of Surface Pro power cords due to concerns about overheating. The rumor suggested that Microsoft would unveil the details of the program on Friday morning, but Microsoft beat that estimate by a day and announced the official recall program this morning.

A blog post from Microsoft explains, “Today, in consultation with safety regulators, we announced a voluntary replacement program for all Surface Pro AC power cords sold before March 15, 2015, in the U.S. and Canada and before July 15, 2015, in other markets where Surface is sold.”

Microsoft stresses that there are no reports of serious injury. Microsoft claims that a small number of customers have reported the issue and it chose to err on the side of caution with a proactive recall program.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed via email, “As a result of damage caused by AC power cords being wound too tightly, twisted or pinched over an extended period of time, a very small proportion of Surface Pro customers have reported issues with their AC power cord. Eligible customers can obtain a free replacement AC power cable at http://www.surface.com/powercord or by calling a local toll free number listed on the website.”

The recall applies only to the AC power cord. In other words, the power brick—the rectangular module that the AC power cord connects to—and it’s permanently connected Surface power connector are not part of the recall program.

Microsoft recommends that all eligible Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro 3 customers exchange their AC power cord for a new one. You do not need to experience issues or prove that your power cord is damaged in any way to take advantage of the recall program.

See the full story at Forbes: Microsoft Announces Surface Pro Power Cable Recall Program.