Home Technology Galaxy Note 7 Battery Explosion Burns Down Jeep And Garage

Galaxy Note 7 Battery Explosion Burns Down Jeep And Garage

When you purchase through our sponsored links, we may earn a commission. By using this website you agree to our T&Cs.

While you may love your brand-new Galaxy Note 7, it’s probably in your best interest to take advantage of Samsung’s exchange or refund policy regarding the phablet. That is, unless you like your high tech smartphone devices to explode into fiery balls of rage, bringing down your garage and Jeep along with it.

Time to trade in that new Galaxy Note 7

What originally seems like one or two isolated incidents has now developed into a worldwide recall for Samsung’s recently-released Galaxy Note 7 phablet. The devices have been spontaneously exploding into flames while charging (at least 35 separate incidents), and now the FAA is considering a ban of the device on airlines, while three Australian airlines already have.

While there is no definitive way to determine whether your Galaxy Note 7 is defective, it is probably a smart move to err on the side of caution and take advantage of Samsung’s exchange or refund policy.

Galaxy Note 7 explodes, taking house down with it

The most recent incident involving an exploding Galaxy Note 7 device occurred in Horry County, South Carolina. Apparently, the owner of the device, Wesley Herzog, left it charging in his garage. After leaving the device, the owner left the property to pick up his children, at which point the phone allegedly exploded. Herzog returned to his home only to find it engulfed in flames and emergency services already on the scene attempting to extinguish the blaze.

“They asked me if I had anything plugged in in the garage,” said Herzog. “My cell phone, which was the new Note 7, was plugged in in the garage. I also had an air compressor plugged into the same outlet, but the compressor wasn’t on.”

Not the first time the phablet has spontaneously exploded

In a completely separate incident, Galaxy Note 7 owner Nathan Dornacher’s Jeep Grand Cherokee was totaled after the device, while pluuged in to charge, spontaneously combusted causing the vehicle to ignite into flames.

The incidents come at a time when the FAA is considering a total ban of the device. As 2.5 million Note 7 devices have been sold so far, the FAA smartly thinks that they cannot take the risk of having a defective device aboard passenger planes.

Samsung has explained why the Galaxy Note 7 is having serious issues. “Based on our investigation, we learned that there was an issue with the battery cell,” the company explained in a Q&A online. “An overheating of the battery cell occurred when the anode-to-cathode came into contact which is a very rare manufacturing process error.”

Our Editorial Standards

At ValueWalk, we’re committed to providing accurate, research-backed information. Our editors go above and beyond to ensure our content is trustworthy and transparent.

Brendan Byrne
Editor

Want Financial Guidance Sent Straight to You?

  • Pop your email in the box, and you'll receive bi-weekly emails from ValueWalk.
  • We never send spam — only the latest financial news and guides to help you take charge of your financial future.