Garmin has announced that it is voluntarily recalling a number of nüvi GPS devices in lieu of growing fired hazard concerns.

The GPS manufacturer stated that a specific battery found in certain nüvi devices is expected to be faulty. The batteries, developed by a third-party manufacturer, have been found to overheat in certain cases.

Garmin said that the affected batteries are only found in devices within a limited date code range and with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The company said there have been no reported injuries or significant property damage due to the fault, but that it is recalling the devices out of precaution.

The affected devices include the nüvi 200W, 250W, 260W and 7xx. To determine if your model may be up for recall check the model number by looking at the label on the back or bottom of your device. Otherwise you can go to this site to enter your serial number.

Users who do find themselves with a faulty device need to stop using it immediately and return it to a Garmin-authorised service centre where the battery will be replaced. According to Garmin the repair and associated shipping will be done free of charge to all owners of affected nüvi devices.

According to TechCentral, Fraser McHenry, spokesman for Garmin Distribution Africa said that if users find their device to be up for recall, Garmin’s website will automatically alert the SA distributor to the problem.

He also said that he doesn’t expect the recall to be a big issue in South Africa but that the company has set up a number which concerned South African users can call to find out if their device is up for recall. The number is 0861 427 646.