Hitachi Ltd. said on Friday that it is joining the growing list of mobile computer manufacturers who are issuing recalls on batteries manufactured by Sony Corp..

The Japan-based firm will recall about 16,000 batteries used in its laptops.

Starting in August with Dell Computer, a number of manufacturers have issued similar recalls for Sony batteries. A defect may allow microscopic particles to short-circuit the battery, causing the battery to overheat, and in rare-occasions explode. No injuries have been reported.

Apple Computer, Lenovo, Toshiba, and Fujitsu have all issued recalls.