TOKYO – Sony Corp. is recalling 440,000 Vaio laptop computers worldwide because of a wiring flaw that could cause overheating.

Sony said Thursday the recall involves 19 models in the Vaio TZ series manufactured between May 2007 and July 2008.

The Tokyo-based consumer electronics company said improperly placed wires near the hinge connecting the body of the laptop and its display could wear quickly, causing a short circuit and overheating. A flaw in a circuit board inside the display could also overheat its rim.

Sony has received 209 reports of overheating worldwide, including seven cases in which people received minor burns.

The laptop problem comes two years after Sony had to engage in massive recalls of laptop batteries, which also caused overheating or even burst into flames.

In pre-market trading, Sony's U.S. shares were up 34 cents at $38.