Capacitor Plague: Early‑2000s Widespread Electronics Failure

The capacitor plague refers to a wave of failures in electrolytic capacitors that began in the early 2000s. Faulty electrolyte formulations caused premature degradation and leakage in many components. The defect affected a wide range of consumer electronics, from computers to audio equipment. Multiple manufacturers issued recalls and redesigns to address the reliability issue. Engineers traced the problem to specific production processes and supplier changes. The incident prompted stricter quality‑control standards in the capacitor industry. Some devices remained in use for years despite reduced performance. The episode is now studied as a cautionary example of supply‑chain risk in electronics.