2011 MacBook Pro recall

[Coreybaiera]

Was anyone notified by apple of a recall regarding a video card? I have a 2011 MacBook Pro with a video issue that happened that Apple had a recall on. The deadline to get the issue fixed for free was Dec 31 2016. I was not notified of the recall at all and of course the issue occurred after the offer was expired for me. Apple has my phone number, my email and probably my home address and made no effort to let me know this would most likely happen. Even though it was their fault they did next to nothing to attempt to help me out at all. They wanted to upsell me of course and offered me a “generous” $100 off a new $2300 machine. I could get it cheaper than that through my wife’s student discount. I will not be purchasing anymore Apple products seeing as I either need to buy a new machine or cough up $500 to fix my laptop, which at that point I might as well buy a new laptop and make my own machine for way cheaper than buying a new Mac again. Since the only reason I got an iPhone was because it communicates so well with the MacBook I will no longer upgrade to iPhones anymore either, which my phone upgrade is now available. It would cost Apple next to nothing to fix this issue for me or at least do more to help compared to the amount of money they would have made from me purchasing the newest iPhone and the amount I would’ve continued to spend on all their devices and software. I’ve given thousands of dollars to this company and planned to continue to stay with them and give them thousands more but not after all this.


Thank you for nothing Apple.


Ex-super faithful, hardcore Apple only fan

 

[Audit13]

Apple has never notified me of any recalls or warranty programs for any of their products.

 

[DeltaMac]

Just a point --- Apple never had a "recall" for that video issue. It was a repair extension program, which allowed replacement of the faulty logic board if it failed, in effect, extending the warranty period to cover repairs only for that video issue. Even during that program, Apple would not provide a repair, unless your Mac actually exhibited a problem. Even then, the only time that Apple would have notified you, is if you had a previous repair by Apple for that issue, and you paid for it. Likely that you would have been offered a reimbursement for that previous repair for the video issue. Apple has not ever, as far as I know, contacted owners about service issues, unless those owners have previous, or on-going repair issues that were known to be part of that repair program.

I can understand your frustration, but you apparently had no issue until after the expiration of that program. Keep in mind that not every MacBook Pro that was listed within that program actually had issues. Apple only stated that a "small percentage" of those Macs had supported graphics issues. (I have a 2011 15-inch that has never had video problems) You were not "lucky" enough to need a repair during the time Apple would pay for it. The repair program still continues for newer models, but the 2011 models were dropped at the end of 2016, as you now know.
I also understand that many users never view Mac news sites, where information about that repair program was quite common for several years. It's a shame that you didn't find your way to this site 3 or 4 years ago, but life happens

The only general "recall" that I can remember is one for early iPhone wall adapters that had an improper design, and affected all iPhone adapters for a period of time. I also see that Apple has used the word "recall" several times for various power adapter issues. There may also have been one for batteries, years ago.
So, highly unlikely that a non-safety issue would become widely known, other than on "fan" sites.

 

[Pearl Wisdom]

I was going to make the same point that DeltaMac makes, that this was a repair extension program and not a recall. I have 2011 15" and 17" computers. The 15" died early this year, but I think it was for logic board problems other than the graphics. My 17" is still fine, although I have rarely used it lately.

 

[xanderx007]

I also understand that many users never view Mac news sites, where information about that repair program was quite common for several years. It's a shame that you didn't find your way to this site 3 or 4 years ago, but life happens

I never knew of the problem until I experienced it myself. My MBP 15" e2011's dGPU gave out the first time in late 2015. With a little research, it was then that I was able to find out about the repair extension program and was able to have it repaired for free. It then gave out again Early September this year, but, unlike the first time, I could still do restarts, with the dGPU unstable and causing the Mac to freeze.

After a few searches again, I found out of several fixes outside the repair program that does not involve having to swap out a new logic board, but I wasn't really willing to disassemble the laptop and do the reflow or reballing methods, for it might damage it further. So I opted for the software fix.

There are two solutions: The EFI fix and the GRUB fix. I've tried both solutions, and while the EFI fix may or may not work for you, it can be a bit unstable. I'm on the grub fix currently, and haven't had any issues ever since (at least so far)

Was anyone notified by apple of a recall regarding a video card?

Like what Delta mentioned, no one was ever notified of this problem.

Thank you for nothing Apple.

Ex-super faithful, hardcore Apple only fan

The difference between you (along with a few others) and me, you signed up on MacOSRumors to complain specifically about how Apple screwed you over because they didn't notify you of the program. You're looking to blame Apple.

While, personally, I signed up here specifically to find solutions, and when I have, thanked the people who took time to develop those solutions and offered it for free. Conversely, having applied those solutions myself, I find it proper to share it with others.

Now, as an avid Apple user, I share and understand your frustration, but, I realize that Apple didn't really have to do the repair extension program at all, especially since the 2011 MBPs are already vintage machines, and most were already out of warranty when they started conking out. It's just that yours happened to fail after knowing about the repair extension program, and is why you're here now, complaining.

Now, instead of blaming Apple, which is useless in any case, just try the solutions I've linked on this reply. The grub solution works rather nicely, and several others have implemented it successfully. If you can follow instructions, you'll be able to apply the solution/s even without coding experience.

 

[nudoru]

Apple did right by me with this issue - my 2011 started failing after 2 years. I spent about $400 for a depot logic board replacement. That one eventually failed along with 3 more! In talking to a genius for my 4th logic board, I was upgraded to a top spec'd 2014 model on the spot. Eventually, when Apple announce the repair program, I was able to get back my $400.

 

[xanderx007]

Apple did right by me with this issue - my 2011 started failing after 2 years. I spent about $400 for a depot logic board replacement. That one eventually failed along with 3 more! In talking to a genius for my 4th logic board, I was upgraded to a top spec'd 2014 model on the spot. Eventually, when Apple announce the repair program, I was able to get back my $400.

I guess it's a matter of knowing what the issues are and how to handle them, though, the return service varies from country to country.

 

[leman]

The repair extension program was properly advertised and communicated on Apple support site and various media. Not to mention that it had limited time validity and would not apply in your case anyway. Your laptop lasted for 6 years, which is more than it’s expected lifetime. Yes, there was a known hardware issue and maybe it would last a bit longer if that issue was not present, but you certainly got your moneys worth.

 

[xanderx007]

The repair extension program was properly advertised and communicated on Apple support site and various media. Not to mention that it had limited time validity and would not apply in your case anyway. Your laptop lasted for 6 years, which is more than it’s expected lifetime. Yes, there was a known hardware issue and maybe it would last a bit longer if that issue was not present, but you certainly got your moneys worth.

He's talking about being contacted by Apple directly. Most people won't really know there are issues unless the issues affect them.

 

[leman]

He's talking about being contacted by Apple directly. Most people won't really know there are issues unless the issues affect them.

Well, and he didn’t have an issue, did he? The repair extension was for issues that would actually occur, it didn’t offer a preventive replacement or anything.

P.S. and frankly, how do you imagine this from practical perspective? Say, you make a product. Later you find out that 20% of all produced units have a latent issue and might fail suddenly. The issue in no way can cause danger or harm to the user. Do you issue a mass recall for all units or do you just repair the actually failed one? And can you imagine what will happen if you contact every user that bought one? What would you even say? “There is a slight chance that your computer will break soon but don’t you worry, we’ll cover you when it happens!”. Can you imagine the mass hysteria? I’m not trying to defend Apple here or anything, but try to to look at this rationally.

 

[xanderx007]

Well, and he didn’t have an issue, did he? The repair extension was for issues that would actually occur, it didn’t offer a preventive replacement or anything.

Did you read his post? He's complaining now because his laptop failed AFTER the fact.

P.S. and frankly, how do you imagine this from practical perspective? Say, you make a product. Later you find out that 20% of all produced units have a latent issue and might fail suddenly. The issue in no way can cause danger or harm to the user. Do you issue a mass recall for all units or do you just repair the actually failed one? And can you imagine what will happen if you contact every user that bought one? What would you even say? “There is a slight chance that your computer will break soon but don’t you worry, we’ll cover you when it happens!”. Can you imagine the mass hysteria? I’m not trying to defend Apple here or anything, but try to to look at this rationally.

I guess this is for the thread starter.

 

[leman]

Did you read his post? He's complaining now because his laptop failed AFTER the fact

I’m not really sure what exactly he is complaining about. The laptop has failed after the repair program was done. So nothing would have changed if he’d got contacted by Apple.

 

[xanderx007]

I’m not really sure what exactly he is complaining about. The laptop has failed after the repair program was done. So nothing would have changed if he’d got contacted by Apple.

He's complaining that Apple didn't notify him that there was a problem. Seriously, did you read what he wrote?

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Unfortunately, you ended up with one of Apple's greatest "mistakes" (which they didn't actually realize was "a mistake" until the computers had already been built and sold).

Apple had the repair extension program for a good while.
But it's too late now.

Enjoy the PC world!

 

[hallux]

He's complaining that Apple didn't notify him that there was a problem. Seriously, did you read what he wrote?

He may be, but Apple notifying him would have done NOTHING as the system wasn't exhibiting the symptoms prior to expiration of the program so he STILL wouldn't have gotten a repair at no cost.

 

[leman]

He's complaining that Apple didn't notify him that there was a problem. Seriously, did you read what he wrote?

Sure, I read it. But maybe you didn't bother reading my posts that you were quoting? Again, my question to both the original poster and you, who seems to understand clearly the nature of the original poster's thoughts: what would have changed if Apple did contact them with a message along the lines "should your GPU fails before 2017, we will repair it for free?". The laptop did not not fail during the extended warranty period and so the extended warranty doesn't apply in this case either way. There is no win or loss beyond what already occurred to the original poster in this situation. Not to mention that the original poster appears to be misinformed about the nature of the extended warranty, thinking that Apple has issued a recall (which they never did).

One can of course argue whether the extended warranty period was too short or not too short, and whether Apple should have repaired the laptop even after the extended coverage has ended. But thats a different discussion...

 

[ZapNZs]

The 2011 debacle certainly could have been handled better, but unfortunately it's one of those situations where it is what it is.

I was one of those affected, and then the replacement failed like a week after the program ended and I was told I was SOL. To give Apple credit, they did indeed do something, and this is more than many other Makers would probably do (but as it is a more expensive machine, one could say that an expectation of a longer service life tends to follow, which is why this was perceived so badly). As others have noted, this was not a recall - perhaps it should have been, but it was more the equivalent of a Technical Service Bulletin - an actual recall would presumably only happen if an inherent safety issue was present. You had to be experiencing active issues within the defined period and then seek service for it to get it replaced.

Apple was slow to react to this issue, and for some that meant they had a failure earlier on, got rid of the system before Apple made any response to the lawsuit (their response was this repair program), and then later found out it could have been repaired for free - not good times. However, even those that got replacement boards aren't living the good life, because the replacement board has had zero or insufficient changes made to fix the issue and they seem to often fail even faster than the original defective boards.

Replacing with a 2012 logic board was not practical due to screen incompatibilities IIRC. Truthfully I think it would have cost Apple less money and PR to just replace affected 2011 machines with the less-prone 2012 models, but I'm not the one calling the shots at Apple so that's neither here nor there, and there's not much that can be done about it now. On the positive side, you did get 6 good years from it, which certainly ain't bad!

 

[xanderx007]

He may be, but Apple notifying him would have done NOTHING as the system wasn't exhibiting the symptoms prior to expiration of the program so he STILL wouldn't have gotten a repair at no cost.

That's what I pointed out.
[doublepost=1511148105][/doublepost]

Again, my question to both the original poster and you, who seems to understand clearly the nature of the original poster's thoughts: what would have changed if Apple did contact them with a message along the lines "should your GPU fails before 2017, we will repair it for free?".

I will still do my due diligence and have my laptop checked, which I kinda regularly do anyway, since I've had several upgrades over the years. He specifically thought Apple should have contacted him. What he does if Apple did before that deadline, only he could answer.

That's the difference between me and him, though. He signed up here to complain and blame Apple, as if Apple is responsible for his predicament and lack of foresight. I signed up here to look for solutions, since the MBP is already out of warranty, but, being practical, I was simply trying to extend its life before I invest on a new one.

Besides, even though I was able to have the logic board replaced at least once (since I did read up on the problem when my MBP's dGPU started showing symptoms), it was a short-lived solution, to which my Apple provider did warn me about. When I spoke to them and told me the old reason I won't be able to get another logic board (I was willing to pay for a replacement beyond the extension) is because there are no longer any replacements left.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Was anyone notified by apple of a recall regarding a video card? I have a 2011 MacBook Pro with a video issue that happened that Apple had a recall on. The deadline to get the issue fixed for free was Dec 31 2016. I was not notified of the recall at all and of course the issue occurred after the offer was expired for me. Apple has my phone number, my email and probably my home address and made no effort to let me know this would most likely happen. Even though it was their fault they did next to nothing to attempt to help me out at all. They wanted to upsell me of course and offered me a “generous” $100 off a new $2300 machine. I could get it cheaper than that through my wife’s student discount. I will not be purchasing anymore Apple products seeing as I either need to buy a new machine or cough up $500 to fix my laptop, which at that point I might as well buy a new laptop and make my own machine for way cheaper than buying a new Mac again. Since the only reason I got an iPhone was because it communicates so well with the MacBook I will no longer upgrade to iPhones anymore either, which my phone upgrade is now available. It would cost Apple next to nothing to fix this issue for me or at least do more to help compared to the amount of money they would have made from me purchasing the newest iPhone and the amount I would’ve continued to spend on all their devices and software. I’ve given thousands of dollars to this company and planned to continue to stay with them and give them thousands more but not after all this.


Thank you for nothing Apple.


Ex-super faithful, hardcore Apple only fan

They never had a recall, they had an extended warranty on that model if the problem cropped up within that time frame, its seven years since they started selling that model no one warranties their electronics for over 5 years get over it.

 

[maflynn]

The book has closed on the 2011 model, and its defective GPU debacle. Apple I'm sure is happy to turn the corner and since shut down the repair program. The 2011 models are now over 6 years old and some point the consumer has to move on.

 

[Rkuda]

Was anyone notified by apple of a recall regarding a video card? I have a 2011 MacBook Pro with a video issue that happened that Apple had a recall on. The deadline to get the issue fixed for free was Dec 31 2016. I was not notified of the recall at all and of course the issue occurred after the offer was expired for me. Apple has my phone number, my email and probably my home address and made no effort to let me know this would most likely happen. Even though it was their fault they did next to nothing to attempt to help me out at all. They wanted to upsell me of course and offered me a “generous” $100 off a new $2300 machine. I could get it cheaper than that through my wife’s student discount. I will not be purchasing anymore Apple products seeing as I either need to buy a new machine or cough up $500 to fix my laptop, which at that point I might as well buy a new laptop and make my own machine for way cheaper than buying a new Mac again. Since the only reason I got an iPhone was because it communicates so well with the MacBook I will no longer upgrade to iPhones anymore either, which my phone upgrade is now available. It would cost Apple next to nothing to fix this issue for me or at least do more to help compared to the amount of money they would have made from me purchasing the newest iPhone and the amount I would’ve continued to spend on all their devices and software. I’ve given thousands of dollars to this company and planned to continue to stay with them and give them thousands more but not after all this.


Thank you for nothing Apple.


Ex-super faithful, hardcore Apple only fan

So basically you're pissed that Apple didn't give you a free $2300 brand new machine for your 7 year old laptop that didn't have an issue until a year after their repair program?

Yeah I don't think Apple cares if you're their customer anymore, it wouldn't be very profitable for them.

Sure made for a funny story on MacRumors though!!

 

[maflynn]

So basically you're pissed that Apple didn't give you a free $2300 brand new machine for your 7 year old laptop that didn't have an issue until a year after their repair program?

by the same token that repair program was a joke. They didn't repair the machines, they just replaced the failed logic boards with logic boards that will fail again. In essence kicking the can down the road.

They should have offered a rebate/replacement back in 2011/2012.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

by the same token that repair program was a joke. They didn't repair the machines, they just replaced the failed logic boards with logic boards that will fail again. In essence kicking the can down the road.

They should have offered a rebate/replacement back in 2011/2012.

In 2011- 2012 it was no worse than any other dGPU failure rate at the time, it was only in the couple of years after that it became apparent what a problem it was. Apple were the only ones to do an extended repair program, despite up dell and others having similar issues, they then supported these laptops 2 years past their warranty. It’s now a 7 year old laptop that’s a good innings for any laptop and anyone who thinks otherwise has serious misconceptions about consumer electronics.

By the time the scale of the problem became apparent they had no choice but to use refurbished boards or destroy AMD by making them replace everyone of them.

More importantly consumers don’t seem to realise that every time they expect cutting edge hardware that they are essentially beta testing said hardware. the only way to really know how it will go out in the wild is to put the machines out there, so unless you want to always be using tech 3years old then you have to accept that this is what you are doing when you buy a new device.

Apple spend more on R&D than anyone else have higher standards and really try to test the products to death and they still have issues like these. That’s the nature of the beast i’m afraid and it’s mostly driven by impatient consumerism, in short us!!!

Why do you think business workstations etc are always working on older spec hardware?? Because the bugs have been ironed out on consumer tech.

If you don’t like it don’t Use new stuff it’s the only answer.

 

[eddjedi]

I'll be thrilled if any computer I buy lasts six years!