Apple Extends MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues Until December 31, 2016

[MacRumors]

Apple has extended its MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues until December 31, 2016, or four years from its original date of sale, according to a recently updated support document on its website. The program was previously set to expire next week, on February 27, 2016, or three years from the original date of sale.

Apple launched the repair program exactly one year ago today to address select 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models, sold between February 2011 and February 2013, that have problems with distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. Customers can look up their MacBook Pro model using Apple's "Check Coverage" online tool.

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will continue to repair affected MacBook Pro models at no charge, and customers who already paid for an authorized repair can contact Apple to arrange reimbursement. Customers can bring their MacBook Pro to an Apple Store or AASP, or mail the notebook to a local Apple Repair Center.

MacBook Pro video issues impacted a significant number of customers, prompting a class-action lawsuit against against Apple and an online petition with over 40,000 signatures. Affected MacBook Pro models often have visual banding or malfunctions on the screen, particularly when users are watching HD videos or using CPU-intensive software like the Adobe Creative Suite or Final Cut Pro.

The issues stem from defective Nvidia and AMD GPUs that do not function correctly because of lead-free soldering that causes short circuiting and other problems, according to legal documents. Apple has since launched a similar repair program for late 2013 Mac Pro video issues, which are also related to AMD GPUs. The symptoms are nearly identical, including distorted video and system instability.

Article Link: Apple Extends MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues Until December 31, 2016

 

[Apple Guy]

I'm almost 100% sure that the original warranty program applied to Nvidia cards, AMD was only recently placed in the rMBP

 

[576316]

Had my logic board and top clamshell replaced completely for free under this program. Over £700 worth of repairs! Good guy Apple.

 

[logicstudiouser]

That is great and all, but if the parts haven't been fixed, it is replacing one faulty part with another.

 

[MacOG728893]

At least they're doing what's right. Can't say the same about HP and their DV3000-DV9000 Nvidia chipset failure back in 2008.
[doublepost=1455900151][/doublepost]

That is great and all, but if the parts haven't been fixed, it is replacing one faulty part with another.

Are you sure they're being replaced with the same lead free solder and/or GPU revision?

 

[H2SO4]

What I wanna know is why they didn’t email customers when they knew the items were faulty and send a new MacBook out in the post.

 

[aardwolf]

I filled out the "Coverage Form", and it just told me that my warranty had expired. It didn't tell me if my item was affected.

 

[keyzone72]

Wow. QA over at Apple has really gone down hill. It seems like every week there's a story regarding faulty hardware or malfunctioning software. I don't ever remember it being this bad.

 

[swaterhouse]

Sadden to read Apple still won't acknowledge this problem started in MacBookPro Mid-2010 and fix those.

 

[alvindarkness]

I'm almost 100% sure that the original warranty program applied to Nvidia cards, AMD was only recently placed in the rMBP

The 2011 MBP's had ATI/AMD 6750M and 6770M dGPU options. The 2012 went back to NVidia. Really wish I had've waited a bit longer before buying the 2011 MBP, but who wouldve known back then.

 

[T-Will]

Sadden to read Apple still won't acknowledge this problem started in MacBookPro Mid-2010 and fix those.

My 2010 MacBook Pro is affected too. Has anyone tried to get Apple to fix their 2010 under this warranty program?

 

[keysofanxiety]

Wow. QA over at Apple has really gone down hill. It seems like every week there's a story regarding faulty hardware or malfunctioning software. I don't ever remember it being this bad.

This is relating to the issue colloquially known as 'Radeongate', from the 2011 MacBook Pro models (15" & 17") which had dedicated graphics cards. There was an existing repair program in place to fix affected models, even if the computer is out-of-warranty, and now it's been extended.

 

[ericgtr12]

Had my logic board and top clamshell replaced completely for free under this program. Over £700 worth of repairs! Good guy Apple.

I had mine repaired through the Apple Store when it first happened a couple of years back and paid $300. Later on when they owned up, they reached out to me to offer the money back. That is service beyond anything I've ever received, top notch.

 

[bladerunner2000]

The 2011 MBP's had 6750M and 6770M dGPU options. The 2012 went back to NVidia. Really wish I had've waited a bit longer before buying the 2011 MBP, but who wouldve known back then.

I had my 2011 MacBook Pro die and then replaced by Apple and then sold it to some guy on craigslist. I used the money to buy the 2012 MBP with the Nvidia GT 650m (With anti-glare screen). That really is Apple's last great laptop. Everything since has been 'meh' (and ridiculous considering soldered ram!)

 

[swaterhouse]

My 2010 MacBook Pro is affected too. Has anyone tried to get Apple to fix their 2010 under this warranty program?

Tried to have the laptop repaired with Apple (of course problems came AFTER the AppleCare coverage) and was rejected

 

[Poogis]

I'm not sure whether this is good or bad news!

My late 2011 MBP freaked out last week and I'm due to pick it up today/tomorrow so I would've been cutting it fine for a free repair, until this extension that is. I guess if they all go wrong again then we until the end of the year to get it fixed again. The technician seemed to know the problem before he'd even looked at it so I got the impression he was getting a few of these.

I think I'll be worrying about it throwing a fit at anytime from now on though. Shame.

 

[keysofanxiety]

I had my 2011 MacBook Pro die and then replaced by Apple and then sold it to some guy on craigslist. I used the money to buy the 2012 MBP with the Nvidia GT 650m (With anti-glare screen). That really is Apple's last great laptop. Everything since has been 'meh' (and ridiculous considering soldered ram!)

Similar thing happened to me - had a number of issues on my 15" Early 2011 with 256MB GPU. Apple eventually replaced it with the 15" 2012 MBP which has been an absolute workhorse since I got it.

 

[Lemon Mac]

This is the reason I buy Apple hardware. If there is a possibility something will go wrong, it will.

I have experienced Apple hardware failures that were covered by and extended repair programme, at the time it was great to know I didnt have unexpected repair bill to stump up for.

Of course, in an ideal world things should not suffer from design flaws.

 

[things]

I filled out the "Coverage Form", and it just told me that my warranty had expired. It didn't tell me if my item was affected.

my early 2011 mbp 17" started having GPU issues mid last year, gradually worsening

the apple webform given to check eligibility did not say it was covered, so i took it into an apple store and managed to get an on the spot check

they have a diagnostic test for the specific issue, i was told that's the basis of the decision whether or not you get a free repair - mine was ok'd for free repair, it was ready in a bit less than a week

but tbh the price if it hadn't been free was surprisingly good value, i'd have certainly paid if necessary - i've got a 15" mbp as backup, but the 17" display is just so much better that i prefer it over anything else, when it does eventually need replacing i'll be taking a long hard look at non-apple (unless they bring out a new 17" of course)

 

[Poogis]

The bottom line then is 'get it fixed, get it on eBay'.

 

[andiwm2003]

My 2010 MacBook Pro is affected too. Has anyone tried to get Apple to fix their 2010 under this warranty program?

Tried to have the laptop repaired with Apple (of course problems came AFTER the AppleCare coverage) and was rejected

I'm in the same boat. I'm not sure if it's worth to pay for the repair of my 2010 if it's not covered. well, i'll wait what the next relaese looks like....

 

[ImpostorOak]

My late 2009 27" iMac just started exhibiting graphics glitches and extreme system instability. Apple "vintaged" the computer in December and won't look at it aside from a software diagnostic, which only says that the GPU is "detected". Seems like it's probably a similar issue to this since the GPU obviously isn't completely dead. The only other Mac I've owned with a dedicated GPU (a mid-2007 MBP) also had a faulty GPU that needed to be replaced. It's frankly ridiculous. Luckily they replaced the MBP GPU under a program like this one, but I'm straight out of luck with my now-useless iMac.

 

[eXoBrute]

I have an early 2011 but when i checked my coverage it says it is not covered anymore

 

[robertosh]

I've bought a second hand late 2011 macbook but i didn't notice this issue yet. Anyway, anyone knows if this can be applied to a second hand product?

 

[vincebio]

I have a late 2011 17", and the graphics died on it 3 months ago, and had my logic board replaced on it.
I fitted an SSD and 16gb ram, and i swear its like a brand new machine.

Ive even managed to keep the shell almost scratch free, so it is literally a brand new 17"
Well chuffed about that..