MacBook Pro 2018 Keyboard Issues – No Repair Program Available, What Can I Do?

[Kedar123]

Hi everyone,

I’m dealing with an issue on my 13" MacBook Pro from 2018. Some keys are either duplicating, not responding, or getting stuck. Even when I remove the keycap and press the mechanism directly, the problem persists.

I contacted Apple Support, and they confirmed the issue is with the butterfly keyboard. However, they told me that the repair program for these keyboards has ended and there is no other program available to cover this issue anymore.

I tested an external keyboard, and everything works fine, so it’s definitely the built-in keyboard causing the issue.

This is really frustrating since the problem is clearly a design flaw, and I don’t think I should have to pay for a repair. I’ve heard that Apple sometimes offers "goodwill repairs" for cases like this, but I’m not sure how to proceed.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

• Is there a way to escalate the case with Apple?
• Can I invoke consumer rights in Europe to request a free repair?
• Any advice on what to say or how to approach Apple to get this resolved?

I’d appreciate any tips or insights! Thanks in advance.

 

[Fishrrman]

You're not going to like this post.

There's nothing you're going to do to get the keyboard replaced "for free".
If you want it replaced, it's probably going to run you around $800 (US).
That's because the ENTIRE TOP CASE of the computer must be replaced.
It's not possible to replace "the keyboard only".

The cost isn't worth it for a Mac that is now 7 years old.

It's time to start looking for a replacement.
I'd suggest an MacBook Pro with an m4pro CPU...

 

[Polaroid]

both my £4k 2018 laptops are basically impossible to type on. Get your frustration OP. I was ever able to get the issue resolved, even had a replacemet at one point, same issue.

Can't afford repair or to buy new machine, so im stuck haha.

 

[BrianBaughn]

The fact that iFixit doesn't have a replacement guide probably indicates it's a difficult repair. They do have a keyboard breakdown page for that model that looks harder than most surgeries these days.

If you try to escalate be sure to stress the fact that this model runs the current version of macOS and it's not like you're complaining about a Mac that is obsolete. I have abandoned two Mac laptops from 2007 and 2008 and the keyboards work great on those.

I don't have any advice on your bullet point questions…no experience there.

 

[FirDerrig33]

Hi everyone,

I’m dealing with an issue on my 13" MacBook Pro from 2018. Some keys are either duplicating, not responding, or getting stuck. Even when I remove the keycap and press the mechanism directly, the problem persists.

I contacted Apple Support, and they confirmed the issue is with the butterfly keyboard. However, they told me that the repair program for these keyboards has ended and there is no other program available to cover this issue anymore.

I tested an external keyboard, and everything works fine, so it’s definitely the built-in keyboard causing the issue.

This is really frustrating since the problem is clearly a design flaw, and I don’t think I should have to pay for a repair. I’ve heard that Apple sometimes offers "goodwill repairs" for cases like this, but I’m not sure how to proceed.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

• Is there a way to escalate the case with Apple?
• Can I invoke consumer rights in Europe to request a free repair?
• Any advice on what to say or how to approach Apple to get this resolved?

I’d appreciate any tips or insights! Thanks in advance.

There might be other options to get this fixed or replaced depending on how you purchased it. If you used either a Visa or Mastercard CREDIT card to make the purchase then you might have a replacement option with them.

1. Escalating with Apple once the replacement program and your AppleCare are expired most likely will not do anything.
2. You could invoke consumer rights as long as those fall in line with the outlined rights in the EU. Are you the original purchaser of the MacBook or did you get it second hand?
3. Other than that above, I have no additional advice.