2018 15" Macbook Pro swollen battery

susanla99 wrote:

My Macbook's battery started swelling to the point the back cover popped open over the side wbere the batrery sits. It's also somehow warped the notebook to where the screen can't be closed all the way (2 cm gap). I contacted Apple support and got a repair request started online since no stores around me have any available appointments and they quoted me $752 since mine is out of warranty, which I had to pay upfront in order to proceed with my request. From what I've heard from some others, swollen batteries can be replaced for free if the Macbook is still relatively new (mine is less than 2 years old). Even if it's not covered by any program, a battery replacement should only be $200 so I'm wondering where this number came from. I did make it sound like the screen issue was a separate incident that was not a result of the swollen battery in my original request so I'm assuming they may have factored in the cost of a hinge or screen repair as well. Has anyone had a similar experience and how much did it end up costing to get it serviced? If the service ends up being cheaper than the $752, I'm guessing they end up refunding me the extra money, correct?

See if you qualify:

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program- September 2015 and February 2017

https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall

Battery service:

https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"—

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country

From iOS device using the app to make a online Genius Bar appointment is easy:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044?mt=8

(note: due to the temporary closure of Apple Stores and the staggered reopening there may be some delays.

ref: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures )

“Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center. We'll return your repaired product to you as quickly as possible. Depending on where you get service, you might be able to check the status of your repair online.” Start a service request https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Twitter Apple Support@AppleSupport

Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209095

I know my response is a bit late here, and while I have not personally disputed a repair charge, I would definitely give it a try (if you haven't already). Hope you faired well in this if you tried.

There’s this:

https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall

...but it does not apply to 2018 models.

I had this very issue on my 2018 15" MacBook Pro recently (in the last three months). I was quoted about $800 for the repair when I called Apple Support. The battery itself, while only about $200, is unfortunately not the only thing affected by this battery swelling. Your top case is likely permanently bent (hence the lid not closing fully) and Apple insists on replacing it. The top case includes: Touch Bar, keyboard, trackpad, aluminum casing

Pretty much the whole exterior of the non screen part of the MacBook, aside from the bottom plate will be replaced.

As you've said, you should be able to have this done for free, as Apple extend its warranty for swollen batteries.

After getting off the phone, I immediately booked a Genius Bar appointment at the nearest Apple store. I drove three hours to this store, where the Genius was able to give me the good news that my MacBook repair was indeed covered by warranty, and therefore free of charge.

The Genius whom I spoke to also told me that the person at Apple Support should have known and/or made me aware of the extended warranty in the first place. He expected that once the MacBook arrived in their repair facility, the repair tech would have realized my unit was covered and refunded my money. That said, Apple Support should really work towards remedying this vital case of misinformation.

If everything was as it should be, no matter if a customer walks into the store or calls on the phone, we should be given the correct price. If going in-person to an Apple Store is not possible or unrealistically far away for you, I would suggest you escalate to a Senior Advisor and get this sorted out.

All things considered, you should not be required to pay anything for this repair.