Does apple care cover this issue if tried all else

Potentially, but only an Apple technician, after examining the phone can determine if it is a manufacturing defect and provide you with any repair/replacement options. As such I suggest that you review the support article you came here from, and if needed, contact Apple Support directly for the next steps to take. You can do so, simply by selecting the "Get Support" link on the upper right-hand side of this forum's web page.