2017 MacBook Pro logic board failure under normal use

[rherb94]

I have the 2017 MBP without touch bar, with 16GB of RAM. All of a sudden, the laptop wouldn't power on or take a charge. I suspected logic board failure, and took it to the "Genius" bar for diagnostics. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it either, but also thought it was probably the logic board. They wanted to charge $500 to send it to the repair facility for further diagnostic work. Additionally, when either the logic board or SSD fail on this particular model of the MBP without touch bar, both components need to be replaced simultaneously. I argued that this is clearly a design flaw for a less than 2 year old computer to basically self-destruct. They wouldn't budge and said that it was out of the manufacturer 1 year warranty.

This is ridiculous, to invest $1700 on a laptop expecting it to last 5-6 years, and having it blow up due to poor engineering. Is this is quality of products that Apple has come to accept? You would think that they would admit to screwing up, and offer to foot the bill for repairing the machine.

Has anyone else had a similar issue with Apple? I'm at a loss here, as I'm worried the laptop will just end up blowing another logic board if I pay to repair it, as this seems to be a major design error. As a lifetime Apple user, I am incredibly disappointed with the quality of products Apple is selling, and the customer service is just awful. I don't think I will be purchasing any Apple products in the future. I'd rather buy an XPS and put Linux on it. Apple really dropped the ball with these new model MacBook's.

 

[Howard2k]

It's out of warranty right?
If you don't buy the extended warranty then when the warranty runs out that means that you're on the hook to fix it.

It's pretty frustrating. If I was buying one of the current generation I would get the extended warranty for sure.

 

[keysofanxiety]

My Early 2011 15" had 3 Logic Board failures, a keyboard failure, and a display cable failure before they finally replaced it with a 2012 15" - well outside the year from when I purchased it.

The aforementioned 2012 15" had two Logic Board failures, the second of which was again well outside the year (I purchased new AppleCare for it at the time) and it's been smooth ever since.

It's the luck of the draw sometimes. MacBooks with dGPUs always have a higher failure rate. It really really sucks, and the 1-year standard warranty sucks too, but you've gotta get AppleCare for such an expensive machine.

 

[Plutonius]

If I was buying one of the current generation I would get the extended warranty for sure.

It would have helped in this case but, if you are looking to keep the laptop for five or six years, an extra two year warranty isn't the solution.

 

[Howard2k]

It would have helped in this case but, if you are looking to keep the laptop for five or six years, an extra two year warranty isn't the solution.

For sure, but hey, at least you're increasing your odds over the three. Again, I wouldn't buy the current gen anyway so it's moot.

 

[rherb94]

It's just really disappointing that these computers are experiencing such high failure rates and problems associated with them. I've had many of Apple products over the years, and have never had anything like this happen. They used to be such reliable products that would last for years, and now they're just overpriced garbage.

 

[Howard2k]

It's just really disappointing that these computers are experiencing such high failure rates and problems associated with them. I've had many of Apple products over the years, and have never had anything like this happen. They used to be such reliable products that would last for years, and now they're just overpriced garbage.

It's difficult to know just how large the problem is, but agreed, it's certainly too large.

 

[keysofanxiety]

It's just really disappointing that these computers are experiencing such high failure rates and problems associated with them. I've had many of Apple products over the years, and have never had anything like this happen. They used to be such reliable products that would last for years, and now they're just overpriced garbage.

Even whilst the current gens have had a lot of documented problems, you did get pretty unlucky. Most people don't have an issue. Had a previous Apple laptop failed, you'd be saying the same thing then.

There were many previous gens with a much higher failure rate namely caused by faulty GPUs (2007-2008 NVIDIA, 2011 Radeon). My sympathies once more for the failure and yes, the 1 year warranty is a blow at the price of the machine, but anything above a certain cost and you should really consider AppleCare.

 

[Plutonius]

There were many previous gens with a much higher failure rate namely caused by faulty GPUs (2007-2008 NVIDIA, 2011 Radeon).

From what I saw and experienced, the GPU generally didn't fail within the warranty period (including AppleCare).

I ended up having to pay for a new logic board after AppleCare coverage ran out.

 

[Painter2002]

It's just really disappointing that these computers are experiencing such high failure rates and problems associated with them. I've had many of Apple products over the years, and have never had anything like this happen. They used to be such reliable products that would last for years, and now they're just overpriced garbage.

I agree with @Howard2k , that it really is hard to judge the actual failure rate of these newer generation computers. I know people who have no issues with the new gen (myself included), but if you only are on these forums it would certainly seem that everyone has an issue of one sort or another on these 2016 and later MBPs.

Of course though that won't make you feel any better, and I know from other (non-Apple) products just how frustrating it can be when something expensive doesn't last as intended. I wouldn't go so far though as to call them "overpriced garbage"... but then again one man's trash is another's treasure, so what do I know.

 

[rherb94]

Even whilst the current gens have had a lot of documented problems, you did get pretty unlucky. Most people don't have an issue. Had a previous Apple laptop failed, you'd be saying the same thing then.

There were many previous gens with a much higher failure rate namely caused by faulty GPUs (2007-2008 NVIDIA, 2011 Radeon). My sympathies once more for the failure and yes, the 1 year warranty is a blow at the price of the machine, but anything above a certain cost and you should really consider AppleCare.

I agree with @Howard2k , that it really is hard to judge the actual failure rate of these newer generation computers. I know people who have no issues with the new gen (myself included), but if you only are on these forums it would certainly seem that everyone has an issue of one sort or another on these 2016 and later MBPs.

Of course though that won't make you feel any better, and I know from other (non-Apple) products just how frustrating it can be when something expensive doesn't last as intended. I wouldn't go so far though as to call them "overpriced garbage"... but then again one man's trash is another's treasure, so what do I know.

It is possible that I got extremely unlucky with my particular laptop. Also, people who aren't having issues with their MacBooks aren't going to be posting about it on the Internet so it is hard to tell how common these problems are. It's just frustrating when something like this breaks under normal use, and not from accidental damage such as spilling liquid or dropping the machine.

 

[Painter2002]

It is possible that I got extremely unlucky with my particular laptop. Also, people who aren't having issues with their MacBooks aren't going to be posting about it on the Internet so it is hard to tell how common these problems are. It's just frustrating when something like this breaks under normal use, and not from accidental damage such as spilling liquid or dropping the machine.

I totally understand the frustration (try having a car for 6 months with barely functioning brakes and the dealer can't even figure out why the brakes keep failing... yeah that happened to me), and I hope the best of luck on whatever repair or replacement that Apple gives you doesn't have the same problems.

Certainly it is possible that you are just very unlucky in this one case, as I haven't seen too many reports of the newer MBPs having straight logic board failures. Sometimes hardware just fails, no matter the brand.

 

[anpaman]

So $500 only for diagnosic only and wasn't included new logic board ?

In which country do you lived ?

 

[rherb94]

So $500 only for diagnosic only and wasn't included new logic board ?

In which country do you lived ?

United States. They weren't clear on how much the repair was going to be, but wanted to charge $500 up front to send it to the facility.

 

[jerryk]

Has anyone else had a similar issue with Apple? I'm at a loss here, as I'm worried the laptop will just end up blowing another logic board if I pay to repair it, as this seems to be a major design error. As a lifetime Apple user, I am incredibly disappointed with the quality of products Apple is selling, and the customer service is just awful. I don't think I will be purchasing any Apple products in the future. I'd rather buy an XPS and put Linux on it. Apple really dropped the ball with these new model MacBook's.

No guarantee your XPS would have a similar issue. Mine did. The bottom line when you are out of warranty they have no requirement to fix your computer for free. I paid for 3 year coverage on my XPS so they repaired it at my office, but had I not, I would been responsible for the cost.

 

[anpaman]

United States. They weren't clear on how much the repair was going to be, but wanted to charge $500 up front to send it to the facility.

That is rediculous. How if you paid up front later they said it was logic board failure and the price was half of new macbook pro ?

It better you bring it to other repair place. Look for offer free diagnostic.

 

[keysofanxiety]

United States. They weren't clear on how much the repair was going to be, but wanted to charge $500 up front to send it to the facility.

That’s not right. By that I mean, that’s profoundly wrong. Apple would charge that for the repair, not for a diagnostic.

If you have a photo of the quote, I’m happy to be proved wrong.

 

[balzmcfearson]

I too am having repeat logic board issues with my 17 mbpro. Purchased new in June 17 stopped turning on that November. They replaced the logic board which I wasn’t too happy about knowing that would come back to bite me and sure enough, now 15 months later it won’t boot again. Went to the apple store today and they said they would send it out for repair and that it would be around $500. They then offered me $300 off a new laptop.... I use this machine maybe once ever 2 months for pictures. So disappointed.

 

[mecv01]

I have the 2017 MBP without touch bar, with 16GB of RAM. All of a sudden, the laptop wouldn't power on or take a charge. I suspected logic board failure, and took it to the "Genius" bar for diagnostics. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it either, but also thought it was probably the logic board. They wanted to charge $500 to send it to the repair facility for further diagnostic work. Additionally, when either the logic board or SSD fail on this particular model of the MBP without touch bar, both components need to be replaced simultaneously. I argued that this is clearly a design flaw for a less than 2 year old computer to basically self-destruct. They wouldn't budge and said that it was out of the manufacturer 1 year warranty.

This is ridiculous, to invest $1700 on a laptop expecting it to last 5-6 years, and having it blow up due to poor engineering. Is this is quality of products that Apple has come to accept? You would think that they would admit to screwing up, and offer to foot the bill for repairing the machine.

Has anyone else had a similar issue with Apple? I'm at a loss here, as I'm worried the laptop will just end up blowing another logic board if I pay to repair it, as this seems to be a major design error. As a lifetime Apple user, I am incredibly disappointed with the quality of products Apple is selling, and the customer service is just awful. I don't think I will be purchasing any Apple products in the future. I'd rather buy an XPS and put Linux on it. Apple really dropped the ball with these new model MacBook's.

Completely agree, exactly the same issue just happened to me (Macbook pro 15" mid 2017, logic board's dead); just like you, I've been a Mac user for a while now, I had a Macbook air 2010 for 8 years without a single issue. I decided to buy a much more expensive one, expecting no less than same quality, and after treating it much better than the first one, died after 2 years, which is disappointing and frustrating. You're paying such money without an actual benefit. If you've to pay for Extra Apple care, you're paying for the risk of Apple's screwups. Seems quality in Apple is going to the floor, screwing one thing after another one.

 

[pshufd]

I have never had a problem with MacBook Pros purchased new from Apple that they didn't take care of for no charge. This includes 2 2007 MacBook Pro 15s, 1 2008 MacBook Pro 17, 2 2014 MacBook Pro 15s, and a 2012 MacBook Pro 15. They've fixed things for free even three or four years out from purchase date. There have been a number of logic boards replaced and one battery. This is why people buy Apple computers - they stand behind their hardware.

Apparently not so anymore. I've never purchased AppleCare on any Apple product and have been quite satisfied. I don't know that I would say the same with their 2016-2019 Macs. Hopefully Apple can get back to being the old Apple.

 

[nimasl]

I have the 2017 MBP without touch bar, with 16GB of RAM. All of a sudden, the laptop wouldn't power on or take a charge. I suspected logic board failure, and took it to the "Genius" bar for diagnostics. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it either, but also thought it was probably the logic board. They wanted to charge $500 to send it to the repair facility for further diagnostic work. Additionally, when either the logic board or SSD fail on this particular model of the MBP without touch bar, both components need to be replaced simultaneously. I argued that this is clearly a design flaw for a less than 2 year old computer to basically self-destruct. They wouldn't budge and said that it was out of the manufacturer 1 year warranty.

This is ridiculous, to invest $1700 on a laptop expecting it to last 5-6 years, and having it blow up due to poor engineering. Is this is quality of products that Apple has come to accept? You would think that they would admit to screwing up, and offer to foot the bill for repairing the machine.

Has anyone else had a similar issue with Apple? I'm at a loss here, as I'm worried the laptop will just end up blowing another logic board if I pay to repair it, as this seems to be a major design error. As a lifetime Apple user, I am incredibly disappointed with the quality of products Apple is selling, and the customer service is just awful. I don't think I will be purchasing any Apple products in the future. I'd rather buy an XPS and put Linux on it. Apple really dropped the ball with these new model MacBook's.

exactly the same here!!!
my 2017 MB pro non-touchbar 128GB 8GB model is not working anymore! who is responsible?​

 

[Nomie]

I have the 2017 MBP without touch bar, with 16GB of RAM. All of a sudden, the laptop wouldn't power on or take a charge. I suspected logic board failure, and took it to the "Genius" bar for diagnostics. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with it either, but also thought it was probably the logic board. They wanted to charge $500 to send it to the repair facility for further diagnostic work. Additionally, when either the logic board or SSD fail on this particular model of the MBP without touch bar, both components need to be replaced simultaneously. I argued that this is clearly a design flaw for a less than 2 year old computer to basically self-destruct. They wouldn't budge and said that it was out of the manufacturer 1 year warranty.

This is ridiculous, to invest $1700 on a laptop expecting it to last 5-6 years, and having it blow up due to poor engineering. Is this is quality of products that Apple has come to accept? You would think that they would admit to screwing up, and offer to foot the bill for repairing the machine.

Has anyone else had a similar issue with Apple? I'm at a loss here, as I'm worried the laptop will just end up blowing another logic board if I pay to repair it, as this seems to be a major design error. As a lifetime Apple user, I am incredibly disappointed with the quality of products Apple is selling, and the customer service is just awful. I don't think I will be purchasing any Apple products in the future. I'd rather buy an XPS and put Linux on it. Apple really dropped the ball with these new model MacBook's.

I've had exactly the same issue you described on a Macbook Pro with touch bar. I bought it in 2017.

Apple have quoted me £500 to get it fixed...

What did you end up doing about yours?

 

[maflynn]

exactly the same here!!!
my 2017 MB pro non-touchbar 128GB 8GB model is not working anymore! who is responsible?​

If you don't have applecare, you're responsible for the cost of the repair.

 

[pshufd]

I've had exactly the same issue you described on a Macbook Pro with touch bar. I bought it in 2017.

Apple have quoted me £500 to get it fixed...

What did you end up doing about yours?

This is stuff that just shouldn't happen.

I've purchased a lot of MacBook Pros since 2007 and would not expect a failure after two years.

 

[Nomie]

This is stuff that just shouldn't happen.

I've purchased a lot of MacBook Pros since 2007 and would not expect a failure after two years.

Indeed. What did you end up doing about yours?

Mine decided to stop working last week, so now I need to find out what avenues I have, before shelling out the £500
[doublepost=1564408478][/doublepost]I read new generation Macbook Air had a logic board issue which entitled owners to a free repair.

It's probably wishful thinking, but wonder if there's a similar defect for Macbook Pro