PS4 PRO faulty after 20 months - Warranty?

Hi all,

I have a PS4 Pro 1TB that has stopped reading discs after 20 months of ownership. Was purchased Dec 2016 and I still have the receipt.

I realise the warranty from Sony/JB Hifi is only 12 months, but I was wondering if the ACL requires me to have a working product for longer than this? I can't seem to find anything online which stipulates the reasonable amount of a time an electronic product should last for.

I'm just looking into this because I actually hardly ever play it and I would average at most 1-2 uses per month, so have not used many times. Quite frustrating when all my previous Playstations have lasted for many years without fault. My ~7yo PS3 is still going strong!

I have tried calling Sony already and they said it was out of 12 month warranty so any repairs are at my own cost.

Would appreciate any advice I can get from all you wise consumers.

Thank you

Related Stores

JB Hi-Fi
JB Hi-Fi

Comments

    • +35

      The ACL doesn't specify a time frame, it specifies what a reasonable expectation of usable lifespan is.

      In the case of a $500+ gaming console, I have a reasonable expectation that a Playstation 4 (non-pro) works without fault for 4 years, as that's what I got out of my first one. It's not unreasonable to expect the same of the more expensive PS4 Pro.

        • +25

          [citation needed]

          It's entirely relevant - a similar product from the same company that lasted 4 years sets the perfect expectation that a newer model from the same company will work just as well… and it's an argument that has been accepted by several companies when requesting repair under the ACL.

        • -2

          @playswithfire: No, read the ACL. Literally not a factor. What if you had an especially lucky/high-quality unit the first time?

          You're saying an anecdotal experience with a different model should be considered relevant. That's laughably wrong.

        • +18

          @HighAndDry:

          These? https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

          You can ask for a replacement or refund if the problem with the product is major.
          Replaced products must be of an identical type to the product originally supplied. Refunds should be the same amount you have already paid, provided in the same form as your original payment.

          The business may take into account how much time has passed since you bought the product considering the following factors:

          type of product
          how a consumer is likely to use the product
          the length of time for which it is reasonable for the product to be used
          the amount of use it could reasonably be expected to tolerate before the failure becomes noticeable.
          For a major problem with services you can cancel the contract and obtain a refund or seek compensation for the drop in value of your services provided compared to the price paid.

          A video gaming console with disc drive that won't read discs is a major fault.

          A reasonable amount of time for the product to be used is 5 years. (longer, actually, given that some of us still have PS1 and PS2 systems that are working more than 10 years later)

        • +3

          @HighAndDry:

          You're saying an anecdotal experience with a different model should be considered relevant. That's laughably wrong.

          A different model within the same platform is relevant. The expectations are based on what was provided for the base model, and should also apply to the new-improved Pro model.

          This argument is pointless, as the OP purchased from JB Hifi who will honour the warranty under their own system.

        • +4

          @playswithfire:

          The expectations are based on what was provided for the base model

          Again, while I can understand why you might think this, this is irrelevant to the ACL. I linked a pdf below that goes into what's considered in determining acceptable quality (including time) for goods. Feel free to point out to me where it mentions "How long a predecessor unit lasted". I'll wait, because you won't find it there.

          This argument is as pointless as someone arguing the sky is green. I'm just trying to insert some facts and rationality.

        • +5

          @playswithfire:

          A manufacturer producing a widget lasting 4 years doesn’t automatically set a precedent for statutory guarantees for all widgets manufactured in the future.

        • +4

          @playswithfire:

          A reasonable amount of time for the product to be used is 5 years

          You can make random assertions all you want, it still won't start bearing any resemblance to real life.

          I could say: A reasonable amount of money to pay me is $1.8Mil a year, and my boss will tell me take a hike. Pretty much the same here. "Reasonable amount of time" is based on factors set out in the ACL, it's not whatever you think it is.

        • +5

          @HighAndDry: I've personally had items repaired under ACL using the reasoning I've mentioned with several retailers, including JB Hifi. I know from personal experience that if you take something back to them that has failed after two years with a one year manufacturers warranty they will get it fixed for you at no cost.

          Nothing I say will change your mind, so please have a day as pleasant as you are.

        • -2

          @playswithfire: You're still using anecdotes. I'm not saying OP won't have luck going back to JB Hifi - if you actually read my comments, you'll see I agree OP should take it back to JB Hifi.

          I'm saying that the ACL doesn't work the way you think it does. And it's not just the fact that I'm saying it, the ACL says that it doesn't work the way you think it does.

          Nothing I say will change your mind

          I don't care about changing my mind, you're effectively trying to change what the ACL says. Sorry, the sky is blue, and that's not just my opinion.

        • +1

          @playswithfire: Thanks for your input mate!

        • +2

          @HighAndDry: Thanks for your thoughts. It's quite interesting this.

        • +6

          @HighAndDry:

          Could someone argue that the sky itself only appears blue due to the way different light wavelengths are scattered?
          I don't know much about this and i'm not new on ozbargain, so feel free to flame etc

        • @wozz:

          I'm in Queensland and I can confirm that our sky is black. HighAndDry is really that… on Pot.

        • +1

          @HighAndDry:

          What if you had an especially lucky/high-quality unit the first time?

          The life-expectancy you have on modern electronics is quite low if you consider four years to be 'lucky'.

          You're saying an anecdotal experience with a different model should be considered relevant.

          Regardless, it is a safe comparison to make, as both units are designed and manufactured by the same company, and are quite similar to one another.

        • @wozz: Rayleigh scattering! But then it goes into a definitional philosophical discussion of what "Colours" are. I mean, everything is a colour because it appears that way - by what light is reflected or emitted from it, and the (predominant) wavelength of that light.

        • @playswithfire:

          I can confirm that my samsung TV that had one year warranty was fixed even though the warranty had expired by 6 months

        • @playswithfire: I can't believe so many of you think this is relevant.

          It's not only not remotely relevant, it's utterly absurd and doesn't even make sense.

      • +2

        Your opinion is 4 years and my opinion is 18 months. Neither opinions are right or wrong.

      • is out of $2 Jack Links woolies jerky and wants to get another pack, but doesnt wanna miss the ping-pong match

      • +3

        A lot of people clearly do not understand the power of ACL. It is there to protect us as consumers.

        JB Hi-Fi offers an extra 1 year voluntary warranty on any item over $500 (1 year manufacturers from sony + 1 year from JB Hi-Fi). This cutoff is set by JB Hi-Fi to offer clarity to consumers, however it does not and cannot take precedence over ACL.

        https://www.jbhifi.com.au/Documents/Consumer%20Warranties%20…

        Quote (for items outside of JB Hi-Fi minimum voluntary warranty):

        Whilst individual circumstances may vary and the law is uncertain, the
        policies set out above are intended to provide you with remedies that JB Hi-Fi
        believes in most circumstances to be consistent with your statutory rights
        under the ACL in the event of breach of a Consumer Guarantee relating
        to faulty products. However, these policies are in addition to, and do not
        limit your rights with respect to, the Consumer Guarantees or any other rights and
        remedies that you have under a law in relation to the goods sold by JB Hi-Fi. If you
        are not satisfied with a remedy under the JB Hi-Fi Minimum Voluntary
        Warranty Policy you can discuss your concerns with a JB Hi-Fi Store
        Manager who is authorised to provide an alternative remedy where
        appropriate. If the store manager believes that the JB Hi-Fi remedy is
        adequate but you are not still satisfied that your ACL rights are being
        appropriately observed then you can submit your concerns in writing to
        our ACL Warranty Claims Officer by completing the contact form at www.
        jbhifi.com.au/ACL-Warranty-Claims for further consideration by JB Hi-Fi.

        **Everything that I have posted below is my opinion and does not represent the policies of JB Hi-Fi Pty Ltd.

        The first post by Playswithfire is correct. It would be hard to prove how long your first PS4 lasted for, but yes you can argue your case effectively. You paid extra for the "Pro" version of a console. It would be reasonable for you to expect that this version was more expensive due to the higher quality parts used in the design and construction.

        Please be aware, that physical damage and misuse may void the warranty.

      • +1

        I bought a DELL all in one, from ebay, and when it broke, they fist said I had no warranty. I told them that the PC itself is less than 2 years old. So I should expect to have it fixed, and asked to escalate to their manager. THey called me back and scheduled an appointment. Fixed by DELL by the end of the week, under Australian Consumer "Warranty"

        Phones are expect to last 2 years, so should the playstation, 2 years at least probably more like 3 !

  • +20

    Probably a bit subjective, but I would expect a ~$500 game console to last more than 20 months. Would be grounds for replacement under the ACL. However, the obligation is on the retailer not the manufacturer. Try asking JB.

    • Yeah, I personally wouldn't. Especially without knowing what the fault is, or how OP treated it. But yeah, no harm asking JB and see if they'll be nice about it.

      • +10

        Good points. Assuming it has been treated well though and used under normal conditions, I would expect it to last more than 20 months. Price is one factor to consider, but another is the release cycle of ~7 years. Would a reasonable person expect a purchaser to have to buy 4 PS4's between launch and the release of PS5? Not saying you are wrong, but here is another argument to throw in the mix for OP.

        • +3

          but another is the release cycle of ~7 years.

          Hard disagree.

          Price as a factor is specifically noted in the legislation. Release cycle is not, and has more to do with market conditions, speed of technology change, consumer and developer buy-in, than it is about the quality of the product. Plus you're assuming everyone buys consoles the year it's released, not to mention there are mid-gen refreshes (which the PS4 Pro is an example of).

          Turn it around: Premium smartphones are released every year, but we would expect them to last longer. Same with TVs which come out every year but would be expected to last at least 2+ years.

        • +5

          @HighAndDry: JB voluntarily offer 2 years warranty period for electrical items over $500

        • +1

          @TarquinOliverNimrod: When was that rolled out though? That's at their discretion I imagine, and not because there's a blanket ACL requirement to do so. But yeah, JB are pretty good with these things, so OP should definitely call them up and see if they'll be nice about it.

        • +1

          @HighAndDry: around 2011 I believe. When the new laws kicked in

        • +1

          @TarquinOliverNimrod: Oh then OP should be completely covered… unless they bought the Pro on sale below $500?

        • +1

          @HighAndDry: they better hope they didn't!

        • @TarquinOliverNimrod: This was purchased OVER $500!!! Where can I reference this 2 year warranty with JB HIFI? This is the best news ever mate! Thank you either way!

  • +6

    You could probably argue with ACL that if a mobile phone is expected to last more than 12 months a console that might have a 8-9 year life-cycle should be expected to last more than 1.

    • -2

      Price is a factor. A smartphone can be upwards of $1,000+ and has far fewer moving parts. This is less than half the price.

      • +1

        A phone can be sub $30 too…

        • -1

          Yes and then you wouldn't expect it to last as long as a $1,000+ phone.

        • +4

          @HighAndDry:

          I'd expect it to last ten times as long, actually.

        • @Drew22: Hahaha, fair enough.

      • So ACL treats a $500 TV, $1000 TV and a $2000 TV different? (genuine question using same type of product as example)

        • +6

          Yes. From the Govt itself:

          http://consumerlaw.gov.au/files/2015/09/consumer_guarantees_…

          On page 12 it lists the factors to take into account when assessing whether goods are of "Acceptable Quality", one of which is:

          This test takes into account:

          […]

          • the price paid—for example, a cheap toaster
          is not expected to last as long as a top-of-the-range
          one

        • Heard that once Panasonic agrees the reasonable time for TV is 8 years. Must be an expensive one.

        • @foxmulder: I know which oled to get now

  • +18

    You should get more than 2 years out of a premium gaming console. I'd approach the retailer.

    • Yep. Op. Forget Sony. Take it back to JB

  • +3

    I could be wrong but my understanding is that yes it is out of warranty but you should still be covered by consumer guarantee (they're different), as you say, it only says it should last a reasonable amount of time, but there is no concrete of what 'reasonable' is, in saying that I mostly hear its about 2 years so I'd say it should be covered. Since you bought it at JB then you can return it there and as far as I know, they might also be easier in terms of knowing whats right or not.

    Sony could tell you to go to a repair, but from my understanding this is incorrect, but based on a recent case with LG, it is up to the consumer to tell them it should be free under ACL, Sony is able to tell you to repair for cost, and I think you have to tell them its covered.

    Again this could be incorrect, probably better to ask someone more knowledgeable, theres also the ACCC I think https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

  • try and find out?

  • +1

    Take it back into JB and they will run it through their warranties system.

    Generally speaking, such products do have a one year warranty - Try your luck at JB, if you fight hard enough the manager may "override" their warranty system and issue you a replacement.

    That being said, the extended warranty that providers such as JB/DJs can provide would cover any warranty issues once it is passed the original manufacturers warranty and for items under $1000 - are usually replaced like for like and where the same replacement is not possible; you will be provided with a credit that is equivalent to the amount you had originally paid.

  • -7

    I do not believe anyone will care. its a $500 purchase that nearly lasted 2 years. trade it in at EB they don't even check and buy a new one.

    • EB may only value it for $200, if op can return it even it's repaired it's still value more than that. If they decide to give a new one that's even better.

  • +19

    Yes you can return it for a replacement. JB are very good in dealing with this. Have a read of this

    They state electrical products over $500 have a 2 year warranty provided by JB. Note that this is not consumer guarantees provided by ACL, but JB's own voluntary warranty.

    • +4

      Wow, thanks @tarquinoliverNimrod - That link is perfect for me to take it back to JBHIFI!! Thank you!

      • +6

        Good luck. FYI, I have one of the original PS4's and it's running strong. 20 Months is bollocks for a PS4 to die out.

      • My original ps4 is still working after 2 years. You would expect them to work for more than 5 years.

  • +6

    You definitely have a 24-month warranty under the ACL, you can take this further if JB don't assist you with this.

    • -1

      This, my Macbook's logic board failed a week before the 24 months was up and Apple replaced it under the ACL. Take it back to JB, they know the law.

      • +2

        Your logic board failed a week before 24 months was up, so you were still in warranty? So it wasn't ACL…

        • My logic board in my iMac failed 26 months after I bought it, Apple refused to fix it until I mentioned the ACL and that I would take this further.
          After several arguments with the manager of the store, they finally agreed to fix it free of charge.

        • @simmomelb: That's unfortunate, but good that you got it fixed. How long ago was this? My Macbook Pro had a faulty SMC chip within 8 months of purchase and they needed to replace the entire logic board, battery and keyboard (effectively, I got a brand new laptop except for the screen). The thing that struck me was that they kept voluntarily telling me that the repair resets my warranty and that under ACL they'll provide warranty for minimum 3 years. This was at Apple Store Chadstone.

        • @khell: I went to the exact same store, Chadstone. My case was about 6+ months ago.

        • @khell: Told me the same when I had a logic board replaced. Really awesome!

        • @khell:
          I find that staff in general have a proclivity to dispensing misinformation for absolutely no discernible reason other the fact they can’t stand the silence

        • Sorry I should have worded that better - the 24 months under the ACL, Apple warranty was a year.

  • +1

    Mine did the same and got the same response from Sony. If it's the chugging noise when starting, give the top a whack while reading a disc. Known issue. I kept doing it as I didn't want to buy a new one and figured nothing to lose, and eventually it just started working ok again.

  • OzBargain solution is to go digital.

    • +1

      Not so much if a digital copy costs more than a physical (of which you can on-sell).

      • +1

        Not so much if the disc drive doesn't work.

        • +1

          Do we know what the failure rate it to substantiate that comment? I know I've had my PS3 for 8-9 years with no fault to the optical drive.

          If we use that as an example, I recall there was (and still seems to be) new releases at JB/Big W for $30 less than retail. Say I buy 4 new releases a year, over 8 years that could add up to $960. Add to that the proceeds I could make from selling on the games, than even more of a saving.

          BTW, if that was you that negged me, I did not neg your original comment.

  • +4

    I'd definitely be pushing through for an ACL repair.

  • +1

    to the tip with all the other consoles

  • +5

    Thank you everyone for your quick responses. @tarquinoliverNimrod has given me the best potential path to a desired solution here and that was pointing me to their (JB HIFI) voluntary warranty terms. If interpreted correctly, I should still have a few months left under warranty. So I will be going straight there tomorrow night!

    Thanks again all and especially Tarquin! I will post again after I've been, hopefully with news they'd replace it.

  • +1

    If you bought it with a credit card its possible they give you an extra 12 months warranty.

    • Thanks @ellave

      I looked into this one as well as my CC gives me an additional 12 months warranty. But I just learnt it's BS. You have to pay $250 excess to use it, so it's more like insurance than extended warranty. I was most annoyed when I found out because it doesn't say that in the CC PDS and they should reword it to Purchasing Insurance to be less confusing. But that's just my opinion.

      Probably worth it for larger value purchases!

      • +1

        Interesting to know. I had a similar experience try to use a price protection on my ANZ blakc card, the store reduced a laptop I bought by $150 a week later, so I call ANZ & they tell me you can only make a claim if the store has a printed catalog with the price.

      • Actually it contravenes acl to tell a consumer that they are not entitled to a repair refund or replacement at no cost.

  • +1

    did you buy in with credit cards that give extended warranty by any chance? like mine give extra 1 year.

    • Hey @Rave75. See above post. I checked the CC purchase protection. It's not great for items of this value (At least not the Westpac Black Card). There's a $250 excess.

      • i got westpac black too and completely forgot to check how much the excess is! Did you try to go to JB?

  • +2

    I actually asked JB hi-fi store manager specifically about 2 years warranty on my PS4 pro . She came out (after other staff were confused and unsure ) she said basically that they don't have to cover 2 years , but they do as a courtesy to customers . She checked price, and told me because it bundle was over $500 that's something to do with honouring extended warranty under consumer law .
    I briefly debated and enquired with her into the consumer law aspect vs them doing it to be nice. I think they basically just honour 2 years on it, because they know fair trading will most likely force them to fix or replace it anyways .

    • +1

      they know fair trading will most likely force them to fix or replace it anyways .

      Fair trading nsw doesn’t have legislative powers to force a retailer to provide a remedy after the manufacturers warranty expires.

    • Lol they did compliance training last year as there can be massive fines for staff if they are misleading and here you have a store manager that has no idea ha. What store was this mate ?

  • +1

    That is why in the beginning you must abuse using your products to test them in the warranty period. 1-2 times per month playing maybe isn't enough.

    • +1

      exactly, when i first got me PS, i played 24/7 non-stop for few weeks

      • Ha ha ha @h4zey @7564321

        I wish I could play more, but unfortunately I have Dad duties and 3 girls in the house that require my attention :)

        • oh well, good on ya, at least you still got your kids with ya..

        • +2

          @h4zey: I should reword that. NOT unfortunately, I am VERY fortunate to have 3 girls at home to play and hang out with. UNFORTUNATELY it means I have less time to game!! :-)

  • +1

    It's been linked above but JB have a table on the site that matches price with length and type of cover, >500$ gets you at least 2 years with some level of cover, my first PS4 was a similar situation to this and they replaced it no worries.

    The ACL is very vague saying just the value of the product determines the length, JB actually interpret that to certain levels which is nice

  • +2

    I have never had a console fail within 5 years of owning it. In fact, the only time I've had a console fail, was a PS2 where the disc drive gradually deteriorated over time to the point where it couldn't read discs. And now that's back in operation thanks to HDDLoader and FreeMacBoot.

    Point being, I would expect a minimum of 3 years from a game console (Didn't Microsoft replace RRoD Xbox 360 Consoles well past the warranty?)

    • The current Xbox One consoles have 2 year warranties as well.

      • Yeah but they don't wear out because nobody plays them ;)

    • Our first two PS4 consoles failed in the first few weeks. Not a good feeling after coming from a faultless PS3.
      3rd one has been fine, but the disc player is extremely noisy.

  • +2

    I would say for certain that you are protected under consumer law. Go back to where you bought it from with your proof of purchase etc.

    • +1

      I negged you and I can't seem to remove it, I didn't mean to, you're 100% correct!

      • Let me help you by giving him a up vote.

      • Click on "votes" under their comment (next to reply). You'll see a list of votes, next to yours there will be a small symbol that looks like a Stop Sign. Click on that to revoke your vote.

        • "Votes older than 1 hour cannot be revoked"

          Thanks for the tip though!

    1. Insert disc

    2. Immediately continually tap the top of the console right above where the disc drive is

    3. Hear the disc start to spin up like normal

    Works for me. Pretty sure this problem isn't necessarily hardware related and is a problem with Sonys firmware or OS. Hopefully they patch it sometime.

    • +3

      Sounds like a hardware issue if you physically have to tap it. No amount of firmware or software will replicate tapping? Just a basic input output determination, although I only play master race and not casual games.

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