2015 Samsung Sound Bar Broken, Warranty Claim?

So my in laws got a Samsung soundbar about 4 years ago (~$600, hw-h751).
3 months ago I visited and asked why they weren't using it and they didn't realise it wasn't working (TV sound was working and they couldn't tell the difference). I troubleshooted and realised it was dead; turned on but no sound (trust me I tried everything).

I told them to take it back to Harvey Norman where they bought it and ask for a replacement. Instead they called Samsung who told them to take it to a local and authorised repair shop who then said they would charge $70 just to inspect. They then went to Harvey Norman and asked about warranty, got the run around and were convinced that warranty would be too much effort (got told the person who looks after it is not in that day and they'd have to send it off for inspection etc).

Not wanting the trouble, they just bought a Yamaha soundbar on the spot FROM HARVEY NORMAN to replace it. Frustrating but not the issue here.

They told me a few days ago they were going to throw the Samsung in the bin.

I don't live in the same state as them but am going there to visit in a few weeks. I'm considering taking up the slack and trying to get the soundbar fixed under the ACL but wanted a snap poll here first. Would a soundbar be expected to last over 4 years? Warranty was 1 year I think. Is it HN that should be fixing this soundbar?

Poll Options expired

  • 2
    Take it up with Harvey Norman it should still be covered
  • 22
    Leave it with the in laws, not your problem
  • 1
    Pay $70 and see what happens dealing with Samsung

Comments

  • +7

    I feel like 'warranty claims' should have its own category on the forums along with 'car accidents' and 'traffic infringements'.

    All jokes aside I would leave it with the laws, their daughter has signed her life away to you.

  • +1

    claim it with ACL and keep it?

    • ACL says repair or replacement depends on reasonable use time

      4 years on a soundbar is reasonable

  • +4

    4 years for a Samsung soundbar is a good run.

  • Why not let them be happy and keep their new yamaha. You take the Samsung one home, try and push to get it fixed from either HN or samsung (IMO pay the $70 and fingers crossed they may do it under consumer law).

    But most likely - its 4 years old, its unlikely they will do it

  • +2

    I bought a Samsung TV in 2012. It died in 2017.
    Rang up Samsung, the techy said they don't make the panel any more and they offered either a new TV or a full refund. Mind you this is 5 years after purchase.
    Point of the story is, ring up Samsung and go from there.

  • I troubleshooted and realised it was dead; turned on but no sound (trust me I tried everything).

    Did you try bluethooth and cable inputs?

    Any available firmware updates?

    • +1

      Yep, all inputs including Samsung app. Did the firmware update via app too.

  • +1

    What is with all these bought something x amount of years ago posts. We arent ACL, Try you claim if it dont work to bad. This is not ACL forums

  • I would try a ACL claim as others have said 4 years is pretty good for consumer electronics now days.

  • Thanks for opinions everyone.

  • +2

    On one hand, it's audio equipment, it should last a very long time, on the other, they don't make em like they used to. I'd just save it from the trash myself and see if I can open it up and fix it DIY with the help of the internet.

  • +2

    I can't even imagine it would be difficult for Harvey Norman to get a replacement or repair from Samsung. Kind of disgusting they would deny consumer rights so they can make a new sale.

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