Lenovo ThinkPad 2 E15 Gen 2 Persistent Issues - Fixed Once, but The Same Problem Is Occurring a Month before Warranty Ends

Mysterious on 18/11/2021 - 10:14
Last edited 18/11/2021 - 10:15

Hi,
I purchased a Lenovo ThinkPad 2 E15 Gen 2 in December 2020. After a few months, I noticed that the charging port was having issues. Then, bluescreens would occur on average 3-4 times a day (WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR). If I put the charger in on one side, it wouldn't work, so I'd have to flip the charger over for it to charge. Then it came to a point where it wouldn't charge at all. This was not a charging port issue, as I tested the charger on my fathers ThinkPad and my USB-C mobile phone. Under warranty it was fixed on August 29th.

It turns out it was a motherboard issue I believe, and the problem was fixed. Fast forward 3 months later, the issue is slowly progressing again. One side of the charging port is not charging, so I need to flip the cord and charge it on that side. Additionally, my laptop freezes for 1-3 seconds randomly here and there. These are all things that happened before the major fail of bluescreens and inability to charge happened, so I'm expecting it to progressively get worse again. Now, my warranty ends in 3 weeks, so I want to make sure my laptop is in good condition, as I purchased a Lenovo for its reputation for being a reliable and durable laptop. Plus, I plan to travel a lot in 2022 so don't want to be troubled by these issues as it'd be a big hassle to perform warranty while abroad.

I am talking to live chat now, but I'm wondering what your opinions are on this? I really would just like them to replace the laptop and save me this headache in case it happens again further down the line.

Also, even though I'm out of warranty in a month, am I still eligible for repairs under the ACCC considering a $1500 laptop should not break down after a year, regardless of whether there is warranty or not.

I think I'll make a poll.

Poll Options expired

  • 16
    Press Lenovo for a new laptop as the issue has been persistent
  • 1
    Get them to fix it under warranty and hope for the best that it's fixed for good
Computing 15.6inch Computer Laptop Lenovo

Comments

  • chcse on 18/11/2021 - 10:39

    If you can get a new laptop that would be good, but Lenovo will probably be very reluctant. Even if warranty ends, especially given that it's already proven to have issues, you should be able to keep getting Lenovo to fix it at no cost to you and if it happens a few more times, should be easier to push for new laptop. 10 years ago, I had an Asus laptop that had to be fixed constantly (everything got changed, including motherboard and Asus still couldn't fix it), after around six or seven times, I finally got a new (higher spec) laptop. I'm not saying that you'll have to get Lenovo to fix it that many times, but I would assume they would be reluctant to give new laptop unless they have to.

    • Mysterious on 18/11/2021 - 10:46
      +1

      So even though it's out of warranty, ACCC can help me in this situation, correct?

      I just worry that in a few months time, the issues will most likely progress to the same point and my laptop is dead again, and I'm stuck overseas without a laptop, and to do warranty I'd have to send it to AU and back which is like $150 out of pocket.

      I think I might try press for a new laptop, but I'll see how it goes.

      • chcse on 18/11/2021 - 13:12

        The ACCC Consumer Guarantees will apply, but ACCC themselves will not as individuals consumers are small fry. Depending on how Lenovo is (I have no idea how good they are in terms of customer support after manufacturer warranty period ends), you might have to keep pushing them and reminding them of your rights and have to get some other consumer body to help (Fair Trading / consumer affairs / tribunal). To be honest, I think your scenario of being overseas when the laptop dies, and then having to send it back to AU and back is likely going to happen.

  • utsc on 18/11/2021 - 11:07

    I have now staring buying HP laptops again as the Lenovo quality seems to bee dropping and have had many issues in the last 5 years

    • weezlebub on 18/11/2021 - 11:23

      HP is sshle

      they pre-load and lock down their stuff - HARD …

      i had a client with a 12 month old laptop (bought it when windows 8 was a thing, windows 10 came out a few months afterwards) … he wanted to upgrade to windows 10, HP said that the device was not compatible with windows 10 … he bought a mac, i wiped the drive and threw in a generic win10 hard drive and still use it today

      their AIO computers tend to just die (capacitor issues, but not worth the diagnosis & fix)

      when i was doing computer repairs, HP's were the bulk of my work …

  • weezlebub on 18/11/2021 - 11:21

    to play devils advocate, the charging port to the motherboard can easily be damaged by the user, not actually a faulty laptop, just being a bit rough with it (charger plugged in while in a bad, the pin of the charger can bend the solder on the motherboard) … if they wanted to be jerks, they could treat it like a cracked screen - physical damage …

    the power cutting in and out will likely lead to the blue screen issues (power surges can cause problems, even though it's a laptop)

    3rd poll option "i broke it myself and i need to treat my toys better"

    • Mysterious on 18/11/2021 - 13:50

      That's just your assumption that I treat my valuables like garbage. Offer some constructive advice instead of accusations, it might make you feel better.

      • weezlebub on 18/11/2021 - 13:59

        charge port on laptop is generally soldered in … if it never moved, it would never break - it wouldn't just deteriorate over time … so the damage is caused by usage, which would make it wear and tear …

        no accusations, just a different perspective before you get the ACCC involved (i'm guessing your dad doesn't have the same problems, so maybe the way you use it has something to do with the damage)

        • ESEMCE on 18/11/2021 - 14:37

          Expected usage, should be factored into the design.
          If, as you appear to be alleging, the charge port is failing due to wear, then the design and/or manufacture of the charge port is not fit for purpose.

  • ThithLord on 18/11/2021 - 12:33

    Check the ACCC regarding warranty status for a good that you paid $1500 for. I'd say it should be covered for at least two years, but check with ACCC to be sure.

    Also, take the charger out >> flip the laptop over so it's upside down >> is there a tiny little pin-hole on the chassis? Stick a pin in there and you'll push a little reset button on the battery. It usually clicks, click it a few times, then flip the laptop over, chuck the charger in and power up.

  • UserNameCheckIn on 22/07/2022 - 13:09

    Same issue! Have this response - "got it, we will try to escalate this for the issue and had the machine service under warranty, we will email you the feedback"

    100% my wife used this on the bed plugged in, regardless of my requests not to. She also picks chargers up by the cable…………..

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