Feedback about Charge 5's warranty

[CoffeePDX]

If you have a Fitbit 5 check when you purchased.  I bought the device awhile ago but have never gotten one to last more than 3 months - my 4th died last week after about 2 weeks.  Now they say the 1 year warranty has expired so i am SOL. (_hit out of luck).  Typically a 1 year warranty means that if the product breaks AFTER 1 year you are on your own.  Here, despite the fact that i have not been able to use my Fitbit for a full year because they break in 2-3 months and then i have to wait 2-4 weeks for a new one - they are saying warranty has expired.  I have been using Fitbits for a LONG time - my Fitbit Charge 3 was great - lasted and lasted.  If anyone knows another brand or model that works let me know. I liked the Charge 5 - but it only worked a very short time and the hassle of replacing over and over is old.  VERY Disappointed in Fitbit. 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and formatting

[MattSpencer]

I have had a very similar experience. I'm also a long term Fitbit user having had a Flex2 and an Inspire HR - both of which have been excellent.

I've had my Charge 5 for 10 months and I've had 4 warranty replacements in this time - combination of screen, sync and charging failures.

Frustrated that mu only option appears to be a like for like warranty replacement (which as above I expect to fail soon after my initial warranty period is up) or 50% off another product.

I don't do any extreme activities or take my tracker into any extreme environments.

Have others had multiple Charge 5 failures ?

[CoffeePDX]

Thanks - I too do not do anything super aggressive - run, weights, golf, hike.  I do not wear in water or shower - but do sweat! Has anyone heard of better Fitness trackers? It seems Fitbit either has a better marketing group - or their products still is/ranks better than others. 

Surprised that the experiences with Charge 5 seem so bi-modal - some say they are fine and last and last - but also LOTS say they fail over and over (my experience). Amazon usually stands behind sales - has anyone had luck with buying adn returning (if needed) through Amazon?  

If you have a Charge 5 and experience any abnormalities you should send in for replacement ASAP - I waited a month or two on first in series. 3 of 4 Dead Fitbit Charge 5s

[MattSpencer]

Thanks. 

Echo the bi-modal comments - I have wondered if it's something I'm doing that's causing the failures. 

I have an office job, I run, cycle, swim and play around in the gym a bit. I do wear my C5 in the pool and shower and I don't activate the water lock feature - but I think all that does is lock the screen to prevent accidental screen presses. 

I do have an aftermarket charger - but I made a point of not using it with the latest C5 and it still failed. 

Fitbit customer service has been very good - replacement devices have arrived within the week. The last CS agent I spoke to days he takes calls about failed Charge 5s all day. 

Maybe I'm just very unlucky?

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi there, @CoffeePDX. @MattSpencer welcome to the forums.

Thanks for the detailed information, your efforts and the pictures provided. I understand where you're coming from and I apologize for this inconvenience with your Charge 5. Let me share our Support team will handle every case individually and based on our Warranty Policy. Your feedback is truly appreciated, and please know we'll keep working to improve the experience with our devices.

Because you already have a case created, my best advice is to keep the communication with our team. They have specialized tools that will allow them to provide you with assistance. If you want to start a new interaction, you can always click here to get connected with them via chat or phone.

[CoffeePDX]

ITs not you it is the Charge 5 - i did same thing - pretty much babied the last one as if it was a 100 year old fragile watch - still died.  

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi there, @CoffeePDX.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Charge 5. I'm sorry you've had this inconvenience and while I don't have access to your case, I'd suggest replying back to the email sent by our Support team. That way they can review your case and provide you with more details about their resolution. Once again, I appreciate your feedback as it'll help us to evaluate our products, and improve them.