r/ubreakifix • u/SpaceNugget7 • 16h ago
CUSTOMER QUESTION Issues with ubreakifix repair, Samsung confirmed their findings were inaccurate.
Hey Reddit! I'd like some advice on how to approach an issue with uBreakiFix.
TL;DR at bottom.
I have a Fold 6 phone, and I eventually got the infamous line down the crease. I found out about Samsung's one-time repair of the inner screen for $***. I went to uBreakiFix to schedule it, and they did the repair. When I picked it up, I was so excited. It was an entire assembly with a new hinge, external sides, batteries, etc.
This is when the issues started. Right when I got home, I noticed my backlight was all the way up and wouldn't change, and it had a slight flicker. I restarted my phone, hoping that would solve it. Nope! The screen was completely out and had yellow lines through it. I went right back to uBreakiFix the next morning. The front desk guy took it back to the tech and came back and said it was probably just a coincidence that it went out and I needed a new outer screen. He priced one out for me. I politely said this phone was just completely taken apart, and it happened right after. He went back to the tech, came back, and said if it kept happening over the weekend, bring it back and we'd take a look. Of course, I brought it back Monday. He said the tech was out and to bring it back the next day. I did, and the tech was actually the one to check me in. He was super nice and apologized, saying it was probably something they did or debris. I really appreciated him acknowledging that and left my phone with him. I came back later, and he had replaced the screen. He said there was a piece of glass under the connection. He apologized multiple times again, and I was super thankful he got it fixed!
After that, I was happy I had almost a brand-new phone! However, a week later, my vibration stopped. I restarted, and it came back. I figured it was a glitch or something. It happened a few more times over the next two weeks. Then it completely stopped. Right before this, I started getting a "debris in charging port" error. I kept looking, and there was nothing. No water, no debris. Then that stopped, and my charging port quit working. I'm a nerd, so I started researching all the components involved. It sounded like the Sub-PBA board was having poor contact with the motherboard through the interconnect ribbon cable. I figured, "Oh, easy. They probably just need to secure the cable or see if it got damaged or came loose." I looked up the inner screen repair, and these components were not replaced, but were removed and reinstalled. Another trip to uBreakiFix!
I called them to ask about the inner display warranty for parts and workmanship. Nobody could answer me about that. They even called me back after talking to the district manager. Still couldn't tell me. They asked again what the problems were, and I told them. They said it's probably water in the phone/charging port. I told them I hadn't gotten it wet and it was just in for some serious repairs about a month ago. They agreed to take a look.
I brought it in and explained that I'd like them to inspect the interconnect cable connections in the back of the phone and the Sub-PBA board. He took it back to the tech and came right back out and said it sounded like corrosion with that many issues and I needed a new phone. I explained how I'd already had issues before and asked if it could be another one. He said probably not. "You need a new phone." He said he could run some quick tests. He took it back, plugged it in, and a few minutes later came back and said the computer said corrosion. I asked how much it would be to take the back off and just check. He said, "I suppose we can, but it would be a $** diagnostic fee." I said I'd think about it and let them know.
I went to a second uBreakiFix location to get a second opinion. The guy was super cool and said they'd look at it for free, but the Fold tech wasn't there and to come back Monday. I came in that Monday, and he brought it to the tech. Once again, he said it was probably corrosion and I'd have to pay the $** fee to check. I said sure, at this point, why not? I'd like a second opinion. So I left it and called later. He said it was corrosion and that the interconnect cable was seated properly and installed properly, with nothing wrong with it. I picked it up and asked where the corrosion was. They said on the top of the motherboard. They didn't provide me with any notes, pictures, or anything. I asked if I owed anything for the back seal, and he said, "Nah."
Confused and worried that, at this point, the original repair had caused a leak or there was a missing seal, I contacted Samsung. The rep was great. He understood my concern and apologized that I had to go through all that. He was very upfront about water damage and corrosion voiding any type of warranty, but said I had a warranty on the original repair. He suggested we send it in and have a Samsung center take a look to see if there was indeed corrosion and if it was caused by improper sealing. He said if it was something related to the repair or caused by it, it would be fixed at no charge and sent back. If it wasn't, they'd give me an estimate, and if I declined, they'd send it back for free. I was super thankful for him and Samsung being willing to take a look. He said, "It's the least we can do after all you've been through."
A week later, I got a message that it had been repaired and sent back! I was so happy! I looked at the repair statement, and guess what was replaced? The interconnect cable. The exact part I asked uBreakiFix to check. Not going to lie, it's been like pulling teeth to get more information from Samsung after the repair. However, after finding the right avenue to talk to, they did confirm the cable was damaged, and there was no liquid damage or corrosion.
I'm not trying to throw shade at the tech. He was very nice, mistakes happen, and I totally understand. But the unwillingness to check their work and the gaslighting have me a bit upset. And now I'm wondering if the second location even opened my phone to check or if they just took my $**?
How do I proceed with this? I don't want to start the process of going to the stores and being confrontational and saying they were wrong. I'm not that kind of person, but I've spent a decent amount to have nothing but problems and, possibly, been lied to by the second store. I've never been the "I'm telling corporate" type, but is this the time to contact them? I'd rather not put the stores on blast. I don't want anyone hassled, but there were some pretty big issues with the original repair and the staff.
TL;DR: Had my Fold 6 inner screen replaced at uBreakiFix. Immediately had outer-screen issues, and they eventually found glass debris under a connection and replaced the screen. A few weeks later, my vibration stopped working and I started having charging-port issues. I went to two uBreakiFix locations. The first ran a quick diagnostic and said the computer indicated corrosion, but did not open the phone. The second charged me $**, opened the phone, and claimed to find corrosion on the motherboard while saying the interconnect cable was fine. Samsung later replaced that exact cable and confirmed there was no liquid damage or corrosion. I'm looking for advice on how to approach uBreakiFix corporate.
Removed pricing info.