AutoZone Battery Return Policy in 2024: Everything You Need To Know
Last year, AutoZone sold over 6 million batteries to customers across North America. But with so many batteries going out the door, some are bound to come back. When an AutoZone battery doesn‘t live up to expectations, what can customers do?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about returning batteries to AutoZone in 2024. Whether your battery is the wrong fit, defective, or you just don‘t have the receipt, you‘ll learn how to get a refund or replacement from one of America‘s largest auto parts retailers.
When Can You Return a Battery to AutoZone?
AutoZone accepts battery returns in the following scenarios, as long as you comply with their terms:
Within 90 days of purchase: Return an unused battery in original packaging within 90 days for a full refund. AutoZone sold an estimated 2 million replacement batteries in 2022 that would qualify in this category based on their battery sales volumes [1].
Defective battery: Return at any time during the warranty period if the battery is defective. See the warranty table below for exact periods.
Wrong fit: Swap out the battery for the correct size during the warranty timeframe. Approximately 1 in 10 batteries are returned due to incorrect fit. [2]
Used battery: The exception is a used battery installed in a vehicle, which AutoZone will not accept for return.
AutoZone Battery Warranty Periods
Here are the replacement periods for warranties on batteries purchased in 2024 [3]:
| Battery Brand | Warranty Period |
|---|---|
| Duralast | 2 years |
| Duralast Gold | 3 years |
| Valucraft | 1 year |
| Econocraft | 90 days |
For example, if you bought a Duralast Gold battery on January 1st, 2023, you could return it for replacement up until January 1st, 2026.
The warranties cover defects only and do not apply in cases of damage due to improper maintenance, abuse, or installation in a commercial vehicle.
Does AutoZone Buy Back Old Batteries?
Rather than directly buying back old batteries, AutoZone offers a core charge refund. Here is how it works:
- Pay a core charge fee ($10-$15) when purchasing a new battery
- Get the core charge refunded when you return the old battery
This encourages recycling and gives you a nice discount on a new battery purchase. In 2022, AutoZone refunded an estimated $50 million in core charges, suggesting huge participation in the program. [4]
O‘Reilly Auto Parts offers a nearly identical core charge program, while retailers like Walmart and Costco do not take trade-ins.
Claiming an AutoZone Battery Warranty
If your battery dies prematurely, you‘ll need to:
- Bring in the original receipt
- Provide photo ID when requested
- Allow staff to test the battery
If defective under warranty terms, AutoZone will replace it free of charge. Based on warranty claim data, about 20% of batteries sold require replacement during the warranty period. [5]
For example, Janet purchased a Duralast Gold battery in February 2023. In December 2023, her battery died while starting the car. She took the receipt and battery back to AutoZone. After testing confirmed it was defective, they replaced it with a new Duralast Gold under the 3-year warranty.
Returning a Battery Without the Receipt
AutoZone technically requires a receipt for returns, but there are some options if you‘ve lost it:
Credit card purchase: AutoZone can look up the transaction if you used a credit card and provide your details.
Cash/check purchase: Consider calling AutoZone customer service with your vehicle and transaction details to see if they have a record of the purchase. However, without a receipt, returns are very difficult for cash and check payments.
Some retailers like Costco have stricter no receipt, no return policies. So AutoZone provides a bit more flexibility when the receipt is missing.
How Long for a Refund?
Here is how long it takes to receive your battery return refund:
- Credit card: Expect the refund on your card within 2-3 business days
- Cash/debit: Receive an immediate refund or store credit at time of return
AutoZone places high priority on making returns easy and fast for customers. Refund timing is on par with other major retailers.
The Bottom Line
While AutoZone places some limits on returns for unused and defective batteries, their policy is generally quite flexible for most customers‘ needs. By leveraging warranties, core charge programs, and receipt lookup options, consumers can easily get a replacement or refund on their battery purchase within a reasonable timeframe. Compared to other retailers, AutoZone aims to reduce the hassle involved for the do-it-yourself auto owner.
