Last week, we noted that Apple had expanded its iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program to include iMac models sold between October 2009 and July 2011. The program provides for free replacement of the defective Seagate drives or reimbursement for repairs already paid for out of pocket by machine owners.

Apple has now begun emailing customers for whom it has contact information associated with a purchase of one of the affected machines. The email provides essentially the same information as is posted on the replacement program's support page, but helps ensure that iMac owners are aware of the issue.

Dear iMac owner,

Apple has determined that certain 1TB Seagate hard drives used in 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac systems may fail. These systems were sold between October 2009 and July 2011.

Our records show that you have an iMac with an affected 1TB Seagate hard drive. Apple will replace your hard drive with a new one, free of charge, under the iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program.

imac seagate drive recall email
Owners of affected iMac machines are covered for three years or until April 12, 2013, whichever provides longer coverage.

Related Roundup: iMac
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iMac

Top Rated Comments

xxgilxx Avatar
143 months ago
Seagate...gate....
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tarheels Avatar
143 months ago
Don't believe the website when it tells you that you don't have a Seagate HD

I put the serial number for my iMac purchased June 2011 in on the webpage for the replacement program, and it came back saying that I didn't have a Seagate HD (as previously noted by the8thark). I went into the System Information (Click the Apple at top left > About This Mac > More Information > System Report > Hardware > Serial-ATA) and found that I have a model number ST31000528AS in my iMac, which is in fact a Seagate 1TB HD (again, noted by the8thark, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433). Given the discrepancy, I call Apple to discuss the matter.

I talk to an Advisor and Sr. Advisor that both said the records show I have a Western Digital drive in my iMac. I insisted that it was a Seagate, and sent them a screenshot of my System Information window. Long story short, they are replacing my HD.

If you are in the same situation, call Apple and reference case number 361827989 as to why they should replace yours too!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AlexJackson Avatar
143 months ago
Apple unlawful activity

After mine crashed regularly and overheated, I arranged two calls with their paid telephone department £30 service calls to resolve the issue. After that didn't work I took it into the store which is in a different city. They said after a clean install of the operating system it should work. It didn't so I went back to the store.

I noticed that they tried to recreate the same conditions which was usually file transfers from external hardrives however they used usb with only small amounts of data transfer. When I said they should use a bigger drive the iMac became too hot to touch and crashed. They said I would need a new drive putting in at cost. I said I was in UK Warranty.

The Head Genius said that Apple only offer a year warranty. I showed in the sales of goods act which permits up to five and the EU law which clearly states two. He adamantly refused. That day I saw lots of customers in store paying for clear manufacturing faults despite their products still being in warranty.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/255851/italian_court_upholds_apple_warranty_fine.html

I initiated a small claims. The store manager called me and said I was wrong that they had a right to charge. I continued the legal action at a cost of £94 for court application.

17 threatening calls from apple and they then offered a "goodwill replacement". I refused as its not goodwill its a legal requirement for them to repair and as they have refused on 3 occasions I wanted a refund additionally this goodwill would not renew the warranty or cover the legal expense.

Later after they had called another 10+ times they offered a replacement again under the term goodwill.

They had their defence struck, but applied for it to be reinstated. Their defence is they don't have to repair and offered a goodwill gesture (yet no offer to cover court fees). Today I get a default apple letter saying the drives are faulty and offer to replace so their defence of were not under a warranty to repair is humorous.

So they wait as long for customers to pay for their faults, allow hazardous computers to leave the store and fraudulently misinform or refuse customers their legal rights.

Can't wait to see how they defend their actions now. Will keep everyone informed. I only wish big corporations were aggressively fined for defrauding customers and wasting court and customer time.

AJ
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brian Y Avatar
135 months ago
Have been told that due to Apple not contacting me before 12th April, the repair that Apple determined was needed on my I Mac will not be done.They must have my e mail address, so why not contact me before repair expiry date. Is this so they hope you don't find out about it on an Apple support page http://www.apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/
My serial number matches the eligibility for the programme.My hard drives failed over a month ago, but only through searching using another computer did I know that it could have been repaired before it failed.WHY WAS I NOT CONTACTED !!!
If they didn't want you to find it - it wouldn't be there in the first place! The fact that they have your email address on file doesn't matter - the email will only go to the email address to which the product is registered - is that correct?

The info has been out there for long enough.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrNomNoms Avatar
135 months ago
Have been told that due to Apple not contacting me before 12th April, the repair that Apple determined was needed on my I Mac will not be done.They must have my e mail address, so why not contact me before repair expiry date. Is this so they hope you don't find out about it on an Apple support page http://www.apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/
My serial number matches the eligibility for the programme.My hard drives failed over a month ago, but only through searching using another computer did I know that it could have been repaired before it failed.WHY WAS I NOT CONTACTED !!!

How is it Apple's fault that you were negligent in checking whether your computer qualified for it? once again we have people not taking personal responsibility.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bronxred Avatar
141 months ago
yep, I just picked up my iMac today. I was told the HD was send back to the warehouse and would be destroyed.

They destroyed mine too. I didn't even hear about this recall until after my drive crashed. Thankfully, this time, I finally had everything backed up.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 16 Mock Header With Dynamic Island

Skipping the iPhone 15 Pro? Here's What's Rumored for iPhone 16 Pro

Friday September 22, 2023 9:29 am PDT by
Are you skipping the iPhone 15 Pro and waiting another year to upgrade? If so, we already have some iPhone 16 Pro rumors for you. Below, we recap new features rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models so far:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain...
Update Your iPhone 15 to iOS 17

Warning: Update Your iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2 Before Transferring Data From Another iPhone

Friday September 22, 2023 6:36 am PDT by
If you are unboxing an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max today, make sure to update the device to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data to the device from another iPhone, or else you might encounter issues. iOS 17.0.2 is only available for the iPhone 15 lineup. Apple says the update fixes an issue that may prevent transferring data directly from another iPhone...
iOS 17

Apple Releases iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 With Bug Fixes, Plus iOS 17.0.2 for iPhone 15 Models

Thursday September 21, 2023 10:28 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 updates for the iPhone and the iPad, adding bug fixes to the new software. The iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 updates come just a few days after Apple launched iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. The software, which is build 21A340, can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. There is a...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 double tap gesture 230912

watchOS 10.1 to Enable Apple Watch's New 'Double Tap' Gesture

Thursday September 21, 2023 12:52 pm PDT by
The new Double Tap gesture for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be enabled starting with watchOS 10.1, according to Marques Brownlee, host of the popular tech-focused YouTube channel MKBHD. The first beta of watchOS 10.1 will likely be available by next week, and Apple announced that the software update will be released next month. Brownlee shared his impressions...