Very disappointing warranty replacement experience

I'd prevously read good things about Garmin's warranty replacement but have been utterly unimpressed with my recent experience.

A 10 month old Fenix 5S Plus stopped working on my first open water swim with it. I returned to Garmin on 20 August and there was a 3-5 day turnaround indicated.

Upon requesting an update, I've since been told no replacement will be available until end of September at earliest due to lack of stock.

I've suggested what I perceive to be reasonable alternatives: a Fenix 5S Plus in a different colourway; Garmin store credit; or a Fenix 6S Pro - to which I would pay extra towards. I've been told none of those options are possible.

This is pretty poor CS for a watch that's failed in under a year?

Has anyone else had poor experience with the warranty policy recently?

I'v been a Garmin user for 10+ years and four different watches, but can't see that continuing at this rate.

0 ted360 over 3 years ago

Well apart from the fact that I tried to get a replacement for my 5S Plus (altimeter malfunction) for like three months, when they finally agreed to replace it (after 12000 meter ascent during an hour run), I received a different color but sapphire version (earlier was standard). My friend also told me that he got a newer watch after paying extra, so there was option like this, but that might have changed.