SK hynix faces criticism over SSD warranty refund policy

SK hynix is facing criticism over its warranty policy for solid-state drives (SSDs) amid a global memory shortage. Reports indicate that when the company lacks replacement stock for faulty drives, it defaults to refunding customers at their original purchase price.

According to the company’s warranty terms, if a product cannot be repaired or replaced, the buyer receives a refund of either the original purchase price or the current fair market value, whichever is lower. Because SSD prices have surged—with some models like the Platinum P51 reportedly doubling in price—this policy often leaves consumers with insufficient funds to purchase a comparable replacement.

This issue highlights a broader trend of warranty disputes in the storage industry. Similar controversies have involved Micron, which initially faced backlash over refunding Crucial memory kits at original prices, and Samsung, which eventually agreed to refund a customer at current market value following a dispute.