Xperia Z - micro USB port weak point

[Becky]

The micro USB port on my z has stopped receiving charge and won't even allow the charger to be plugged into it any more.

The port is uniform in shape which doesn't allow you to know which way round to plug the charger, so you have to guess. Guessing places stress on the pins inside the port. In my case, they seem to have suffered because of this (imho) design fault. USBs can only be inserted one way round, so the user needs to know which way to insert it.

I am wondering if this will be a common weak spot on these phones once they have been in circulation a while?

[adamsmith1]

Clearly this is a fault of the phone, I've had similar problems with my wifes phone and i'm not happy with the service received and Sony shirking all responsibility. Joined this facebook group today https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/1411717545728835/1443288265905096/?notif_t=group_comment  in the hope we can get some numbers together to shame Sony. I also read that people are complaining on BBC Watchdog website and they will raise the case if they can gather enough people / evidence. Easy process to log on the site http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74 

[adamsmith1]

Clearly this is a fault of the phone, I've had similar problems with my wifes phone and i'm not happy with the service received and Sony shirking all responsibility. Joined this facebook group today https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/1411717545728835/1443288265905096/?notif_t=group_comment  in the hope we can get some numbers together to shame Sony. I also read that people are complaining on BBC Watchdog website and they will raise the case if they can gather enough people / evidence. Easy process to log on the site http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74

[amck188]

yes , i have same problem as does my daughter who has experia z , both having to pay out for charging dock , sony wont admit liability as they would have to recall all experia z models and fix , my family and friends and i are all boycotting sony products , hope more dissatisfied customers do same

[austrooper]

I was considering buying this phone although after reading these posts I'll stick to my Note 2 for the time being. 

Just a little advice for Australian Customers. 

We have multiple avenues of recourse that wont cost much.

First I would speak to the "Customers Soloutions Team" of your carrier, its sort of their secret unit they may be called "Customer retention"

Second the trade practices act 1974 expressly would cover this type of fault as the unit is certainly not fit for purpose.

Thirdly the telecommunications industry ombudsman is an excellent point of contact. Submit a complaint with them and you will see how fast your carrier remedies this for you. 

Even though Sony is responsible for the express and implied warranties with regards to this product, your carrier has a duty of care also. 

Good luck, and make sure you stand up for your rights, these companies are making billions if they make a mistake they should take it on the chin.

[Tracey59]

Add myself and my daughter to the list of disgruntely customers.

This is definitely a design flaw...which I believe the ZZ1 has a slightly different port.

WHY should I have to now go and fork out MORE money for a dock (which I am not sure will work).  PLUS HOW will I transfer between my computer and phone. 

The **bleep** bluetooth won't TALK to my computer.  Every other gadget we own does.

FRUSTRATED>  which is a shame as it is a beautiful phone otherwise.

BUT I think we will join the legions who are going to boycott Sony products.  AND I have a SUBSTANTIALLY large family.  LOOK out when we start bagging Sony on Facebook.  Half Australia will know and then all their oversease relies will know.

NOT good advertisign for SONY!!!

Tracey59

[Marg]

I had the same problem too. My mobile was into warranty for half a year, but this was deemed by Sony as physical damage which can be fixed for $350. I declined the repair of course. I looked up on the internet and understand it is because the power connector, which is flimsy, allows cables to be inserted two ways which makes it almost certain that it will break some stage. It breaks almost by design. It can be fixed or one can use a docking station at much lower cost. But this is most probably my last Sony mobile.

[cazbo]

same fault here , Sony refuse to do anything about it , i have writtern to bbc watchdog , i advise you all to mdo the same , How can a big company get away with this 

[jww]

I couldn't agree with you more.  4 months on and the same issue. Unfortunately I am dealing with Optus who have now taken 6 weeks to get back to me. To then be told that I am not allowed to speak with a manager as they dont deal with the general public. Lovely. 

I am pleased that this problem happened when it did though as the tablet and new TV is not a Sony.

Absolutely the worst phone design resulting in loss of revenue elsewhere because of it... Hello Samsung...

[Elisa2014]

OMG, where do I start.  I purchased my Sony Xperia C6606 only six months ago.  Suddenly the phone stopped charging.  I went to my dealers and they accused me of mishandling my phone.  I called Sony they also told me that this is due to misuse.  After reading all of the negative reviews on the Micro USB Port I've realized that this is a manufacturing problem with the phone, I know it was not misused.  Nevertheless, I sent my phone to Texas (I'm from Puerto Rico) and I was willing to pay for the repair.   I just received it back today with a letter saying "The unit present a broken micro usb considered as customer abused due to this damage is caused by a wrong use of the cable connector and according to the politics o somc the dama ge is out of warranty".  I was not asking for repair under warranty.  I was never contacted by Sony in any way or form asking me if I was willing to pay for the repair or informing me of any information regarding my phone.  Customer support as well as Sony phones are the worst I've ever had to deal with.  I will never ever, ever, ever buy ANYTHING else from Sony.  Not even a TV.  My business depends on my phone, I have a 2 year contract I have to keep paying and I still don't know what is going to happen with this phone. 

[adamsmith1]

Clearly this is a fault of the phone, I've had similar problems with my wifes phone and i'm not happy with the service received and Sony shirking all responsibility. Joined this facebook group today https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/1411717545728835/1443288265905096/?notif_t=group_comment  in the hope we can get some numbers together to shame Sony. I also read that people are complaining on BBC Watchdog website and they will raise the case if they can gather enough people / evidence. Easy process to log on the site http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74