Can You Return a Car Battery (Used or Unused)? 6 Store Policies Detailed

Can You Return a Car Battery?

Car batteries are usually eligible for return if they are in new condition, but return policies vary by retailer. Car battery warranties may also be a factor. We contacted customer service representatives for the following popular auto parts retailers to compile this list of battery return policies and battery warranties:

Advance Auto Parts

• Allows car battery returns? Yes
• Return policy details:
  • Advance Auto Parts accepts car battery returns within 45 days of purchase; the battery must be in new condition and you’ll need to present the receipt and a valid photo ID. Car batteries not in new condition will not be accepted for return.
  • If you don’t have the receipt, an Advance Auto Parts merchandise card will be issued in the amount of the lowest sale price of the item in the past 45 days.
• Warranty information:
  • Brand: AutoCraft Battery Limited Warranty
  • Time limit: One to three years
  • If the battery isn’t working properly, you can make a warranty claim in-store with proof of purchase; returning a car battery under warranty must be approved by a store manager.

AutoZone

See our related article for details of AutoZone’s battery return policy and battery warranty policy.

Costco Wholesale

• Allows car battery returns? Yes
• Return policy details:
  • Costco accepts car battery returns with no set time limit; the battery can be in new or used condition. Proof of purchase is required; if you don’t have the receipt, a store associate may be able to look up your transaction using your membership card.
  • You may need to initiate your battery return at the tire center.
• Warranty information:
  • Brand: Interstate Battery Warranty
  • Time limit: One to six years
  • If the battery isn’t working properly, you can request a replacement or a refund under warranty. Proof of purchase is required; if you don’t have the receipt, a store associate may be able to look up your transaction using your membership card.

NAPA Auto Parts

• Allows car battery returns? Yes
• Return policy details:
  • NAPA accepts car battery returns within 30 days of purchase; the battery must be in new condition and you’ll need to present the receipt.
  • To return a car battery purchased online, you’ll need to obtain a NAPA Return Goods Authorization Number. Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail via UPS.
• Warranty information:
  • Brand: NAPA Batteries Limited Warranty
  • Time limit: Up to 36 months, depending on the model
  • If the battery isn’t working properly, you can return it to a NAPA Auto Parts store along with the original receipt to request a replacement under warranty; refunds are not an option under warranty.

O’Reilly Auto Parts

• Allows car battery returns? Yes
• Return policy details:
  • O’Reilly accepts car battery returns with no set time limit; the battery must be in new condition and you’ll need to present the receipt.
• Warranty information:
  • Brand: SuperStart Battery Warranty
  • Time limit: Up to three years, depending on the model
  • If the battery isn’t working properly, you can return it to an O’Reilly store along with the original receipt to request a replacement under warranty. 

Pep Boys

• Allows car battery returns? Yes
• Return policy details:
  • Pep Boys allows car battery returns within 30 days of purchase; the battery must be in new condition and you’ll need to present the receipt.
  • If you don’t have the receipt, you’ll receive store credit in the amount of the lowest sale price of the item in the past 30 days.
• Warranty information:
  • Bosch batteries come with a warranty valid for 36 months. You can return the battery to a Pep Boys store with the original receipt and it will be tested for failure verification prior to replacement; refunds are not an option under warranty.
  • Champion batteries come with a warranty valid for 30 months. You can return the battery to a Pep Boys store with the original receipt and it will be tested for failure verification prior to replacement; refunds are not an option under warranty.
  • Optima batteries come with a warranty good for 36 months. You can return the battery to a Pep Boys store with the original receipt and it will be tested for failure verification prior to replacement; refunds are not an option under warranty.

Walmart

See our related article for details of Walmart’s battery return policy.