Walmart Car Battery Return & Exchange Policy Explained

Walmart Car Battery Return/Exchange Policy

Walmart allows you to refund or exchange a car battery if it tests bad within 90 days of purchase.^[1] The battery can be installed and used but must be in non-working condition or the wrong fit for your car for Walmart to accept the return.^[2]

Batteries Under Warranty

After 90 days, automotive batteries are only returnable under warranty.^[1] Walmart sells EverStart Maxx, EverStart Plus, and EverStart Value car batteries, which are exclusive to Walmart and include different warranties. Keep the following warranty conditions in mind when returning a battery to Walmart:

• EverStart Maxx: Free replacement within three years of purchase^[3]
• EverStart Plus: Free replacement within two years of purchase^[4]
• EverStart Value: Free replacement within one year of purchase^[5]

Return Process

Car batteries aren’t eligible for return by mail.^[1] To make a return or exchange, visit the automotive department or Walmart Auto Care Center. Bring your original receipt, if possible, though the store might be able to look up your purchase using your debit card, credit card, Walmart.com order number, phone number, or email address.^[2][1]

An associate will test the battery and, if the return is valid, will give you the option to receive a refund or make an exchange.^[1] If you choose to exchange the battery for another Walmart battery, a Walmart Auto Care Center will install your new battery for free.^[6]

See our related research for details on the car battery return policies at other retailers.

Refunds

With the receipt, you’ll receive a refund to your original payment method. (For example, if you paid with cash, you’ll receive a cash refund; for a credit card purchase, you’ll receive a refund to the credit card you used.) Note that debit and credit card refunds can take up to 10 business days to process.^[1]

If you don’t have the receipt and Walmart can’t look up your purchase, you’ll need to present a photo ID. No-receipt car battery returns will receive an exchange or a refund to a Walmart gift card.^[1]

Battery Disposal

In most states, Walmart will recycle your car battery for you at no charge. You can bring your old battery with you when you purchase a new one to take advantage of this service.

If you purchase a new battery without exchanging an old one, Walmart will charge you a core fee of around $5 to $20, depending on your state.^[2] A core fee works like a deposit — if you buy a battery at Walmart and pay the core charge, you can return the battery to a Walmart store for recycling and get a core charge refund. To get a core charge refund, visit the automotive department or customer service desk.^[2]

Typically, core charge refunds are available either in cash or for use toward the purchase of a replacement battery. Some stores require the original receipt to prove that you purchased the battery at Walmart and paid a core fee. Due to state regulations, the policy on core fee refunds varies by location; you may want to call your local store to check its policy before visiting.^[2]