Nest Camera with Spotlights Failed 8 months after installation - Defective product??

[filchesn]

Camera was purchased and installed in August of 2022. Just 9 months later the camera stopped streaming and stated "Empty Battery". At first I thought it was a poor connection between the cable and the camera as the floodlights continued to work. Half a year went by and I finally found the time to set-up a ladder, climb to the second story wall, and check the camera. Connection was fine although there may have been some discoloration on the pins. I wiped them clean and reconnected the camera however the camera remains completely dead. I tried contacting online chat support but simply got a cold shoulder stating that my purchase is out of warranty (even though I have proof of the product failing within warranty as documented on the google home app with the date and time of last device connection).

Even if it is out of warranty, is this how Google deals with defective workmanship? Floodlights and security cameras are supposed to last for many years not 9 months. I have since looked through the forums and found tons of other complaints about cameras going bad within 1 year of installation. I suspect the issue is poor waterproofing resulting in moisture penetration and a short circuit. Until google addresses this issue and improves its customer support for defective products, I recommend that everyone look elsewhere for their security camera needs (unless they don't see a problem with replacing them every year). 

[MplsCustomer]

@filchesn 

I've seen other posts in this forum where the battery on the floodlight camera does not remain charged even though it is plugged in. Perhaps your experience points to a design flaw (you mentioned some possible discoloration on the pins), with water seeping into the power connection on the bottom of the camera.

We've had the battery camera (the same camera used in the floodlight fixture) for over 2 years. It's been "Live" the whole time and the battery remains charged. Ours is shielded by a camera hood and so it stays pretty dry in winter and summer. Of course, use of a camera hood wouldn't work with the floodlight camera.

Our older Google Nest Outdoor Cameras have a hard-wired enclosed connection on the bottom of the cameras, and they are shielded by an overhang or by a camera shield, and they too have not had problems.

You are right; the cameras should last longer than 9 months.

[EmptyNester]

It you have the proof of purchase then there is a good chance this is covered by the warranty.  But the best way to find out is to open a support ticket with Google Tech support and then you will have a chance to escalate to a phone call to speak with someone.   Please return here and let us know how this goes.

https://support.google.com/googlenest/gethelp