Anyone else having problems with Duracell batteries? (2026 Update) FAQ

AS · 2012-04-01T23:10:21+00:00

From some of my devices, I am taking out Duracell batteries that I had installed back in 2003 and 2004 with no problems; yes, they used to be that good. I normally mark dates on the batteries with a black marker. The thing is, Duracell is not going back to be close to any of my devices. After replacing the older batteries, new Duracell batteries with power left in them, and within months of installation, have been leaking. So far the crappy Duracells have ruined the following items for me, both at home (h) and in the office (o); the prices for the damaged items are approximate to what they cost: 2 Small adding/printing Canon calculators (o) $15 both 1 TI-89 Calculator (h) $150 2 300g x0.01 g jewelry scales (o) $20 both 1 Craftsman Engine Analyzer (h) $130 or so 1 Gilmour Garden Watering Timer (h) $38 2 "9 LED" flashlights (h) $6 both 1 2D cell Maglite Flashlight (h) $35 1 3D cell Maglite Flashlight (o) $45 1 2AA cell Maglite flashlight (mom's) $20 1 Analog Multimeter (h) $20 1 Garmin GPS12 (h) $150 1 Remote for HDTV top set box (h) $40 for the box and remote In most cases, the devices stopped working not because the batteries were dead, but because the leak had corroded and ruined the device's battery contacts. The batteries affected are AA, AAA, D and 9V types. A couple of 9V batteries, with less than one year of installed in smoke detectors, were replaced as soon as the detectors began beeping. Those batteries were swollen and had open seams. About a month ago, I took one from a smoke detector dated 2004. The defective batteries have come from different large size packs bought both at BJ's club or local reputable retailers. I wonder why Consumer Reports continues to say that Duracell Batteries are good. Are they blind? Is Duracell selling the crappy batteries in the south east US only? Thanks for paying attention to my rant.

Apr 01, 2012 Last reply: 5 months ago 27 Replies

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Don 10 months ago

I’ve bought quite a few Duracell batteries from Costco and never had problems until now. The batteries are being stored in a plastic case made for batteries and now in the case randomly I have 5 acidic AA batteries and 3 AAA batteries that are covered in acid. Expiration is either 2028 or 2031.

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Kamala McFrycook 10 months ago

Alkaline batteries leak worse than a Democrat politician with a secret.

If you can't tolerate a leak or two, use an Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery.

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Retirednoguilt 10 months ago

In the past decades, I've have chronic problems with Ray-O-Vac and intermittent problems with Duracell battery leakage. Never had an Everyready battery leak and only use their brand of alkaline batteries.

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Clare Snyder 10 months ago

The OP is mistaken as alkaline batteries do NOT have acid in them - and I have had VERY FEW leaky batteries in the last 20 years - and NONE of them less than a year or 3 past their expiry date. Then again, I don't keep my batteries where it is 115F either - - -

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T 10 months ago

In all my years, the only batteries I have had leak were Duracell.

From what I understand, there are only three manufactures of these type of batteries, so I hold my nose when I buy a knock off hoping they are not Duracell.

I remember in the Air Force in the 70's opening up fresh boxes of AA batteries from supply and finding them all leaking. Yes, they were Duracell.

It could be coincidence though, but I don't think so.

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Bill G 5 months ago

I’ve had the exact same problem. Old Duracells never leaked. Last number of years I’ve had many leak and ruin devices. Duracell has obviously changed something in their construction / production. Undoubtedly to save money / maximize profit. I’ll never buy Duracell again. Have had no leakage problems with Energizer or Amazon batteries. Ventura, USA

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micky 3 years ago

I"ve read that one of the local supermarket chains makes a bigger effort to refrgigerate its milk, compared to others that might let the milk sit on the loading dock or somewhere else outside the fridge for hours, and that this chain's milk tends to last longer.

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