Who has the oldest functioning original 12V battery??

[thenew3]

Don’t recall ever having to replace a 12V battery even on ICE vehicles except the one I replaced in c1986 which was over 14 years old so don’t really get excited about potential failures of this sort.

Older cars don't have much drain on the 12v when the car is off. Modern cars are always draining the 12v even when car is off and locked. the modem and various computers (keyless entry, paak etc) are always on (even in lower power mode) and draining power.

Plus to improve efficiency, modern ICE cars do not charge the 12v all the time when engine is running. They do this to lower the load on the alternator which in turn lowers load on engine which in turn is supposed to save fuel.
Keeping the 12v at less than ideal charge levels tend to lower their useful life.

It's not unusual to get 10+ years out of a 12v in an older vehicle, but only 3-4 years in a modern one.

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[Blue PonyE]

My 12 volt finally gave up today. About one month short of five years since I took delivery.

 

[Blue PonyE]

59 months of ownership. Don't remember build date.

 

[Mach-e4x]

Finally replaced today after getting notice on the app 12v battery getting weak.
Lasted 54 months.. Cost $388 at Ford.

 

[Billyk24]

As stated before, my November 2020 built Premium had the original 12v battery replaced in November 2025. I was beginning to see signs of degradation.

 

[Richard L.]

Build date December 2020. I guess I'm pushing my luck. February 15 will be 60 months since taking ownership.

 

[Maquis]

Finally replaced today after getting notice on the app 12v battery getting weak.
Lasted 54 months.. Cost $388 at Ford.

I had heard that the battery price went way up. Didn’t realize it nearly tripled!

 

[thenew3]

I had heard that the battery price went way up. Didn’t realize it nearly tripled!

Where did it triple? I bought one from Rock Auto in December for $86, now Rock Auto is showing the same battery for $109. So yes it looks like it has gone up but not tripled.

 

[Maquis]

Where did it triple? I bought one from Rock Auto in December for $86, now Rock Auto is showing the same battery for $109. So yes it looks like it has gone up but not tripled.

Ford dealer price was $138. Now apparently $388. My next one may come from RA this holds true.

 

[thenew3]

Ford dealer price was $138. Now apparently $388. My next one may come from RA this holds true.

I guess that would depend on the dealer. Some have quoted over $600 to replace the 12v.

 

[Maquis]

I guess that would depend on the dealer. Some have quoted over $600 to replace the 12v.

I’m talking Ford list price at the parts counter. Some dealers will price-gouge, for sure.
BTW, I just looked at RockAuto…out of stock, no price.

Edit …..really strange, it shows available for the Mach-E. I was looking under the Lightning!

 

[thenew3]

I’m talking Ford list price at the parts counter. Some dealers will price-gouge, for sure.
BTW, I just looked at RockAuto…out of stock, no price.

Ford OEM battery shows in stock for me at Rock Auto. Same battery I bought in December for $86.xx (before shipping and core charges)

 

[Maquis]

Ford OEM battery shows in stock for me at Rock Auto. Same battery I bought in December for $86.xx (before shipping and core charges)

See my edit!

 

[thenew3]

Ford dealer price was $138. Now apparently $388. My next one may come from RA this holds true.

I'm thinking that $388 includes labor and isn't just the battery/part by itself.

 

[flyingdutchman]

I paid $132.50 in October 2025 from Levittown Ford. Today's price is $ 176.27

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