Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  11/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a 24 volt battery in 2022. In July of 2024 I noticed that the battery would not take a charge and the Dakota Lithium charger would not turn on. I then tested the battery with a voltmeter to find that it was only putting out ************************************************************************************** the email the representative **** ***** explained that the battery may have to be "woken up and requires a particular charger to do so. The representative also explained that one could be provided for no charge. A few weeks later the representative attempted to get me to buy a charger that had this function. After expressing my displeasure and uninterest in buying a charger just to fix their batteries issue, I requested the charger that the representative offered previously. He then told me that they no longer offer this charger and that I would have to purchase a charger to possibly fix the issue their battery was having. I have reviewed their warranty policy and my battery undoubtedly falls under their policy, however, their customer service is doing everything they can to avoid any effort on their part other than leading me in circles with no actual customer service.

  

  Business response

  11/18/2024

  Hello Sevn,

  Thank you for the response.

  We were informed that you received a warranty replacement under order M-4-172062-1.

  As of now, this BBB request will be marked resolved.

  Please let us know if you have any other comments or concerns.

  Customer response

  11/18/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:

  I have spoken with the business and they have made a satisfactory attempt at correcting said issue. I am more than satisfied with the companies corrective actions. 
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Sevn ********

• Initial Complaint

  07/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a Dakota Lithium 12v 54Ah ******************************** Battery and 12 ******************* Connection Kit on 19 June 2024 for a total price with tax of $452.60. I never received a tracking number and so for the last few days I have tried calling Dakota Lithium's **************** multiple times and sent several eMails as well in order to get a status of the delivery of my order. No one picks up the phone and I have had no responses to my eMail queries. This is very much out of the ordinary compared to other companies and after reviewing other complaints about the quality of the product I have zero confidence in this product or the ability of the company to effectively respond to any future problems. I am therefore asking for a refund via the BBB because I doubt anyone at Dakota Lithium will respond to an order cancellation and refund request.

  

  Business response

  07/08/2024

  Hello ****,

  Thank you for reaching out to us.

  Your order #****** has been refunded as of 7/2/2024.

  The amount of $452.60 has been refunded back to your **** on file.

  Please let us know if you have any other questions.

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  6/24/2024 placed online order for Dakota Lithium batteries (100AH and 20AH and a 3Amp charger and a 10A charger that comes with the 100AH battery) from their website. I sent an email asking for a breakdown of timeline for order processing, expected timeline, etc. I also tried to call all of their customer service phone numbers but no one answers or calls back. I now see other posts about how the company never calls back and doesn't reach out in a timely fashion with order updates so I have asked to cancel my order as of today.

  

  Business response

  06/27/2024

  Hello ***********,
  As of 4:16 PM EST 6/26/2024 your order, ******, has been canceled and a refund totaling to $907 is in the process of being issued to your PayPal account.
  Please allow 2-3 business days for the refund to properly hit your account.
  Let us know if you have any questions. 

  Customer response

  06/27/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  After company received payment they won't answer phone, return a phone call or return an email. They have not provided any goods and at this point refuse to make contact so that I can get a refund.

  

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  Hello ****,

  Thank you for reaching out to us and it was great speaking with you today.

  I apologize for the inadequate service provided by our sales side. I have gone ahead and processed a refund on your order #4-257760.

  You'll receive a refund of $1,157.36 to your card on file. Please allow for a business days to let the refund be processed.

  Please let me know if you have any further questions and have a great rest of your day.

  Customer response

  06/17/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  04/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I placed an order online with Dakota Lithium Battery in April 11,2024 Oder number #****** Received confirmation of order received and my credit card was charged for $1,436.80. I have left emails and voicemails asking when this plans to ship. No response from company and no one answers the phone at the number listed on their site. I would like a full refund. If the customer service is like this now I couldnt imagine what it would be like to address an issue in The future considering the product has an 11 yr warranty.

  

  Business response

  04/19/2024

  Hello *****,

  This is **** from the Dakota Lithium tech support team here to handle your BBB Complaint case about your order 4-250278.

  We do have it on record that your order has shipped the same day from this BBB case, 4/17/24 under *** tracking: 1ZY4R4430369278541

  It will arrive to you on 4/25/24. I've attempted to call you but would you like this package recalled or continued to be delivered?

   I apologize that we were slow in contacting you before. Spring is unfortunately our busiest season.

  Please keep me updated about your decision.

  Customer response

  04/19/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  

  also I would like to accept the delivery of the product and not have it recalled. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** Dollar

• Initial Complaint

  04/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I ordered 2 batteries along with a charger for a total of $1973 and that order was placed on April 7th 2024. The payment was processed on the 8th. The only thing I have was my order number when I finished the purchase order# ******. I have not received any type of invoice or any other communications from Dakota except for newsletters. I have called multiple times, left voice-mails because no one ever answers, and sent email in regards to this purchase and still no response. Horrible customer service because there is NONE.

  Customer response

  04/16/2024

  They have canceled and reimbursed me. I am satisfied with this outcome. 

  

  Business response

  04/19/2024

  Hello ******,

  This is **** from the Dakota Lithium tech department reaching out about your BBB complaint.

  We'd just like to confirm that on 4/16/24 you were issued a refund in regards to this complaint for order #******.

  We apologize for any inconvenience.

  Please let me know if you have any other questions.

  Customer response

  04/20/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  03/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dakota Lithium advertises misleading information! *** flags and other websites leading to *** manufacturing, received battery and labeled made in *****. Looks as if they possibly made in *** then transferred to *****, kept *** prices and all websites and deceptive marketing as if *** made.

  

  Business response

  03/19/2024

  Hello ******,

  We have received a response indicating that you have been asked to return the batteries for a full refund including a reimbursement on the shipping costs. 

  Here is the email below as follows:
  
  "Hello ******,
  
  In this scenario we will cover the cost of shipping the battery back and will not charge any restocking fees.
  
  That being said, federal laws and regulations state that I am unable to provide a shipping label due to the battery being a hazmat item.
  
  What I can do for you is provide the shipping instructions on getting that battery back. Once you send it in, please send me a copy of the receipt and I can get the full price reimbursed.
  
  Here are the return instructions for the 12V 100Ah Battery: 
  
  ***IMPORTANT***
  You must include a note with your order number: ********, your current contact information, and a description of the problem/reason for return. 
  We need this information to be able to process your return!
  
  Please send the battery back to:
  
  Dakota Lithium
  ATTN: 4-243816
  225 *****************.
  *******, ** 98108
  ***
  
  The ****************** highly regulates shipping lithium batteries under the **************************** (DOT) hazmat and dangerous goods laws. One of the critical issues regarding return shipments of batteries is that federal regulations currently prohibit us from generating your return shipping labels or any shipping papers from our side.
  
  Please remember never to ship a physically cracked, deformed, physically damaged, or water-damaged battery under any circumstances.
  
  Because of federal hazmat regulations, you must use a hazmat-certified logistics service to return your battery. 
  
  If your battery is over 300Wh, you cannot use *** unless you are a hazmat-certified shipper. 
  
  You can use a ***** Dangerous Goods location that handles dangerous goods. 
  
  You can find a ***** Dangerous Goods location near you by using the ***** Locator, entering your zip code, then clicking on "More Filters" in the upper right corner, clicking on "Service filters," then check the box for dangerous goods shipping, then click "Apply."
  
  IMPORTANT: Please make sure to properly package the battery and label the box before you bring it into the ***** Dangerous Goods location.
  
  Click here for the ***** lithium battery shipping instructions, the correct ** & Class 9 label for your battery, and the **** sheet. 
  A zipped folder will automatically begin downloading from the Dakota Lithium website. 
  
  The **3480 label must be printed in color, and the phone number for the ** label is ************.
  
  After you drop it off, please forward us your assigned tracking number. 
  
  We will start the refund process once we have it in the shop.
  
  Please let me know if you have any questions."

  Customer response

  03/27/2024

  My apologies, I believed we were waiting to hear from Dakota Lithium.

  They offered for me to locate and take the battery to a Fed-Ex location that would handle Hazardous Materials shipments. The closest Fed-Ex hub is 102 miles and I am not sure if they will handle that?

  I am not an end user of their product, I am not licensed to transport Hazardous Materials, I am not licensed to ship Hazardous Materials per 49 CFR and therefore would be against Federal, State and local law.

  I offered for Dakota Lithium to send proper shipping papers and a pickup order, they replied for me to subvert Hazardous Material regulations. I refuse the shipment and will dispute credit card charges for this shipment!

   

  Regards,

  *************************

  

  Business response

  04/24/2024

  Hello ******,

  After discussing with the company, your order has been fully refunded.

  Unfortunately with the only location being 100s of miles away the only other option for transporting the battery back safely is through an LTL shipper.

  Please allow a few business days for the refund to hit your bank.

  You are allowed to keep the battery and we hope you enjoy using it in the end but it will no longer be covered under warranty.

  Please do not hesitate to give a call over to the support line if you have any other questions at ************, press 2 for support.

   

• Initial Complaint

  03/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchase two DL+ 135AH batteries from Dakota Lithium and installed them in an International 3800 bus in place of the existing two Lead Acid batteries. The bus started right up. A couple of days later I attempted to start the bus again and the batteries died after a couple of seconds of cranking. After contacting Dakota Lithium and going through their diagnostic procedure, they agreed that there was something wrong with the batteries and asked me to ship them back using ************** ***** will no longer (as of Jan 2024) accept shippments of large Lithium Ion batteries except from a certified HazMat shipper. When informed of this, Dakota Lithium indicated that it is my responsibility to return the batteries in order to begin the warrantee process.Talking to ***** support, there are no licensed HazMat shippers anywhere near me. The vaunted 11 year warrantee isn't worth anything if you can't ship the batteries back to start the process. The batteries are clearly defective since they didn't even start the vehicle twice over the course of a week.

  

  Business response

  03/12/2024

  Hello ***,

  We have a resolution provided for this order.

  You have two replacement 12V 135Ahs on the way.
  
  Your order number is: M-4-239879-1
  
  You'll receive tracking once it's shipped out.
  
  Please let us know if you have any other questions.
  

  Customer response

  03/12/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  03/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased seven Dakota Lithium batteries to run in tow of my fishing boats. I thought they were the best name in the business, so i chose to pay their price for several different models of their batteries. I have four boats and planned to change all of them over to Dakota Lithium batteries. Three of seven batteries have quit charging even though i have used the best lithium battery chargers available as well as Dakota chargers.

  

  Business response

  03/06/2024

  Hello *******,

  Thanks for reaching out to us. Your BBB inquiry has been assigned to a Dakota Lithium Tech.

  We've sent an email out to you on 3/6/24 at 10:53 AM EST. regarding troubleshooting the batteries and will work with you on getting everything fixed or replaced.

  Please get back to us as soon as possible!

• Initial Complaint

  02/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased 2 12 volt 54 ah lithium batteries from Dakota lithium batteries on or around March 22nd 2023. Batteries had worked fine up until the first week of February ****. So I've not had the batteries a year yet. My Minn Kota precision charge told me based on lighting that one of the 2 batteries was in sleep mode. The minn Kota charger was unable to wake it. So I contacted Dakota about it and they told me to try their charger they provide with batteries. I did and battery still would not take charge. So I contacted them again where I had to go through week long process of trying to figure out how to s and battery back to them based on their shipping request. Of which the customer had to pay return shipping. Which is not right. So I paid the $76 to ship it back. Upon them receiving the batter they claim package was wet and that water came from inside batteries. Which batteries where store in dry area on my boat and no way they could have gotten wet enough for what they are claiming. With the vents the describe the battery would have had to be submerged in water. They claim to have an 11 year warranty on their batteries. But refuse to replace due to water damage. Upon further study I found that batteries are supposed to be kept warm and not be allowed to freeze. Which I believe is what happened in this case. And it's the electrolyte that are leaking inside the battery. But Dakota does not inform you of this upon purchase not on the material with the batteries. I punched these batteries through affirm as financing. And I am currently still paying on them. They refuse to replace my battery and will not send the battery back because of so called policy of damaged batteries. But yet they have us send possible damaged batteries back to them for replacement or repair. They will not send me a new battery or refund my money either. My order # is dak-us-******. I paid $878 for these 2 batteries and a wiring kit that they suggested.

  

  Business response

  02/14/2024

  Hello ******,

  Great speaking with you today. As we discussed it looks like we have a replacement 12V 54Ah on the way to you under order number M-4-182934-1.

  I've added a rush tag to the order to ensure that we get this out as soon as possible.

  We have also refunded the shipping cost of $75 to your payment on file. 

  If you run into any issues or have any other questions or concerns, you can reach our manager ******* over at *********************

   

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩