Just to give you some perspective, we are seeing a lot of battery issues currently (telecom business, back-up powering systems) with batteries made overseas (spelled 'China'). They have been skimping on materials, more so than usual, causing premature failures. These are 12V batteries that are not all that dissimilar to those for automotive use and built in the same factories. Culprit was the sudden and huge leap in the costs of lead and tin, going back into the late 06 and early 07 time frame. Not surprising to see auto batteries failing at the moment. BTW not all batteries were created equal, most are perfectly fine and properly manufactured, so it’s a crap shoot as to whether one could end up with one of these bad ones.

 

Orzel - Thanks for the insights.

Update: The electrical system was checked under load and found okay. The battery had two cells that were either weak or dead. Battery replaced under warranty. I was in and out of the dealership in under 35 minutes. .... I have to recognize our dealer for their consistently five star service. FYI during the last 8 years I have bought 7 vehicles from them and currently have four in my garage.

 

I guess that the battery makers in China are skimping on the lead so they have enough to put in the paint and candy they sell us here in the states.