Reports of failing MacBook Pros started in 2013, with many users of 2011 models experiencing critical system crashes and hardware problems. While watching video, playing video games or performing any graphics-intensive task, the machine's display distorts, or sometimes goes completely blank. Rebooting the computer temporarily fixes the issue, but it usually returns.

In November, Apple was slapped with a lawsuit brought on by disgruntled customers whose Macbook Pro laptops began malfunctioning because of faulty GPUs that corrupted the computers' motherboard and graphics.

The tech giant, in an attempt to appease unhappy customers, is offering a new repair program that extends coverage for MacBook Pro models it manufactured between 2011 and 2013 that are exhibiting video problems. The program offers Macbook Pro owners either a reimbursement for repairs already made or free repairs on affected models.

Apple's support tool allows you to enter the serial number of your machine to see if your MacBook Pro is among those covered by the program. You can find the serial number on the Macbook's "About This Mac" dialog box under the '' menu in OS X.

Some of the models that could be affected are the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro, along with the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display manufactured in 2011, 2012 or 2013.

No video on the computer screen even though the machine is powered on, sudden system restarts or video distortion are symptoms that your MacBook Pro is affected. If your Mac shows these symptoms, contact Apple to take advantage of the repair program.

If your MacBook Pro is not experiencing any of these symptoms, you do not need to contact Apple.

The repair program kicks off in the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 20. In a statement on its website, Apple said, "The program covers affected MacBook Pro models until February 27, 2016, or three years from its original date of sale, whichever provides longer coverage for you."

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