Does someone knows how to distinguish first version Wall-E and the fixed version?
A friend bought the first version, and I recently bought what I think is the new version. But comparing the boxes the two Wall-E are absolutely identical. Even the images in the box that show the old-type neck.

How can I be sure that my Wall-E is the new version?

PS: it seems it is very difficult to add the first comment to this news.
The article is short and there is not a "continue reading" that drive to the article page, and the link to the comments (with no comments) brings to a "You've encountered a bug!" page.
In order to post this comment, I had to manually edit the link proceeding by trial and error.

I contacted TLG back when this issue first arose in October. They stated in the reply "When we have the solution we will contact you again" but I've not heard back. Should I wait it out or chase them up?

I've not got round to building the set yet so I'd rather have the parts before I start.

Actually I contacted TLG (in the US) a few weeks ago and got back a quick and enthusiastic response, but what they sent me was this:

"When you receive the new pieces, you'll use them to replace the 2x 4211695 used on page 34 and the 2x 4265484 used on page 29"

I did indeed receive the pieces but was very confused...this has nothing to do with the fix???

I suspect Lego's response to this will differ from country to country and there is currently no guarantee that you will get the parts in a timely fashion. I've circumvented Lego by Bricklinking Chris McVeigh's fix (which is apparently the superior solution).

Just phoned Customer Service in the UK and they have said that at the moment they are only distributing the fix in Germany. They've made a note and so I will get one sent out when they start distributing in the UK but does this tally with others?

Like maninthesuitcase, I too contacted Lego UK when the issue first arose and was promised a reply when a fix became available. Silence. Either keep contacting CS until they confirm your parts are on the way or seek out an alternative fix.

I have sent it to Lego.com customer sevice in USA... i will keep you posted one what specifically they say to me- all i have recieved thus far is the computer generated response noting that they got my email/request.
Thanks for the post!

The instructions and parts arrived today. I haven't had a chance to build it yet. But here are some quick photos of the instructions booklet. https://flic.kr/s/aHskpMjLsk
Is it released as PDF from TLG already? If not, I can scan them to share tomorrow.
I am curious as well how to differentiate the 1st and 2nd wave Wall-E from the box. I did ordered a second one which was delivered in December. But there are no hints if it is the fixed version or not. Guess I will have to give CS a call again.

Interesting. Only yesterday I got this reply by email:
"Our designers have finished their redesign and we hope to send out new instructions and pieces in the next week or two.

We’ll get back in touch as soon as the new solution’s available."

i got the pieces to fix the neck issue last week. All i did was asking "so, do I have to buy the pieces, or will you send them to me", and couple of weeks later they arrived. No reply, or contact....nothing....just an envelope with 4 pieces inside (success!!)

A friend of mine sent an email as well, and he got a reply saying "yeah, we're on it. As soon as we have a fix, we'll send the pieces to you". So far he got nothing, and he even contacted TLG twice.

Lego have just emailed me to say the parts are on their way. I contacted them back in October so they obviously kept the details on file.

I requested the first fix it kit (new neck hinges) weeks back without mention of any further fix it parts. I guess they were keeping records of who requested WALL·E fixes becuase I just received an new email from Lego customer service.

Hi there,

Great news! We’ve been looking into how we can improve our LEGO® Ideas 21303 WALL·E set and we have an update for you.

For those fans who feel LEGO WALL·E’s head moves a bit too freely, our designers have created an alternative build for the robot’s neck. In case you’d like to try out this alternative design, we’ve mailed you a small set of extra bricks and instructions free of charge. These should arrive within 10 working days.

If you’ve already built your LEGO WALL·E and you want to try this new design, simply follow the instructions and use the new bricks to rebuild the robot’s neck. Of course, if you’re happy with your robot as he is, you can just add these bricks to your LEGO collection.

Kind regards,

Just got a mail saying I've got a Bricks & Pieces shipment coming -
Part number, 6162839. Rework bag, 21303

They got there in the end :)

I'm just received an E-mail from LEGOService saying that I'll received the Rework bag 21303 next days at home. I have my Wall-e neck fixed yet, so I didn't ask for anything to Lego. It would be possible that they are sending the bag to VIPS without previous asking?

FYI, Part number 6162839 "Rework bag, 21303" contains:

1 x 32291 (4140430) Black Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Double
1 x 64276 (6136458) Dark Bluish Gray Technic, Liftarm 1 x 2 with Ball Joint Straight
1 x 92013 (4619760) Dark Bluish Gray Technic, Brick Modified 2 x 2 with Ball Receptacle Wide and Axle Hole
1 x 11214 (6015356) Dark Bluish Gray Technic, Axle Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and 1L Axle
2 x 3713 (aka 6590) (4211622) Light Bluish Gray Technic Bush
3 x 99781 (4654582) Light Bluish Gray Bracket 1 x 2 - 1 x 2
3 x 2412b (4211350) Light Bluish Gray Tile, Modified 1 x 2 Grille with Bottom Groove / Lip