Petition Filed as Complaints Stack Up ∞

Steering pull was a frequent concern of early owners of the Accord's 9th generation. There are no warning lights or signs that the steering is about to deviate, and the problem was happening at any mileage in the 2013-2015 model years.

Multiple drivers conducted their own tests by finding an open area and pointing their Accord straight before removing their hands from the steering wheel and accelerating forward. At least one driver said his sedan executed a perfect 90-degree left turn by itself while others quickly found themselves going in circles.

The most common assumption by dealerships is that the vehicle needs a new alignment, something Honda won't cover under warranty. Additionally owners are told they may need a new gear box or power steering rack.

But the problem is more complex than a simple alignment and by November 2020, owners of the 2013 model year had petitioned the government to investigate the steering problems.

Government Opens Investigation ∞

The following May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did officially open an investigation sparked by the petition and more than 100 reports of lost steering control during normal driving conditions.

The investigation expanded on the petition's request by covering the 2013–2015 model years, totaling over 1,120,000 cars in the USA.

Given the severity of the problem and the establishment of the petition, NHTSA skipped their usual preliminary investigation and jumped eight into the engineering analysis phase to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences.

Over the years, Honda has released multiple technical service bulletins (TSB) outlining potential software fixes for battery problems. However, those fixes aren’t always effective and have been limited to the 2012 and 2017 model years.

Why the Accord and CR-V Batteries Keep Dying ∞

The batteries are contending with a parasitic drain, which happens when an electrical component continues to draw power from the battery even after the vehicle is turned off. Even a slight draw can empty the battery if left unattended for a couple of days.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Drain ∞

The vehicle stability assist (VSA) software in the 5th generation CR-V may continue to draw power from the battery after the vehicle is turned off.

In TSB #17-032, titled Parasitic battery draw from VSA modulator (vehicle will not start), Honda says the VSA software logic may not shut down correctly when:

1. The electronic parking (EPB) is applied within 3 to 4 seconds of the vehicle being shut off, or…
2. The EPB switch is held for a 3 to 4 second duration when the vehicle is off

The VSA modulator will continue to draw 350mA of power after the vehicle is shut off. More than enough to drain the battery after a day or two.

Honda recommends technicians install a software update to the VSA modulator-control unit and perform a VSA sensor neutral position memorization procedure. Unfortunately this TSB only applies to a specific VIN range of 2017 CR-Vs.

• Failed part: #57114-TLA-A04
• Defect Code: 03214
• Symptom Code: 03203

A/C Relay Drain ∞

The A/C relay in 4th generation CR-Vs may stay engaged after the engine is shut off, according to TSB #A11090M.

An electrical short and failed resistor means the relay gets stuck in the open position, draining the battery through the multiplexing system.

The relay (part #39794-SDA) is a $9 part and an easy DIY repair.

Other Battery Problems ∞

It’s not just parasitic drains that are killing off CR-V batteries. Here’s a look at a couple other common problems in post-2010 CR-Vs.

Wrong battery management charge mode ∞

In November 2012, Honda released SB #12-041 titled The Battery is Dead and Needs Multiple Jump Starts. Two years later they released SB #14-071 titled _ Battery Management Software Update_. Both service bulletins describe an issue in the powertrain control module (PCM) where the proper charge mode for the battery is not selected when the vehicle is turned off.

The system’s computers need a software update with a functional battery present.

• Failed part: #37820-R5A-A65
• Defect Code: 5JS00
• Symptom Code: JL500

Defective alternator ∞

When the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery. But the CR-V’s alternator can sometimes over or under charge the battery, reducing its performance either way.

In February 2013, Honda released TSB #12-002 outlining procedures for alternator testing with a GR8 Diagnostic Battery Station.

Honda continues to deny a defect exists and even recently settled a promising class-action lawsuit out of court.

Multiple Visibility Problems with Cracked Windshields ∞

These cracks can spread quickly and become rather large which can make an impact on a driver's ability to see the road. But you know what else is having its view obstructed? The Honda Sensing safety suite.

Honda Sensing uses a system of cameras and radars to monitor the road to aid the driver with braking, staying within the lane, or adaptive cruise control. In Honda's own owner's manual they say that "scratches, nicks and other damage to the windshield within the camera’s field of vision can cause the system to operate abnormally."

So now you have a spontaneously cracked windshield that you'll have to pony up cash to replace, plus you have a safety system that no longer works and most likely needs to be re-calibrated after the new windshield is installed.

Warranty Denials Lead to Class-Action Lawsuit ∞

Honda's warranty program is supposed to repair broken or chipped window glass if it's the result of defects in materials or workmanship. And guess who gets to make the call on whether it's a defect or not. (hint: it's not you).

Illinois resident Hakeem Hasan filed a class-action lawsuit against Honda after he brought his CR-V with fewer than 5,000 miles on the odometer in for a windshield repair.

The windshield had cracked and, according to the lawsuit, the dealership's warranty administration determined the crack was not from an external impact but the result of stress on the glass from faulty materials and/or construction.

It wasn't until the findings were passed up to the local parts and service manager that the warranty claim was denied for no reason.

The plaintiff knows his case isn't an isolated incident and that Honda must be aware of the problem through pre-sale durability testing, repair data from dealerships, warranty claims, and consumer complaints.

Confirmed by a third party ∞

After the sudden denial, the plaintiff brought his car to Safelite AutoGlass where it was confirmed the crack was due to stress and not an external impact.

Case settled outside or court and dismissed ∞

The case had promise, but was dismissed in February 2021 after the plaintiff and Honda settled the matter outside of court.

While disappointing to others experiencing the same problem the action [was] dismissed without prejudice as to the claims of the members of the putative class other than Plaintiff. This at least leaves the possibility of future cases for the same problem open.

Is There a Windshield Recall? ∞

No. Honda continues to deny that a defect exists and routinely denies warranty claims. No free replacements or partial reimbursements have been offered.

The problem is with the door lock actuators. An actuator is the behind-the-scenes magic that make power door locks possible. They have an electric motor, gears, and some sort of linkage or cable to operate the lock. And the ones that Honda installed are really prone to failure.

Common Complaints About the Door Locks ∞

As you might imagine, the most common complaints about these door locks is they don't behave as you'd expect. For example, they almost instantly lock up as soon as you unlock them.

The front passenger door locks immediately (2 seconds) after it is unlocked so passengers are unable to enter or exit the vehicle without reacting instantly. When I inquired at the Honda dealer what it would take to fix it, I was told it would cost $300!

Or they unlock at random while driving.

While driving the doors will unlock on [their] own and I feel unsafe as I travel with my grand children and worry when the doors will unlock on [their]\ own. I also re-lock the door but as I keep driving the door will again unlock on its own.

Safety concerns ∞

Of course the biggest issues are the safety concerns with unreliable door locks:

1. Some owners are worried about theft after finding their parked cars had unlocked themselves.
2. Others are worried about being locked out of the car in cold weather.
3. Scariest of all is the realization the locks might not let you out of the car in an emergency, such as after a crash.

Expensive to replace (over and over again) ∞

On average, these lock problems really start to pick up around 85,000 miles which is well outside Honda's standard 3-year / 36,000 mile warranty.

The average repair cost per actuator is between $300 and $400 and owners say they've had to replace the same actuator twice because Honda replaced the defective part with a newer, but equally defective part.

Honda must have figured something out ∞

There are a ton of complaints about the door locks in the 2007 and 2008 model years. But complaint volume took a sharp dive for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 model years.

This suggests Honda swapped out the bad actuators in a refresh of the 3rd generation, but didn't offer any assistance to owners stuck with defective parts.

Honda Sued for Actuator Failures ∞

A proposed class-action lawsuit for door lock failures was filed against Honda in early 2013.

The complaint alleges that the door locks are defective, resulting in potential safety issues and lots of expensive repairs that often fall outside the warranty period.

The lawsuit, Kevin Davitt, et al. v. America Honda Motor Co., Inc., et al., accused the automaker of violating consumer fraud statutes in New Jersey, Florida, and California and caught recovery for breach of express warranty. In other words, Honda should pay for the door locks repairs because they are clearly defective.

Honda agrees to settle the lawsuit ∞

In September 2014 the automaker agreed to settle the lawsuit with the following terms:

1. Honda paid out $1.4 million in attorney fees 😱
2. Additionally, Honda paid each of the three lead plaintiffs $1,500
3. Most importantly, Honda agreed to an extended warranty period for 2007-2011 CR-V owners

The lawsuit needed final approval from a judge, and it didn't receive that approval until May 2015. By that time the terms had changed:

1. The warranty extension is only available to 2007-2008, and some early 2009 model year CR-Vs.
2. The driver's door lock can be replaced for free, even if it hasn't shown any signs of failure, as long as it had not already been replaced.
3. All passenger locks will only be replaced if a technician can verify they've failed.

The Extended and Now Expired Door Lock Warranty for CR-V Owners ∞

As part of the settlement, Honda extended the warranty on all four door lock actuators to 6 years from the original date of purchase, essentially doubling the coverage.

The warranty extension expired on November 7th, 2015.

It covered any 2007-2009 CR-V vehicles. There are two service bulletins (SB) available for more information:

• Service bulletin #14-083 covers the driver's door lock actuator
• Service bulletin #14-084 covers the actuators in the passenger doors

The reason for two service bulletins is Honda allowed the driver's door lock to be replaced even if it wasn't failing (yet), but all passenger door locks needed to have a verified failure from a service technician before they were eligible for replacement. Which is frustrating because the locks may not consistently fail.

Actuator problems continue to plague owners ∞

As mentioned above, the average mileage where the door actuator problems get bad is around 85,000 miles. Which for many owners not only falls outside of Honda's original 3-year warranty, but also outside their 6-year warranty extension as well.

And all of that is moot at this point, because Honda placed a date cap on the extension offer.

At this point, Honda says all 3rd generation CR-V owners are on their own if (and when) their door locks fail. A frustrating end to a problem that still often ends up near the top of a list of the most common complaints for 2007-2011 CR-V owners.

The DENSO brand fuel pumps have low-density impellers that can crack, absorb fuel, and deform to the point that they stop reliably sending fuel to the engine. As you might imagine this causes the engine to sputter, run rough, or completely stall out.

An Industry Wide Recall ∞

DENSO believes the pumps were exposed to a solvent drying agent during production that caused some of the impeller surfaces to crack. In May 2020 they announced more than 2 million of the pumps would need to be recalled.

DENSO provided defective fuel pumps to Honda, as well as Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Toyota. Each automaker was responsible for setting up their own recalls.

Problems downstream ∞

There was a sense of urgency in these recalls, because a failing fuel pump can damage multiple other components further "downstream" in a vehicle. This includes:

• The high-pressure fuel pump won't have enough lubrication and can overheat.
• The engine will eventually run rough, and the excess shaking causes premature wear on the rubber mounts for the engine and drivetrain.
• The shaking can also damage materials in the catalytic converter.

Honda sued before they could issue their first recall ∞

Following the DENSO announcement, Honda was sued for knowingly selling vehicles with defective fuel pumps.

The suit pointed to a 2019 fuel pump recall as evidence, but as Honda pointed out, that recall was because sodium particulates were sticking to internal components of the fuel pump. Sure, the end results are the same but the problems were completely different.

Honda's DENSO Fuel Pump Recalls ∞

A month later, Honda issued its first DENSO recall involving over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles worldwide. Of those, only 136,000 were in the USA and 10,000 in Canada.

Owners were told to expect recall notices by the end of July 2020.

The recall was followed by more lawsuits. ∞

A couple of Canadian lawsuits didn't believe the recall goes far enough in making sure owners aware of the potential dangers, and in holding Denso and the automakers accountable.

A separate lawsuit accused Honda of not covering all the affected vehicles in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

A second recall expands coverage to 708,000 vehicles ∞

By March 2021, Honda revealed they had received 583 warranty claims and 166 field reports related to the faulty fuel pumps.

That same month they issued a second DENSO recall which greatly expanded coverage to include more than 628,000 vehicles in the USA and more than 80,000 in Canada.

Additionally, Honda says some owners might be eligible for reimbursement if they previously paid for fuel pump repairs.

• Lane keeping assist which should adjust the steering to help you keep centered in a detected lane but can get blinded by the sun.
• Adaptive cruise control that maintains a comfortable interval behind detected vehicles until it doesn't.
• Road departure mitigation adjusts steering and braking if you cross a detected lane and is also known as the I can't believe you actually fell asleep while driving system.
• Collision mitigation braking assist which applies brake pressure when an unavoidable collision is determined or when an "unavoidable" situation is created out of thin air by the robot mind of your car.

The automaker plans to make the entire suite standard across all vehicles by 2022^[1].

Common Problems with Honda Sensing ∞

These technologies are an exciting evolution in car safety. Or at least they should be.

Drivers should remember the systems are meant to assist you from driving off the road or into the back of that plow you've been stuck behind for 40 miles. And while they are intelligent, even intelligent_ technologies make mistakes which are amplified at 65mph.

Let's take a look at some of the most common complaints about Honda Sensing. Some are annoyances, some are expensive headaches, while others can actually create more dangerous driving situations than cars without the technology.

1. Randomly brakes when it detects objects that aren't really there ∞

There are rising concerns that the system will brake for no reason at all.

Scared the crap out of me. Traveling along, not a vehicle within 500 feet of my vehicle to the front or the rear. No vehicles traveling near me in the opposite direction either. Was traveling at 40 mph and the car locked up the brakes on me to a complete stop. Very unsettling. I got out just to make sure that I didn't hit anything that I didn't see. Alas, there was nothing, just the car acting stupid.

2018 Accord owner in Illinois

2. Adaptive cruise control forgets to adapt ∞

The adaptive cruise control forgets to adapt when approaching other cars and that might be due to the weather. Speaking of weather...

3. False positives due to weather ∞

The system produces false positives on bright, sunny days and triggers warnings, particularly when driving towards the sun. This can also happen in heavy rain or fog. Additionally the system has been known to malfunction on extremely hot days.

4. Systems needs re-calibration ∞

Even a slight jostle in the radar assemblies can require recalibration. A process that can cost $3,000 bucks and for some reason isn't covered under warranty?

I was happy until the lights for the Honda Sensing Suite went on at around 5500 miles; the dash was inundated with warning lights that stated that the collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, and adaptive cruise control all had "problems" (which didn't help much to narrow down the problem) ... I immediately took it to the Honda dealership where I purchased the vehicle and they said that the radar and radar assembly was somehow moved upwards from below

2017 Accord owner in Pennsylvania

Speaking of calibration, your insurance company might cover the cost of replacing a windshield but did you know that you'll probably still be on the hook for radar recalibration costs?

Honda Sensing Technical Service Bulletin ∞

Many of these problems were brought up in technical service bulletin (TSB #17-064) titled MID Displays ACC, CMBS, LKAS, RDM, and Brake Warnings and Other Listed Symptoms.

In the bulletin, Honda informs technicians to update the millimeter wave radar unit software if owners complain about any of the following symptoms:

• Front radar blindness due to severe weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, etc) may trigger a sporadic false “Radar Obstructed” message.
• The vehicle speed fluctuates at highway speeds when adaptive cruise control is set.
• The multipurpose camera unit temperature is too high resulting in error code DTC B2A60-98.
• The millimeter wave radar malfunctions resulting in error code DTC U12B7-00

Other areas where the system may break include:

• If there’s brake actuator malfunction (error code U0416-68) the collision mitigation system might trigger a warning.
• If the steering’s neutral position can’t be determined (error code DTC C0051-54) the lane keeping assist system might trigger a warning.
• If the integrated driver support system malfunctions (error code DTC P2583-76) due to misalignment.

Not Ready For Prime-Time? ∞

A proposed class-action alleging the Honda Sensing defects make the vehicle dangerous to drive was filed in May of 2018 on behalf of 2017 CR-V owners.

The lawsuit was later consolidated with other class-actions, expanding its scope to include the 2017-2020 CR-V and 2016-2020 Accord as well.

Allegedly the systems regularly cause numerous warning messages to intermittently appear, and the CR-Vs fluctuate their highway speeds without warning when adaptive cruise control is set. In addition, drivers are allegedly alerted to hit the brakes immediately although no obstructions are present.

Citing TSB #17-064 as proof, the plaintiffs allege that the vehicles should have never been sold or that it should have been "prominently disclosed" that the Honda Sensing features weren't ready for prime time.

One common Honda power steering complaint is a loud whining or groaning noise while turning the steering wheel in certain generations of vehicles.

• 7th generation Accord (2003-2007)
• 3rd generation Odyssey (2005-2010)
• 1st generation Pilot (2003-2008)

What Causes All That Whining? ∞

The noise is likely the result of air getting into the power steering system. While there are multiple ways this could happen^[2] one of the most common reasons for these particular systems is worn out o-rings.

The power steering system has a high pressure and low pressure hose that connect to the motor, and each of those hoses contain an o-ring to keep the seal nice and tight.

But these o-rings harden and wear out over time, breaking the seal and allowing air to enter the system.

What's the problem with a little air? ∞

Air creates cavitation in the power steering fluid. All that fancy word essentially means is air pockets and bubbles forming where they shouldn't.

The process interrupts the hydraulics from working properly and the motor doesn't necessarily get all the power steering fluid it needs to run efficiently.

Maybe that's why it whines like a toddler that just lost their iPad on a long road trip.

Service bulletin released for Accord owners ∞

Honda talked about the power steering moaning or whining, especially during a cold start-up, in service bulletin #07-086.

The automaker says the probable cause of the noise is [a]ir is entering the power steering pump through the inlet joint O-ring and that this causes bubbles to form in the power steering fluid, leading to reduced pump performance.

See, it's those damn bubbles.

The bulletin allowed owners of the 2003-2008 and certain 2009 Accords to have this work done under warranty.

DIY the Fix For Under 10 Bucks? ∞

So what about everyone else who isn't covered by that service bulletin? There's good news.

1. O-rings and power steering fluid are dirt cheap.
2. With a little know-how and some elbow grease you can probably even replace them yourself.

YouTube user dial2fast who has a great video showing the steps needed to make the repair. He paid $8.32 for the parts including one black O-ring (part #91370-SV4-000) on the system's high pressure hose, and one orange O-ring (part #91345-RDA-A01) on the low pressure hose, and one bottle of genuine Honda power steering fluid.

A couple important caveats here:

1. If you're not at all comfortable with stuff like this, leave it to the professionals.
2. I've listed the part numbers for the o-rings but it's important to double-check the part numbers for your specific vehicle.
3. You only want to use Honda genie parts here, especially power steering fluid. Don't go looking for a better deal on Amazon. It's eight to ten bucks, do it right.

With all that said, this repair is easy enough for even a kid to do. For real.

This only applies to cars with an automatic transmission. In those cars, the starter system needs to be able to engage with the transmission's torque converter ring gear in order to spin up the engine. But the ring gear is out-of-position which causes issues with starting and premature wear on the gears and starter motor.

Additionally, there are claims that these vehicles use low-capacity batteries that can lack the power needed to power the starter motors. Combined with the ring gear positioning defect, starting these cars is like taking a spin of the roulette wheel.

Service Bulletin #16-002 ∞

In February 2016, Honda released technical service bulletin (TSB) #16-002 to inform dealerships about the incorrect positioning of the torque converter's ring gear and how it can create problems starting the engine.

The TSB states the clearance between the starter motor gear and the torque converter ring gear is not optimal.

It also says in order to fix the problem, the starter motor should be replaced and the crankshaft should be rotated by one bolt hole.

Repair costs are covered if the car is under warranty. However major starter issues in these vehicles tend to happen around 50,000 miles, just north of Honda's 36,000 mile warranty.

The out-of-warranty repair cost ∞

Repair costs at a Honda dealership vary, but on average it costs out-of-warranty owners around $630 out-of-pocket.

A good chunk of that cost is a new starter motor which runs between $200-$400 retail.

The rest can be attributed to labor costs, and that can get pricey considering to rotate the crankshaft a technician has to remove the battery, splash separator, lower radiator hose, starter motor, and the torque converter just to access the necessary bolts.

Honda Starter Lawsuits ∞

Owners who are now out-of-warranty are wondering why they still have to pay to repair a starter system that was defective from the ... well, start. So far Honda has held firm on only offering financial help to warrantied owners.

Enter the lawsuits.

Class-Action Proposed in New Jersey ∞

The first proposed class-action lawsuit, Joel Merkin, et al., v. Honda North America, Inc., American Honda Motor Company, Inc., and Honda Motor Company, LTD, came in May of 2017, accusing Honda of violating the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

The lead plaintiff explains that the starter defect costs much more than just replacing the starter motor, as there are also costs associated with buying new batteries and getting the car towed when it doesn't start.

Additionally the lawsuit alleges the defect diminishes the vehicle's resale value.

A Second Class-Action For Every Other US Consumer ∞

A few months later an additional proposed class-action lawsuit, Carolina Martinez, et al., v. American Honda Motor Co. Inc., was filed for owners outside of New Jersey.

In addition to pointing out the clearance issue between the starter motor's gear and the engine's torque converter ring gear, the lawsuit alleges that Honda equipped the cars with laughably small, low-capacity batteries that lack the current needed to power the starter motors.

1. The check engine light comes on once the oil level reaches 21mm above the dipstick’s current limit.
2. Reports indicate the problem creates a stinky, gas-fumed cabin that’s so bad owners feel nauseous and dizzy while driving.
3. In certain cases owners have said their engines have misfired or stalled once the oil becomes diluted.

Direct Injection Engines Have a History of Oil Dilution Problems ∞

Honda’s Earth Dreams technology is part of a direct-injection engine which pumps fuel directly into the chamber under high pressure. These engines are great for performance and fuel efficiency, but have been more susceptible to oil dilution.

Sprayed fuel sticks to the cylinder walls and eventually travels down into the crankcase where it mixes with the engine oil in the oil pan.

Automakers depend on engine heat to help burn off these fuel vapors, but if the engine never gets hot enough the fuel eventually dilutes the engine oil and raises the overall oil level.

Long term effects of gas thinned oil in the engine? ∞

The Honda Technology Research Institute conducted lab and real-world driving tests in the extreme cold of northern China and determined that high oil levels do not cause engine damage.

Tell that to these owners.

"Although Honda in China stated in a press release that this issue would not cause engine damage I believe my oil analysis report provides evidence to the contrary. I was told upon receiving my report that oil was at approximately 5% of the viscosity it should have and that the wear metals number should not be higher than 20. My number was 218. That's insanely high. Honda has yet to respond to this oil analysis report.”

And

“…the dealer has told me they will replace entire cylinder head. They have not told me that there is a fix to the cause of the problem nor can they tell me how long it will take to fix the damage. Honda needs to address this problem and communicate with their affected customers as to what the plan is. They also need to either offer buy-backs or extend the warranty once resolved to 6 years.”

Who’s to Blame for the Rising Oil Levels? ∞

Honda is quick to point out a couple of reasons why their engines have this problem, and both seem to revolve around placing blame on drivers.

Too many short distance trips in cold weather ∞

The first is drivers who only take short trips, especially in cold weather areas, aren’t allowing the engine to sufficiently heat up and burn off excess vapors.

Listen, they’re right — lots of short trips aren’t good for any engine. But 2016 and older Honda owners aren’t the first group to take short trips. So why is there a higher-than-average number of complaints about dilution issues in the 2017 and 2018 CR-V, and the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Civic?

Honda says the engine is too efficient? ∞

Honda says that the design of their efficient engine design doesn’t waste any heat.

With minimal wasted heat your engine can develop condensation and excess fuel vapors than combustion if not driven in a manner that allows the engines to fully reach operating temperature which would normally burn off the contaminates.

This might also explain why people are having a hard time warming up their cars while idling.

Honda is asking drivers to limit extended idling, use a block heater, drive in lower gears at the start of trips, and drive for longer trips to help the engine warm up.

Because when life gives you lemons, blame the sourness on someone else.

Honda's Proposed Solution for Rising Oil Levels ∞

At first, there was quite a discrepancy in how Honda was handling this issue based on where you live.

Honda Canada's more aggressive approach ∞

Out of the gate, Honda Canada took an aggressive approach by offering service campaign N60 to Canadian owners of the 2017-2018 CR-V and 2016-2018 Civic starting in November 2018. Additionally, owners received a warranty extension on “certain engine components” for up to six years from the original date of purchase, with no mileage limit.

This is all part of Honda CA’s more aggressive approach towards the problem:

• April 2018: They released a TSB regarding the engine misfiring and oil pressure warning lights coming on during cold weather. The TSB confirmed reports of a higher-than-normal engine oil level due to contamination from fuel build-up in the 2015-2018 CR-V and 2016-2018 Civic.
• August 2018: They took it one step further by releasing a statement saying they were aware of the problem and were working on potential counter-measures. Those counter-measures appear to be the inspiration for the fixes mentioned above.
• October 2018: They released a new statement regarding Irregularly High Oil Levels in Certain Honda Vehicles. In it, they confirm news about the software updates and offer extended warranties on “certain components” in the 2017-2018 CR-V and 2016-2018 Civic.

Similar protections have eventually made their way across the border and into the states, but barely at first.

Honda US took a longer path ∞

When Honda US first announced their service campaign in October 2018, it was limited to owners in five cold-weather states — Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Additional states would be added as parts became available, for a grand total of 21 states.

Please note that this is an extreme cold weather issue related to drivers who rarely drive longer than very short trips, often before the engine can properly warm up.  Thus, it’s not very common in the US when compared to overall CR-V sales volume (nearly 380k sold last year in the US).

By May of the following year, Honda US changed their tune. Not only is the service campaign now available to owners in all 50 states, but Honda US also extended the powertrain warranty for more than 1 million vehicles. The extended warranty matches Honda Canada's offer of 6 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.

Honda US service campaign information ∞

Honda will attempt to fix the oil dilution problem with a service campaign that includes:

1. Software updates to the transmission control module and electronic fuel injection system.
2. Replacing a drain plug washer
3. Replacing the climate control unit (in some cases)
4. A fresh oil change

Honda believes these updates will allow the engine to warm up faster and improve fuel combustion.

A Stop-Sale Ordered in China ∞

In February 2018, Dongfeng Honda – a Chinese car company half-owned by Honda – ordered a recall of 350,000 vehicles after numerous complaints from owners in the colder regions of northern China.

Honda planned on updating the vehicle’s gasoline injection control software to adjust the timing and speed of the injection. They also planned on extending the engine’s warranty to 6 years.

But the emphasis is on plan, because the recall was rejected by Chinese regulators, who want a better plan for fixing the problem.

Until a new recall is agreed upon, Honda has issued a stop-sale on all new CR-Vs in China.

Potential class-action lawsuit in the USA ∞

The law firm of Sauder Schelkopf LLC is currently investigating a class-action lawsuit on behalf of owners of 2016-2018 Honda CR-V vehicles that are prone to engine oil contamination.

Sauder Schelkopf (www.sauderschelkopf.com) is a leading national class action law firm that advances the interests of its clients by recovering the money they have lost, and obtaining the relief to which they are entitled. The lawyers at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of consumers and have earned their reputation as skilled and aggressive veteran litigators

Visit CarComplaints.com for more information.

ZF-TRW control units were manufactured without circuit-protecting diodes. When the ASIC is supplied with too much current or voltage, it’ll shut down the ACU and, in turn, disable the airbags and pretensioners.

At this time the problem is believed to be responsible for as many as eight deaths.

One Step Away from a Recall ∞

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating these ACUs since March 2018. The original investigation opened following claims that airbags hadn’t deployed during frontal crashes with some Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

Both Hyundai and Kia have issued recalls related to the ACUs.

Hyundai told the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that their research revealed the airbags were failing.

”…post-collision inspections of the airbag control units (ACUs) showing that an electrical overstress condition (EOS) of an ACU electronic component occurred in three of the crashes, and that the fourth ACU is under evaluation for the same concern.”

The investigation has been upgraded ∞

In April 2019, NHTSA upgraded their investigation to an engineering analysis. This came after two major crashes involving Toyota Corollas where the airbags didn’t deploy. There was one fatality.

An "engineering analysis" is the final step before a recall, but does not always mean that will be ordered.

Honda and Acura Vehicles Under Investigation ∞

Class-Action Lawsuit ∞

Attorneys with Gibbs Law Group LLP are investigating a TRW airbag module class action lawsuit after federal investigators expanded their investigation of a potential defect in airbag control units (ACUs) manufactured by TRW.

If you own one of these vehicles, the class action attorneys at Gibbs Law Group would like to speak with you.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 15 drivers have been killed and 250 people injured by an exploding Takata inflator.

High Risk Vehicles ∞

Certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles have been labeled as having a “high risk” of airbag inflator ruptures. In late June 2016, NHTSA urged owners of these cars to stop driving immediately.

"With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous airbag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge."

To their credit, Honda has gone through an unprecedented effort to notify owners on this list. In addition to going door-to-door looking for registered owners, Honda has made over 35 million phone calls and sent over 1 million text messages to any owner whose vehicle is still unrepaired.

According to NHTSA's data, however, only 70% have received repairs. That leaves 313,000 vehicles that need critical repairs immediately. If you own one these cars:

1. Visit SaferCar.gov to check whether their vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls.
2. Call your nearest dealer and schedule a no-cost, immediate repair.

Full List of Honda Vehicles with Recalled Takata Inflators ∞

Given the scope of these recalls, NHTSA decided to spread out the recalls to get replacements to owners in the highest-risk regions or zones first. The last wave of inflator-related recalls is expected to begin in early 2020.

A zone is a group of states and territories where a vehicle was originally sold or registered at some point in time.

• Zone A: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Zone B: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
• Zone C: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

More information about the "zones" is available on CarComplaints.com.

Take Action ∞

Owners of these vehicles are urged to call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit this site for more information.

"Consumers that are uncertain whether their vehicle is impacted by the Takata recalls, or any other recall, can contact their manufacturer’s website to search, by their vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm whether their individual vehicle has an open recall that needs to be addressed."

Honda Owners Killed or Injured by a Takata Airbag Inflator ∞

A list of alleged Takata airbag deaths and injuries going back to 2003 has started to surface following government investigations, recalls and a growing number of lawsuits. That includes the tragic stories of the following Honda owners:

• Delia Robles, Corona, California — On September 30th, 2016, Robles hit a Chevy pickup head-on at an intersection, causing the airbag to explode when it deployed.
• 13 Year Old Boy from Grove City, Pennsylvania — On July 22, 2015, a 13 year old apparently took the keys to the family's Honda Accord, lost control and traveled off Route 58 in Mercer County. The 4:46 a.m. crash caused the front airbag to explode after the car hit a fallen tree.
• Ashley Parham of Midwest City, OK — On May 27, 2009, just days after graduating high school, Ms. Parnham's 2001 Honda Accord bumped another car at slow speeds in a parking lot. It was enough to trigger the airbags and the defective Takata inflator ruptured and sent metal shards throuh Ms. Parnham's carotid artery. She was only 18 years old and dreamed of becoming a teacher.
• Gurjit Rathore of Richmond, VA — On Christmas Eve 2009, 33-year old Gurjit Rathore was driving her 2001 Honda Accord when she hit a mail trunk. The airbag detonated and sent shrapnel through the cabin that tragically caused Ms. Rathore to bleed to death in front of her children.
• Hein Tran of Orlando, FL — Mrs. Tran was killed by an exploding Takata airbag in her 2001 Honda Accord during a low speed accident. When law enforcement showed up, the wounds were so severe that they thought she had been stabbed in the neck.
• Law Suk Leh of Borneo, Malaysia — Mrs. Leh was killed while driving her 2003 Honda City from a severe puncture wound to the neck. She was in the final week of her pregnancy.

1. They gave the CR-V a direct-injected, 4-cylinder engine known as "Earth Dreams." We'll save complaints about the name for another day.
2. They swapped out the old standby, 5-speed automatic transmission for the new and shiny continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Vibrations Are the Result of A Few Extra MPGs ∞

This new engine and transmission combination improved fuel economy by reaching maximum horsepower at lower engine revolutions per minute (RPM).

Lower RPMs means the engine isn't working as hard → not working as hard means less gas is used → less gas means better fuel economy → better fuel economy means the marketing department can get all excited about EPA estimates again.

All hail, the mighty MPG.

Honda CR-V EPA fuel economy estimates ∞

The new setup worked. The 2015 gets 17% better MPGs around town and just under 10% on the highway. Not bad, but ....

Those lower engine RPMs come at a cost ∞

A side effect of lowering RPMs at low speed or idle is that you increase noise and vibration.

"This car is severely vibrating including car back seat, toys/things on car back seat are vibrating and making noise. I have requested American Honda and dealer to buy back this car but they denied and this dealer doesn't want to see my car again." --- 2015 CR-V owner

Owner's can't decide if this is a transmission or an engine problem, but one thing is clear --- all the vibrations and noise is giving owners headaches, backaches and serious distractions while driving.

Honda Isn’t Hiding From the CR-V Has a Vibration Issue ∞

Honda has acknowledged that a "small percentage" of owners have reported vibration issues. I think we have a different definition of small, but regardless this is a big step for the automaker. They did, however, stress:

• That the vibrations pose no danger of present or future component failure
• That the 2015 Accord has the same engine and CVT combination, without any vibration complaints

According to Honda spokesperson, Chris Martin:

“We're working to come up with solutions that will address several different customer perceptions of the vibration at idle. While it is annoying to some, it is not noticed by most, and it does not represent a detriment to the safety or reliability of the vehicle."

The emphasized part feels like a sly way of rolling your eyes at the people complaining about this issue. Still, Honda went on to release a series of videos^1 to address the problem.

CR-V Vibration Issue ∞

The first Honda video^[1] starts with a pat on their own back for improved fuel economy, but it goes on to say that they're aware of the issue and performing testing.

While the video doesn't provide any additional information or a solution, it's quite nice to see an automaker say "we're working on it," rather than just ignoring it.

Activity Update on 2015 CR-V Vibration ∞

The second video, which was posted on 11/04/2015, starts off with the same introduction as the first. Maybe that's why the first video was removed^[1:1] from their channel.

However, the video goes on to say vibrations are typically experienced in one of three "driving modes." That same information was posted to a technical service bulletin the next day.

There are fixes available ∞

On November 5th, 2015, Honda sent out technical service bulletin (TSB) 15-046 to its dealers outlining the problem and possible solutions. Think of TSBs as a set of instructions for the dealer on how to handle customer complaints and possible repairs.

Honda stressed that this is an optional update for owners who feel an "unwanted amount of vibration." They've narrowed their focus down to three driving modes:

• Driving mode 1: The vehicle is stopped, but in gear.
• Driving mode 2: The vehicle is accelerating and between 1,000—1,200 RPMs.
• Driving mode 3: The vehicle is cruising at 40-50mph and between 1,800—2,200RPMs.

Honda then outlines a potential solution for each new scenario.

Owners who complain about vibrations in driving mode 1 are supposed to get new radiator cushions, transmission mounts, and front head restraints. To me this just sounds like Honda is trying to eliminate things that make noise and hope you never come back.

The solution for driving mode 2 is more involved. First, the dealership is supposed to update the "PCM software". PCM stands for powertrain control module which is a combined electronic control unit of the ECM (engine control module) and TCM (transmission control module). Additionally, the dealer is instructed to install a "tailgate damper kit."

Driving mode 3 gets the PCM update, but no tailgate damper kit.

Does the fix impact MPGs? ∞

You have to assume that the PCM update increases the engine's RPMs at low speeds, but Honda says it should have very little impact on the vehicle's MPGs. Approximately a 0.7 MPG drop in combined city / highway.

Of course, we all know there's a difference between lab-driving, and real-world driving, so the real impact is still undetermined.

There Are Lawsuits That Claim the Vibrations Can Actually Make Occupants Sick ∞

Within weeks of buying her brand new CR-V, Linda Oakes said the vehicle started shaking violently at a stop light. Oakes said the steering wheel was visibly shaking in her hands. The car had a whopping 500 miles on it.

Oakes took her rattle-box to three different dealerships in the area. Technicians acknowledged the SUV had a shaking problem, but said there was little they could do. The corporate offices agreed.

In January 2015, Oakes filed a lawsuit in the California Central District Court, saying:

• The 2015 CR-V is prone to severe vibrations at slow speeds and idle
• The condition exists from the time the vehicle is sold and worsens over time
• The vibrations are distracting and can lead to headaches and queasiness

The lawsuit accuses Honda of knowing about the problem, but selling the vehicles anyway. Gotta protect that bottom line, after all.

Time wore on. Vibrations got worse. Headaches were had.

As additional lawsuits were filed, Honda asked that they be consolidated before one California judge.

How an “outreach program” ended the issue in court ∞

As of July 2018, that consolidated lawsuit appears to be on the path to settlement as Honda agreed to start a consumer outreach program.

As part of the outreach program, Honda will be posting information about the available CR-V repairs on its website, sending reminders to dealers and contacting owners or lessees who complained but never had the repairs performed.

To please the court, all Honda has to do is update their website and make a few phone calls? That's less of a program and more of an afternoon nuisance at the call center.

Five things you need to know about the 2015 CR-V vibration problem ∞

In conclusion, here's what we know about the issue so far:

1. It's caused by the combination of Honda's new direct-injection, "Earth Dreams" engine and continuously variable transmission.
2. Honda made these changes to improve vehicle economy and, according to lawsuits, ignored the vibration side effect
3. Honda is starting an “outreach program” to make sure more owners know about potential solutions.
4. Lawsuits against Honda have essentially been shut down by the “outreach program” and for now you shouldn’t hold your breath for a recall.

1. They stay on whenever the engine is running as daytime running lights (DLR).
2. They mimic a look that was once reserved for the BMWs and Audis of the world. I believe the word I’m looking for here is fancy pants.

Maybe its personal preference, but I’ll admit the lights do look nice. That is, until the entire strip (or half the strip, in some cases) goes out for no reason. Reports indicate failures of the Accord’s DLR as early as 10,000 miles.

And here’s the kicker — because of the way Honda designed the headlight, if you want to replace the LEDs you need to replace the entire assembly. It’s almost like they expected the LEDs to be the least of their worries.

Replacing the entire assembly can cost over $1,400 per light. None of this sounds efficient or cost-effective.

Yes, It’s Covered Under Warranty ∞

The headlight assembly is 100% covered by Honda’s standard 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty and owners generally report the warranty experience is smooth sailing with no paper trails or negotiating needed. Which is good when you consider some owners have needed to have the same light replaced multiple times within the warranty period.

But the moment your odometer hits 36,001 miles, Honda doesn’t appear to be in the mood for any “charitable repairs.” Consider that they’ve sold over 830,000 of the Accords in the US alone^[1], and that many of those have probably needed warranty headlight repairs. Some have needed more than one. That must be costing the company a fortune because I hear those assemblies cost a ton to replace.

Any Chance of a Lawsuit? ∞

Out-of-warranty owners are on the hook for the expensive repairs, but the law firm of Cafferty Clobes Meriwether & Sprengel LLP is investigating a potential class-action lawsuit on behalf of owners of Honda Accord vehicles (model years 2016-18) equipped with daytime LED headlights that are prone to fail prematurely.

_ Many vehicle owners also report multiple headlight failures within the first few years of ownership. As a result, current and former owners and lessees may be forced to keep vehicles that do not perform as warranted and may ultimately require costly and repeated repairs for which vehicle owners will pay out-of-pocket._

They’re looking to hear from owners who have been forced to pay out-of-pocket for these repairs, and are worried they’ll probably have to do it again soon.

Can’t I Just Let Them Burn Out? ∞

A question we see a lot is — do I really need to replace my daytime running lights, can’t I just let them burn out? It depends.

While there is plenty of debate over their effectiveness, certain countries have strict DRL laws on the books. They are usually places that have long, dark winters (I’m looking at you Canada and northern Europe).

There are no DRL laws in the US, but they do come in handy in states that require lights to be on whenever the windshield wipers are running. Of course you can get around that by, you know, turning your actual headlights on when it’s raining.

Then, of course, there’s just the aesthetics of having a partially lit LED strip on the front of your car.

High oil levels and an inability to properly burn off contaminates has led to serious allegations of gas smells inside the cabin that are so strong, they’re making people sick. Considering the “Earth Dreams” engine is also known for shaking so bad it makes riders nauseous, the new CR-Vs sound like a real joy to ride in.

Excess Fuel Build Up in the Oil Pan ∞

Honda says the vapors are caused by excess fuel building up in the oil pan. The issue appears to be particularly bad in cold-weather climates. In a letter to consumers, Honda impressively skirted blame by placing it on the drivers. They even patted themselves on the back in the process, saying the problem is likely due to an engine that is too efficient.

_ With minimal wasted heat your engine can develop condensation and excess fuel vapors than combustion if not driven in a manner that allows the engines to fully reach operating temperature which would normally burn off the contaminates._

Honda, you’re the greatest ❤️ swoon.

Now, to be fair they have a point in that lots of short driving trips are bad for everything from the battery to the engine. Longer trips with higher engine revolutions help evaporate and eliminate the contaminates in the engine.

However, the Earth Dreams engine seems to have an unusually high amount of un-combusted fuel collecting in the oil pan.

What the high oil levels will and won’t do ∞

• It will cause strong, sickening odors in the cabin that cause headaches, dizziness, and upper respiratory concerns.
• It will trigger the check engine warning light if the oil level rises 21mm about the dipstick limit.
• It won’t create abnormal engine wear or damage to your vehicle.

In other words, your engine will be fine. You? Not so much.

Lawsuits Concerning Gas Smells Inside the CR-V ∞

In September 2016, an Illinois CR-V owner sued Honda for dangerous fuel odors that were apparent within a few days of purchasing their 2016 CR-V.

“[the smell] wouldn't go away no matter how fast the SUV was traveling. A trip to the dealership allegedly didn't help because the dealer didn't do anything to the SUV, although an employee allegedly admitted other CR-V owners had complained about the same problem.”

The plaintiffs in the case, Beehler et al, v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., want the gas smell problem covered under warranty.

Another gas smells lawsuit popped up in May 2017 for owners of the 2015-2017 model years.

According to the plaintiffs, Honda deceived them with national marketing campaigns promoting the SUVs as reliable and safe, misleading the plaintiffs to buy vehicles that in fact make people too sick to drive.

The complaints are much the same as the first lawsuit: gas smells show up early, Honda refuses to fix the problem under warranty, owners complain about medical problems from the fumes.

The case, Carol Miles et al, v. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. accuses Honda of breaching warranties and consumer fraud laws.

Did Honda Figure it Out? ∞

Complaints about the problem became so widespread in northern China that Honda planned on a series of recalls to update the CR-V’s gasoline injection software, specifically:

1. Adjusting the ignition timing and speed of the engines
2. Updating the fuel injection timing to burn off more of the excess fuel
3. In addition to the recalls, Honda planned on extending the warranty to 6 years.

The recalls, however, were deemed insufficient by a consumer watchdog group in China. Until Honda can come up with a more comprehensive plan, sales of new CR-Vs have been halted.

Honda’s tips for reducing fuel vapors ∞

1. Limit extended idling periods
2. Avoid multiple, short trips. Go on longer trips to create higher engine revolutions which help proper evaporation of
3. Use a block heater
4. Drive in a lower gear, especially to start, to cause the engine to heat up faster

To date, owners of the 2017 model year have the most complaints as it currently holds the top spot in trending problems on CarComplaints.com.

No Heat While Idling ∞

This popular SUV is terrible at producing heat while idling. In fact, many owners say it won’t produce any at all until they start driving. If you’ve ever had to scrape ice off your windshield you understand how powerful of an ally the defroster can be. So it’s no wonder CR-V owners in cold-weather climates feel betrayed.

This vehicle is absolutely unsuitable to be driven in cold temps and climates. It's a definite safety hazard to drive with your windows fogged up and the vehicle can't create enough heat to defrost them. I am now carrying an adapter plug and a hair dryer in case of emergency. Who spends over $40 000 to do this?

2017 CR-V Owner in Alberta, CA

From reports, the heater core will eventually warm up once you start driving. Now this isn’t much different from most other vehicles, the engine heats up, the heater core heats up, the warm air starts flowing.

What’s odd is the moment you find yourself idling, or even coasting down a hill, you can see the engine temperature gauge drop into chilly oblivion.

Even once it is completely warmed up, temperature gauge will drop back to cold and air out of vents will be cold when idling for any amount of time. You must be driving to get any heat.

There’s a theory going around that whatever is going on, Honda fixed it for the 2018 model year and owners should look to trade up. But ... we’re not so sure about that.

A varied array of unhelpful suggestions from Honda dealerships ∞

In addition to complaints being submitted to CarComplaints.com and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), owners have been taking their cars to local dealerships looking for help. Unfortunately, all they’re getting back is a chilled, depressing gazpacho of suggestions. Things like:

• Turn the heat all the way up, but keep the fan on the lowest setting only.
• Never use the vehicle’s eco-mode, maybe try the sport mode instead?
• This engine is smaller to be more fuel efficient, and therefore doesn’t produce enough heat.

One common point of emphasis from dealerships has been, I’m sorry but there’s nothing we can do because there’s no official recognition of the problem or a solution from Honda.

Is this another “Earth Dreams” nightmare for people in cold climates? ∞

Speaking of engines, the newest CR-Vs have what Honda calls the 1.5L “Earth Dreams” engine which has already been tied to excess fuel build-up and gas fumes in the cabin for CR-Vs in cold weather climates.

What is TPMS? ∞

The simple purpose of TPMS is to electronically monitor your tire pressure and warn you when one of your tires falls out of the recommended PSI range. Yes, this is something that should be done by all drivers without the assistance of an electronic system, but ... here we are. TPMS does have some benefits:

Benefits of TPMS:

• Quick access to information about your tires' PSI
• Properly inflated tires help with gas mileage, improve vehicle stability, and even out tire wear
• Great for lazy people (sorry, lazy people -- it's true)

Disadvantages of TPMS:

• It's not always optional and is added into your vehicle's price ($$$)
• If you need to replace a wheel, it needs to be replaced with a TIPM-specific wheel ($$$)
• In most cases it cannot be disabled without voiding the warranty

Honda's TPMS Warning Light is On ∞

There are two types of warnings that come with most tire pressure monitoring systems:

• A "tire pressure warning indicator", which is a sign that the TPMS is doing its job
• A "check TPMS" warning indicator, when the system itself fails

Honda owners have been experiencing that 2nd issue -- a lot. Some say it happens as often as every couple hundred miles, while others say the warning light stays on indefinitely until a mechanic is seen. The problem can reportedly be triggered by a number of things, including temperature, driving distance and even small fluctuations in PSI.

"Since then, the TPMS light has illuminated approximately every 700 miles. Currently, car has 3400 miles and the light has illuminated again (the fourth time). On every occasion, all the tire pressures were within 1 lb. psi of normal." -- pylit, Waxhaw, NC

The Fix to Honda's TPMS Problems ∞

Honda owners, rejoice! There is a widely reported solution: tell your Honda-certified mechanic about your problem and ask them to perform the software upgrade outlined in TSB #14-006. We are looking for a copy of this document, but from all accounts it a simple software upgrade that fixes many TPMS problems:

Got the CRV back from the TSB 14-006 software upgrade. Nothing shorted out or blew up thankfully. So far, so good.^[1]

A federal court has approved a class action lawsuit settlement against Honda after the popular automaker failed to fix or warn owners about defective sun visors. The settlement affects over 2 million Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid owners and lessees. There have been nearly 150 complaints for this problem by 2006, 2007 and 2008 Civic owners on CarComplaints.com.

The Class Action Lawsuit ∞

Cooper v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., alleges that sun visors in some Civics are defective. In essence they were defective, fall apart and eventually become useless. The lawsuit goes on to say that Honda should have corrected the defective visors, or at the very least they should have disclosed information about the defect at the time of the sale. Honda continues to deny any wrongdoing, but ultimately settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost of a trial.

About the Settlement ∞

As part of the settlement, which became effective on September 16th, 2011, Honda has agreed to:

• Extend the warranty on sun visors on Class Vehicles to 7 years / 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first
• Reimburse Class Members for out-of-pocket expenses incurred prior to the settlement date for the repair or replacement of their sun visors

If you are a member of this class action lawsuit, you are eligible to get a cash reimbursement if:

• You have paid out-of-pocket to repair or replace one or more sun visors in your vehicle prior to September 16th, 2011;
• The cost of the repair or replacement was not previously reimbursed by insurance, warranty, or goodwill; and
• You mail a claim form within two years from the date of the sun visor repair or replacement, or within 90 days of the September 16th, 2011, whichever period of time is longer.

So, Which Civics Are Affected? ∞

Members of this class action settlement are all USA residents, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Saipan, who are current of former owners / lessees of one of the following models:

What To Do If Your Vehicle is Part of the Settlement ∞

If you've been affected you can read about out your legal rights and options in this lawsuit, find deadline information and download claim forms at the official visor settlement page.

If you have additional questions you can contact Honda by calling 1-888-888-3082.

Honda finally agreed to a class-action settlement while simultaneously refusing to acknowledge the problem exists at all. That's an impressive amount of deniability.

Why the Tires Are Wearing Out So Fast ∞

Civic owners are rallying together to raise awareness about the defectively short Rear-Upper Control Arms that are causing their tires to wear rapidly and unevenly.

Honda claims the combination of the stock tires, rear suspension geometry and alignment angles are what's causing the tire wear and recommends the installation of new control rear arms stamped with the letter “C” to fix the problem. On February 8th, 2008 they issued a TSB (TSB 08-001) describing repair procedures for certified mechanics — more details on that below. The new control arms take out .75º of camber from the rear.

Unfortunately most of the time Honda dealers are only willing to cover the cost of the control arms, but not the cost of new tires. What's worse is some owners are claiming that even after going through the repairs outlined in the TSB their cars are still "eating up" rear tires. According to one: “...the rear wheel geometry will not allow for carrying any kind of load for extended distances” Not a good sign for anyone looking to use their can for anything more than trips to the grocery store.

Honda's Technical Service Bulletin for the 2006-2007 Civic ∞

On February 8th, 2008 Honda issues a Technical Service Bulletin for 2006-07 Civic 2-door and 4-door vehicles regarding "Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear". Honda Civic Si's are not covered. In the TSB, Honda lists the probable cause as a “combination of the tires and the rear suspension geometry may cause rapid or uneven tire wear”. They go on to point out that worn tires will cause vibration and/or bad bearing noise, especially at highway speeds.

For recommended service, Honda tells its mechanics to install a rear upper control arm kit, replace the flange bolts and the worn tires and do a 4-wheel alignment.

Honda offered to only pay a prorated amount for replacement of tires due to this problem, based on mileage. In addition, to qualify for tire replacement:

• The tires must have been properly maintained (inflation and balancing)
• The tires must not show signs of abuse, although this seems subjective
• Tires must not show signs of diagonal or inner edge wear and fall within the "abnormal wear range" as defined by the TSB.

Tire Misalignment Lawsuit ∞

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, LLC collected information for a class action lawsuit to protect Civic owners. The lawsuit alleged the OEM rear upper control arms are too short and cause tire misalignment. It also alleged that Honda knew this when it published a TSB and a redesigned control arm part.

Following a three-year battle, Honda finally agreed to a settlement on December 4, 2013. The settlement only affects the 2006-07 Civic and 2006-08 Civic Hybrids.

Honda continues to deny there is a problem (shocking, I know) but as part of the settlement they've agreed to replace worn out tires and the defective suspension. If you have replaced your tires because of the problem Honda will reimburse you on a pro rata basis. Time to start digging out those service records. In addition, if you paid to replace a control arm on your Civic because of tire problems, Honda will reimburse you for parts and labor.

Unfortunately the deadline to file a claim has passed.

So now what? We recommend making your voice heard.

This problem was listed as the 7th worst problem on CarComplaints.com's Top Vehicle Problem Trends of 2012.

Common Complaints for Honda's Seats ∞

How bad are these seats? Some owners have become quite friendly with their local chiropractor, even though they never scheduled a session before owning their Honda. Others have refused to take long trips because they know it would take "days to recover from the back pain." In some extreme examples, we've even heard stories of people trading in their brand-new cars, willing to take thousands of dollars in depreciation loss, just to avoid another commute in their Honda. Now that's bad.

Here are some of the most common complaints when it comes to Honda seats:

• "My Legs Fall Asleep" After just 30 minutes of driving, drivers complain that their legs fall asleep, their butts become numb and their hips start to hurt. Unfortunately many owners only found out about this problem after buying the car, saying that the test drive was never long enough for the issue to present itself.
• "The Head Restraint Hurts My Neck" Most modern cars are equipped with head restraints that are used to prevent whiplash in the event of an accident, but not all restraints are created equal. Honda has used a head restraint design that is pushed so far forward that some owners say the only way they can drive is with their chin down, almost touching their chest. After only 20 minutes this leads to neck pain, back stiffness and a strong urge to push your car off a cliff.
• It's Like Sitting on CInder Blocks" Get past the head restraint, poor lumbar support and overall design and you're still left with a stiff seat that many compare to sitting on plywood or cinder blocks.

This is horrific. It feels as if Honda made these seats out of picnic tables with a troll or watermelon in the back -- Brandon G, Whitman, MA

The Worst Honda Vehicles For Uncomfortable Seats ∞

So what are the worst years for this problem? If you own an Accord, it's every year from 2008-13. The jury is still out if Honda has learned their lesson for the 2014 model year.

• 2010 Honda Accord
• 2011 Honda Accord
• 2012 Honda Accord

Other Honda's that have received complaints for uncomfortable seats and head restraints:

• 7th and 8th Generation Honda Accord: 2008, 2009, 2013
• 8th and 9th Generation Honda Civic: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
• 3rd and 4th Generation Honda Odyssey: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014
• 2nd generation Honda Insight: 2010, 2011, 2012
• 2nd generation Honda Fit: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013

What Owners Are Saying ∞

After a week of unrelenting agony from the uncomfortable driver's seat, I sold the car back to the dealer at a big loss. I tried the 2010 seat, but it was the same problem — a combination of unbelievably bad seat shape, hardness, and that pressure plate in the back that is hooked up to the active head restraints. Try a simple test at home. Put yourself in the most uncomfortable, awkward position and hold it for one hour. If your back feels fine, then you will enjoy the Accord. -- jem52, Gaithersburg, MD

I seriously can't believe I put myself in this position. I have been complaining of lower back and hip pain for the last few weeks. I soon realized the seat is digging into the back of my thigh causing pain in my hip. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO THE SEATING WILL NOT BE COMFORTABLE.If I lean back the front is to high, leaning forward you dip too much. -- kinghassan, Boston, MA

The seats in my 2010 Accord are HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD. They are incredibly uncomfortable and I am ANGRY. The stupid lumbar rams me in the lower back, the headrest pushes the back of my head, and where my butt sits feels like concrete. --In Pain, Nashville, TN

Head Rests versus Head Restraints ∞

Remember the term head rest? They used to be installed in cars to give your head a gentle place to relax as you cruised down the road. Modern cars don't have headrests ... they have head restraints. And as the name suggests, they are not there for your safety to protect you against whiplash, not your comfort. In fact, According to David Zuby, senior vice-president of the IIHS^[1]:

"Some people are finding (the new restraints) uncomfortable ... Our goal is to make sure head restraints provide protection in rear-end crashes. If a head restraint isn't behind and close to the back of an occupant's head, it can't prevent a `whiplash' injury in a rear-end collision."

In other words, a safe head restraint is critical to a manufacturer getting high marks in the IIHS safety tests. And in order for it to be safe, it almost has to be touching the back of your head. The problem is we're all built different and for some the head restraints actually push their heads forward.

So why are Honda's head restraints so much worse than others? It could be a number of things: the position, the material, the angle and the inability to make any adjustments come to mind.

Actions You Can Take & Possible Recourse ∞

Honda doesn't consider this a problem ... yet. Can consumer pressure force them to make a change? There's now an online petition to force Honda to replace the driver's side seat bottom and upright.

The Consequences of "Going Green" ∞

Honda switched to a soy-based coating for their wiring that is more biodegradable. It sounds like a pro-Earth move by the automaker, but the real reason is probably a little less triumphant: the coating costs less than plastic. Still, less plastic in the landfill is always a good thing.

But like most good things, they come with consequences.

In this case, that consequence is passed on to the consumer who suddenly finds themselves with an engine full of rodent-friendly chewing material. You see, the soy-coating seems to be attracting rabbits, mice, and other rodents to use as a chew-toy and nesting material.

To be fair, Honda isn't the only automaker to make this switch or to have this problem.

Rodent damage can be a costly and frustrating expense ∞

A Honda mechanic told CTWatchDog.com that he sees more than 100 vehicles per year with rodent damage to the electrical systems. The repair costs can start at $50, but quickly balloon to $1,000, or --- in the worst case he'd seen --- $3,000.

""The soy products now used to create the wire insulation concerns me a great deal. This weekend my wife was driving our car, a 2010 Honda Accord, and while on the road the car started to shake and stutter violently, and would not accelerate. After having our car towed to the dealership, there was evidence that a rodent of some type had chewed on the cables. --- 2010 Accord Owner"

There are a few things you can do to prevent rodent damage:

• Regularly open the hood and inspect your engine for signs of rodent activity (so, poop)
• When you move the car, look for any shredded pieces of wire coating or other material that looks like a nest that might have fallen out.
• Clean all food out of your car, including food sealed in bags. This is especially important for dog food and treats.
• Some have had success with putting mothballs, dryer sheets, or liquid peppermint in their engine compartments.
• Wrap your electrical wiring in something rodents can't stand.

Honda's spicy rodent tape ∞

Unlike other automakers, Honda does seem to acknowledge this issue and offer a solution in the form of electrical tape treated with capsaicin. That's the same stuff found in hot peppers that turns chili into five-alarm chili.

The tape is available for purchase through dealerships (part number 4019-2317) and costs about $36 for a 20-meter roll.

Honda Soy-Coated Wiring Lawsuit ∞

A lawsuit says the soy-coated, environmentally friendly electrical wiring that Honda has been using is irresistible to rabbits, mice, and other rodents.

Soy vey.

The lead plaintiff says his 2014 CrossTour's wiring had been used as a chew toy. When he brought his car in for service, the mechanic found a rabbit living in the engine compartment. Can you blame the little guy? Free rides, something to gnaw on, and a warm place to hang out isn't a bad deal.

When the mechanic said the repair would cost $765, however, the rabbit hopped out on his portion of the bill.

The lawsuit says:

• Honda refuses to pay for repairs because the wiring isn't a "safety defect", which is debatable.
• Honda knows about the issue, but still makes owners pay for the tape which can help prevent it.

Vehicles Named in the Lawsuit ∞

The lawsuit paints a wide swath over the 2012-2015 model years. So that means the Accord, Accord Hybrid, Accord Plug-in Hybrid, Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, CR-Z, Crosstour, Fit, Fit EV, HR-V, Insight, Jazz, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline.

"The 2015 Honda vehicles have a "green" product that consist of fuel lines and various wiring that has a soy based composition. Rodents are eating the fuel lines and wiring because of the soy based ingredient. I know of numerous vehicles that have leaked gasoline due to the damage caused by rodents." --- 2015 Honda Accord owner

Your car's paint has a very tough job. Not only does it have to fight road salt and sand, which can damage the paint's protection. But it also has to battle the sun's harsh, UV rays that oxidize the paint. You can buff and wax until your knuckles turn white, but if you've already lost the clear coat it'll be futile.

Bottom line: if the clear coat starts to turn white, like the case with so many Hondas, the car needs to be repainted. And that can cost thousands of dollars if you want to have it done right (in other words, not cheap out like Honda).

What Honda's Clear Coat and Paint Problem Looks Like ∞

Honda owners claim that the problem begins as a few patches of slight discoloration, where the paint appears lighter or duller than the surrounding area. Eventually the clear coat starts to pull back from the car and chip the paint. This continues to grow into a full-fledged peel-a-thon until your car's paint job starts to resemble swiss cheese.

According to owner testimonials the most susceptible areas are the hood, fenders, around the gas tank, the trunk and the roof. And the condition of a vehicle's paint ranks among the top 5 items that affect a car's resale value, according to Charles Cyrill, spokesman for the National Automobile Dealers Association.

What many Honda dealer's are shrugging off as "normal wear and tear" is actually a widespread trend. There's even an entire Flickr group highlighting the problem. The 1998 Honda Accord alone has 100+ complaints about clear coat peeling on CarComplaints.com.

What is Causing the Problem ∞

While there's no definitive answer to what causes this problem, it is often attributed to the quality of primer and paint that Honda used. Many are calling it a shortcut to save money, others are just saying the paint doesn't hold up well to the conditions.

Most complaints come from those with a dark paint job, with colors like blue, black and red.

Don't Expect Any Help From Honda ∞

Honda issued a paint warranty extension for Dark Blue 2003-2005 Odyssey's back in May 2008. Honda issued a TSB to its dealers who were told to inspect the minivan for peeling, flaking or, in some cases on the hood and the roof, paint "coming off in sheets". Odyssey owners were sent the following note from Honda:

On certain 2003–05 Odysseys with dark blue (midnight blue pearl) paint, the paint could peel off from one or more horizontal (flat) surfaces and in recessed areas around the glass or the sliding doors. Because of this possible problem, the following areas of exterior paint on your vehicle are now covered for 7 years from its original purchase or lease date, with no mileage limit:

Roof (including under the tailgate, under the top edge of the sliding doors, and the top panel on the sliding doors)
Hood
Top half of the left and right quarter panels
Top half of the front fenders
If the paint on your vehicle is peeling or flaking in one or more of the areas listed above, take it to any Honda dealer for an inspection. If the dealer confirms the paint problem, and your vehicle is within the warranty time limit, they will arrange to have ALL possibly affected areas on your vehicle repainted, free of charge.

The warranty extension inexplicably does not cover the bumpers, front doors, bottom half of quarter panels, or the bottom half of fenders.

So what about those who don't own a 03-05 Odyssey, but are still having paint problems? Many are reporting bringing their car to an authorized dealer and being told it's normal wear and tear on the vehicle. Don't fall for it! While most modern OEM paint jobs, especially with darker colors like red, tend to oxidize and fade faster, this oxidation can typically be buffed and polished up. The flaking or paint "coming off in sheets", as Honda described it, is a much bigger problem. Here's the 4 top excuses given by Honda dealers:

• Don't wash the car as often
• Don't use harsh waxes
• Keep the car out of the sun
• Avoid Bird Poop

Good luck with those last two.

5 Most Complained About Hondas for Paint Issues ∞

Wrong. Very, very wrong ... at least at first. Read on to find out why and what Honda is doing about it now.

1. The 2015 Honda Fit Flunked Out of Safety School ∞

Instead of improving on previous model years, the 2015 Honda Fit's front bumper failed the IIHS small frontal overlap test in a way that would make the Ford Pinto cringe.

First, there was the issue of a steel bar, located inside the bumper, snapping and sending crash energy up towards the driver. This caused what the IIHS calls a "severe intrusion" of the driver area. Let's face it, there's no way to sugar coat that.

On top of that intrusion, the steering column moved upward during the crash. Noting like adding insult to injury with a nice little uppercut from the steering wheel.

If you're surprised that a Honda product could do so poorly in a crash test, you're not alone ... that brings us to our second point.

2. The Honda Fit Has a History of Front Bumper Problems ∞

For a company that so often toots its own safety horn, there's a disturbing trend with the Honda Fit that was seemingly ignored. See if you can spot it:

Year after year the Fit has received a "poor" rating for this safety test. While there' little doubt small cars have a tough time with this test, there didn't seem to be any sign of improvement from the team at Honda.

That is, until...

3. Honda Has Initiated a Bumper Replacement Program ∞

Honda was pretty embarrassed by their latest Fit-show (see what I did there?) and went back to the drawing board with their bumper design for the 2015 model year. The result? An upgrade in the safety rating from "poor" to "acceptable".

Honda says they won't issue an official recall, but they will notify owners of the 2015 Fit that they're eligible for a free bumper upgrade.

Owners can contact Honda at 800-999-1009 with questions.

4. The 2015 Fit Has Earned a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS ∞

In bumping their rating from "poor" to "acceptable", the 2015 can now be listed as an IIHS "Top Safety Pick." Side note: if they had used that type of grading system when I was in school, I would have been valedictorian.

Transmission failure in those model years is a widespread issue with the Honda Accord, Civic and Odyssey. The 2003 Honda Accord, 2001 Honda Civic and 2002 Honda Odyssey appear to be the worst years for transmission failure. Some quick stats:

• More than half of the reported transmission problems happen under 90,000 miles.
• 1 in 5 problems happen before the odometer hits 70,000 miles.
• Owners report an average repair cost of $2,291^[1].

This is one of the most common complaints on CarComplaints.com, which was recently quoted in an investigative article by the New York Times^[2] regarding these failing transmissions.

What Causes the Transmission Problem? ∞

If your engine revs up, but the car won't shift into gear or move it could be a defective torque converter. In fact, the majority of Honda owners with transmission problems are saying the torque converter is failing and essentially burning up the transmission fluid, rendering the entire transmission useless.

What is a torque converter and why does it cost so much? ∞

When you come to a stop in your vehicle, drivers with manual transmissions use a clutch to disconnect the engine from the transmission so your engine can continue to spin while your wheels do not. Drivers with automatic transmissions don't have a clutch and instead rely upon the torque converter to perform the same task.

A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling, which allows the engine to spin somewhat independently of the transmission. If the engine is turning slowly, such as when the car is idling at a stoplight, the amount of torque passed through the torque converter is very small, so keeping the car still requires only a light pressure on the brake pedal^[3].

Essentially, when the torque converter fails your car isn't going anywhere.

Common Signs Your Transmission is on the Fritz ∞

• Leaking Transmission Fluid
• Transmission Slips or Won't Engage
• Car Stutters or Jerks While Accelerating
• Transmission Pops in and out of Gear
• Check Engine Light is On
• Car Will Turn on but Can't Get it to Move

Preventing Transmission Problems with your Honda ∞

The automatic transmission is a complicated beast and is prone to problems. Any repair to an automatic transmission can be complicated and expensive. The following steps can help prevent transmission problems in many cases:

• Regularly look at your driveway or parking spot for transmission leaks.
• Change the fluid as your owner's manual suggests. Also change it out when it becomes too dark or dirty. Another reason to change it often it, you can only change about 65% of the fluid at any one time because there is always transmission fluid left in parts like the torque converter.
• Never shift to reverse or park while the car is moving forward.
• Always make sure to be holding down the brake when shifting from park to drive or reverse.

Is Honda Doing Anything to Fix the Problem? ∞

Honda has offered some owners out-of-warranty compensation for the transmission repairs. Rather than going through your local dealership, it's best to contact Honda Customer Service at (800) 999-1009 and ask for a "goodwill repair". If you can provide proof that you followed Honda's recommended maintenance schedule, Honda may offer to pay a portion of the repair bill -- typically 50%, although some 2003 vehicle owners have reported having up to 75% covered.

Watch out for Honda dealerships' abnormally high repair bill though. As one owner put it, "Honda has offered to cover half the repair cost. The problem is they want $5,000 to fix it. Are they nuts???" An independent repair shop will generally do the same replacement for $2,500 or less. Just make sure you get a comparable warranty on parts because the rebuilt replacement transmissions can fail just as quickly, if not sooner.

2004 Honda Transmission Recall ∞

In 2004, Honda finally admitted to the problem with a 600,000 vehicle recall^[4]. Honda decided to recall the transmissions, at an estimated cost of $153 million to the company, after finding “10 transmission failures” according to Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky. We're not sure where Mr. Schifsky is getting his information, because we've seen hundreds and hundreds of owner complaints. Honda later expanded the recall to include nearly 1.1 million vehicles. The models covered included:

• 2002-04 Odyssey
• 2003–04 Pilot
• 2001–02 Acura MDX
• 2003–04 Accord V-6
• 2000–04 Acura 3.2 TL
• 2001–03 Acura 3.2 CL

Unfortunately Honda's transmission repairs, especially for those engines that had less than 15k miles before the recall, were not guaranteed to keep working. According to the Wheels blog on NYtimes.com:

In a complaint filed with the Center for Auto Safety, Jeremy Berens of Vienna, Va., said his 2003 Accord was recalled when it had fewer than 15,000 miles on the odometer. But it failed in December, with the mileage at about 67,000, as he tried to merge onto a busy highway.
“I was nearly rear-ended and had no warning,” he wrote in his complaint. “Honda has not properly fixed the recall that occurred in 2004 and are failing to recognize that a problem exists.”
He said Honda agreed to pay 40 percent of the repair after the district manager interceded on his behalf, but it still cost him $2,750.

2006 Honda Transmission Class Action Settlement ∞

In 2006 a class-action lawsuit was settled against Honda in the Superior Court of California for Alameda County. The suit claimed that Honda misled consumers by selling them vehicles with defective transmissions. Honda settled the case without ever admitting a defect and denied the charges.

Owners covered in the lawsuit were given an extension of the transmission warranty to 93 months or 109,000 miles (whichever comes first), starting when the vehicle is first purchased or leased. According to court records, the plaintiff’s lawyers received nearly $5.5 million in addition to expenses, according to court records.

The models covered were the 2000–1 Accord; 1999–2001 Odyssey; 2000–1 Prelude; 1999–2 Acura 3.2 TL and 2001–2 Acura 3.2 CL. The problem is most of those vehicles are well past the 93-month time limit and some owners are unhappy because they're left to cover the bill when their transmissions fail outside the warranty extension, with repairs sometimes costing up to $4,000.

Honda sent a warranty extension letter to owners in September 2014 but that has since expired, leaving current owners with cracked blocks out-of-luck and asking for help.

What is an Engine Block? ∞

The engine block contains all the major components of the lower part of the motor. It's where the pistons move up and down and the crankshaft spins.

It got its name because it used to just be a block of metal, usually cast iron, with cylinder holes bored out of it. Nowadays the block is more commonly made out of aluminum alloy for its reduced weight and heat transmission properties.

Speaking of heat, coolant flows through the engine block to keep temperatures down which reduces stress on vital engine components.

While coolant leaks aren't uncommon, they usually come from a bad seal or hose. The 2006-2009 Civic actually develops a crack in the engine block itself, allowing coolant to leak out and spiking the engine temperature.

How can you tell if the engine block has cracked? ∞

1. The first and most obvious sign is any puddling of blue or green liquid under the engine when the car has been parked for a while.
2. Another warning sign is if the engine temperature gauge is reading higher than normal while driving. If the gauge's needle is above half or anywhere near the red warning area it'd be safest to pull over and let the engine cool down before driving to a certified mechanic.
3. Lastly you can look for an actual crack although it can be hard to spot. What isn't hard to miss, however, is the presence of coolant on the block itself.

Where does the Civic engine block usually crack? ∞

According to Honda's technical service bulletin (TSB #10-048) the cracks can usually be found on the back side of the engine beneath the oil/air separator.

Honda Extends the Civic Engine Warranty ∞

Honda sent a letter to owners in September of 2014 (SB #10056874-5168) to announce an extension of the engine's warranty to 10 years and unlimited mileage.

The extension was an indication the problem was widespread enough for concern, but an official recall was never issued because Honda indicated it may or may not happen. While letters were sent out to owners an automaker is not required to make notifications of warranty extensions unlike a recall.

Warranty details ∞

• Valid on all 2006-2008 Civics, as well as some early 2009 models.
• It does not include the hybrid or Civic Si variants. It also excludes any vehicle that has been declared a total loss or sold for salvage.
• The 10 years is from the original date of purchase.

A free engine replacement or reimbursement for qualified owners ∞

If an owner believed their engine block was cracked and leaking coolant they could contact any authorized Honda dealership for an inspection.

If a crack was found, the block will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the owner. Of course, Honda also mentioned that during the inspection your dealer may recommend replacing other parts that are worn and these will not be covered. Nice.

If an owner previously paid for an engine block repair or replacement, they might be eligible for a reimbursement if the work was done by an authorized Honda mechanic or the owner can prove the work was done only using Honda genuine parts by calling Honda at 800-999-1009.

The Extended Warranty Has Expired, Now What? ∞

Now that all the covered vehicles were sold over 10 years ago, what options do owners have if this problem pops up? Unfortunately not many, and certainly don't expect any help from Honda.

Some owners have had success finding uncracked engine blocks in salvage yards or having a 3rd-party mechanic drain the system and try to patch the crack directly. Others said they simply drove the cars as long as they could and then sold them or traded them in for whatever they could get.

Oil Consumption Class Action Lawsuit ∞

A lawsuit claimed that Honda produced 1,593,755 vehicles that excessively burn oil and need frequent spark plug changes, and hid it from consumers:

A systematic design defect that enables oil to enter into the engine's combustion chamber. This leads to premature spark plug degradation and engine malfunction.

Honda denied the allegation, despite issuing a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #11-033) in July 2011 that quietly acknowledged the problem.

The TSB states that "the VCM (variable cylinder management) may be repeatedly switching on and off during light throttle operation, at cruising speeds, on flat roads." Essentially, the engine is working much harder than it has to in normal driving conditions.

In fact, if your commute doesn't consist of climbing through the Rockies, you're probably going to see more oil consumption than normal.

The Settlement ∞

On October 22, 2013, Honda America agreed to settle the class-action suit. As part of the settlement, Honda extended the powertrain warranty on these models for eight years from the time of purchase or lease with no mileage limits. Honda also offered to reimburse customers who had to pay out-of-pocket expenses for related repairs such as spark plugs, pistons or even entirely new engines (with limitations).

The settlement was reached after U.S. District Judge Susan Illston declined Honda's motion to force arbitration on the case in Oct. 2012. The judge found that Honda was a third-party non-signatory to a contract and therefore may not compel arbitration under the terms of the contract.

The settlement covers the following vehicles equipped with six-cylinder engines (U.S. models only):

• 2008-12 Accord
• 2008-13 Odyssey
• 2009-13 Pilot
• 2010-11 Accord Crosstour
• 2012 Crosstour

That's a great start, but we've also received complaints from owners of the following vehicles who should get the same benefits: 2009–10 Pilot (All), 2011 Pilot 2WD (Some), 2011 Pilot 4WD (Some). Have another vehicle you think should be covered?

To verify your vehicle is covered, you can call Honda at (800) 999-1009 and provide them with your VIN. You can also bring your car into a certified Honda mechanic.

The Complaints Keep Rolling In ∞

Excessive oil consumption in Honda's is one of the top complaints submitted to CarComplaints.com. In fact, the problem was listed as the worst problem in the top problem trends of 2012.

The majority of complaints say that they were told from Honda and dealership mechanics that it was normal for a powertrain to burn a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The class-action suit claims Honda refused to honor its warranties and instead told people to check their oil every time they stop for gas. Yep, "normal".

"When I get an oil change, I would need to add at least 2 quarts of oil before the next oil change is do. It started off with adding oil the very next month after a new oil change! That is so ridiculous." Rosaline E. of Raleigh, NC told CarComplaints.com. "The only way I would know that I needed more oil was there would be a burning smell coming from the car and a knocking noise. My oil light indicator would never light up-which is another malfunction."

The hearing was held on March 16th, 2012 and the potential payout was as underwhelming as the car's fuel economy performance. At the time you were only eligible for a $100 cash payment plus a coupon as low as $500 towards another non-Civic Hybrid Honda. But wait, there's more! Class members also received a "fuel economy video describing ways to maximize and optimize vehicle fuel economy." In other words, a video that insists that you're a bad driver.

Don't all jump up at once. Thankfully, there was another option.

The Peters vs Honda Lawsuit ∞

Heather Peters, an angry Civic Hybrid owner from California, was a bit miffed when she learned that the class-action settlement would only give her a "goodie bag" of coupons and videos. Meanwhile, the trial lawyers received $8.5 million dollars.

Yes, $8.5 million.

So instead, Peters planned on something a little bolder. She sued Honda directly in small claims court. Outside of a little elbow grease, there are multiple benefits to this approach. Each state is different, but generally follow the same guidelines. In California:

• Honda can't hire a high-priced attorney to represent them.
• Peters can receive up to $10,000 in compensation.

Peters' Argument ∞

Peters made her argument in court on January 3rd, 2012. She claimed Honda knowingly deceived her by advertising an MPG rating that is unattainable in real-world driving scenarios. She said the sales staff proudly displayed "50 MPG" but didn't tell her that rating didn't include doing things like stopping at stop signs. Minor details like that.

I think we all understand that the EPA estimates are just that: estimates. But Peters claims she regularly gets a combined MPG under 30, which is roughly equivalent to what you can expect from a non-hybrid Civic. She said if she had known that up front, she wouldn't have bothered with the Hybrid and all its headaches.

Honda's Argument ∞

Honda's defense was that the EPA does independent testing of fuel economy and requires that their results are displayed on the window stickers.

“We have no choice but to use the EPA figures. We have to put these numbers on the label,” argued technical specialist Neil Schmidt of Honda.

A good argument … except it's wrong. The EPA says that the federal mileage testing provides only the maximum number a maker may quote. If a vehicle is more likely to deliver 35 in real-world conditions an automaker has the right to go with that figure, though sticking with an EPA-sanctioned 40 MPG is more likely to catch a consumer’s eye.

Maybe Honda should change their argument to: "But everyone else is doing it."

The Verdict ∞

On February 1st, 2012, Heather Peters was successful in her landmark case against Honda for making false claims about fuel economy in the Civic Hybrid. As it turns out, one person with a strong case (and good deal of bravado can strike a blow against a major automotive manufacturer).

Out of a possible $10,000 dollars, the maximum award in California small claims court, Peters was awarded $9,687. Hopefully Honda will use the remaining $313 dollars they didn't have to pay towards fuel economy research. Or a new marketing team.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” Peters wrote in an e-mail Wednesday night. “It’s a victory for Civic Hybrid owners and consumers everywhere! Sometimes big justice comes in small packages.”

Honda has already announced they plan on appealing. The appeal process goes through a Superior Court where the defendant is allowed legal representation, meaning Honda can bring in their fancy-suit lawyers to fight on their behalf. This removes one of the key advantages of small claims court for individuals like Peters. Is she worried?

“I’m confident that we will be able to put on an even stronger case this time.” Ms. Peters wrote.

Being a former lawyer probably doesn't hurt.

How to Sue an Auto Manufacturer (and Win) ∞

Heather Peters is confident that others can follow her lead and sue automotive manufacturers if they make false claims or fail to fix obvious defects. She even has a website which is a helpful resource for those looking for more information.

“I want them to know they can file in Small Claims Court and that it is not so scary,” Peters said.

Want to take it a step further? Over at jalopnik.com, Ben Popken wrote a great piece outlining the steps you need to take to sue an automaker in small claims court and win using the Peters case as an example.

A New Era of Litigation? ∞

Some lawyers say that depending on the result, Peters might inspire a whole new litigation strategy for the average consumer taking on the auto industry. Working together but filing lawsuits independently, consumers could force companies to go one on one with individual plaintiffs all over the country.

“If I prevail and get $10,000, they have 200,000 of these cars out there. That's a potential payout of $2 billion.” she said.

Read more about the entire story, visit Peters' website or, if you like goodie bags, read up on the class action lawsuit.

On CarComplaints.com, the 2008 and 2009 Accords have a combined total of 1,204 complaints about the rear brakes (as of late July 2010).

What is Causing These Reported Brake Problems ∞

A front-wheel drive car, like the Accord, will normally have rear brake pads that wear down at a ratio of 2-to-1 compared to the front pads. So when a large cross-section of 2008–2009 Accord owners began reporting worn rear brake pads in as few as 12k miles, clearly something with the braking system was defective.

One theory is that with the last major Accord model redesign in 2008, Honda switched to brake pads that were too small for the now heavier Accord. It's also possible that Honda switched to using a softer pad material to keep rotor wear down or used organic brake pads to minimize brake dust. Whatever the reason, the rapid decrease in braking power once you drive a new Accord off the lot is historically bad.

The 2008 & newer Honda Accord uses a new "Electronic Brake Distribution" or EBD system. While EBD makes braking safer, the Accord's new braking system is partly to blame for the premature brake wear.

This problem was listed as the 6th worst problem on CarComplaints.com's "Top Vehicle Problem Trends of 2012".

Honda Settles Brake Wear Class Action Lawsuit ∞

A class-action lawsuit was filed against Honda in September 2009 seeking restitution for 750,000 late model Accord and Acura TSX owners. The suit described a design defect in Honda's new Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system which leads to excessive force on the rear brake pads, which results in a vastly reduced lifespan of the pads from 70,000 miles to under 20,000 miles!

The suit claims that the average total cost to fix is about $150, but if the rotors were damaged (a likely scenario), the price can spike all the way to $650 or more.

Honda has agreed to settle the suit without actually admitting a defect exists, or admitting responsibility or any wrongdoing. However Honda has agreed to provide cash to affected Accord owners. If the settlement gains final approval by the US court, it will allow owners and lessees of the Class Vehicles to submit claims for cash reimbursement for two types of repairs:

• Improved Rear Brake Pads / EBD Adjustment: Owners and lessees can pay to have newly redesigned Honda brake pads installed & also dealers can make adjustments to the EBD system. Owners will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket costs for this work up to $150.
• Previous Rear Brake Repairs: Owners and lessees will also be able to claim reimbursements for money they spent purchasing or installing rear brake pads, regardless of whether the brake pads were Honda/Acura or aftermarket. Reimbursements for prior rear brake pad replacements will be 50% of the repair costs, or up to $125 per repair, whichever is less. There is no limit on the number of rear brake repairs that can be claimed.

The settlement was given final court approval on July 26th, 2010. Additional resources on that settlement include:

• AccordSettlement.com — the official court settlement info website
• Honda Accord & Acura TSX Rear Brake Class Action — information from Girard Gibbs LLP

How Much Will it Cost Me? ∞

Owners who have already needed brake replacements will reportedly receive only one half of the cost of repairs, up to a maximum of $125. Other owners will receive $150 towards the cost of a set of new rear brake pads that Honda says will last longer than the units being replaced. Honda has dished out about $2 million dollars to the law firm handling the case and could in total pay up to well over $100 million if all affected owners receive new brakes.

Save money by ordering parts yourself through our affiliate Auto Parts Warehouse! Have the product shipped for free and then bring it in for installation.

Soft Brakes Recall ∞

Vehicles Affected: 412,000 2007 – 2008 Odyssey and Element, manufactured between July 28, 2006, and August 21, 2008.

Honda notified the NHTSA of a defect in these vehicles where air can enter the VSA modular pump during an initial self-check process that occurs shortly after each time the engine is started. Over time, too much air can enter the system resulting in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor.

The danger really sets in if the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, because the system accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

After April 19, 2010, owners can determine if their vehicles are being recalled by going to http://www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option number four.

Warning Signs of Soft Brake Issues ∞

Drivers who fear that they've lost braking power should have their dealer check the brakes. Certified Honda technicians should be able to put plastic caps and sealant over two small holes in the device to stop the air from getting in.

Similarly, the CarComplaints.com network started receiving numerous first-hand accounts and photos regarding the issue.