Complaint Review: American Honda - Torrance California

2006 Honda Civic “Engine Block Crack”

Technical Service Bulletin 10-048:   The problem: The engine block may leak coolant, resulting in engine overheating.

Corrective action: Dealers will replace the engine block free of charge.

Warranty info: Repairs will be done under an extended warranty (10 years from the original date of purchase, no mileage limits).

My 2006 Honda Civic was purchased August 14, 2006.

On the date of August 12, 2016 (Friday) at or around 5:40 pm EST. the vehicle broke down in motion and was unable to drive due to something involving the engine.

The vehicle was towed by AAA to our local repair facility.  On Monday morning August 15, 2016 the vehicle was diagnosed as having a cracked engine block.

With the information I had on hand I contacted American Honda as Consumer Reports advised.

Aug 15, 2006:  I spoke with a couple friendly reps. I received a case number and was told the vehicle was under warranty and contact the local dealership and inform them of the break down date and tow records.  The rep did tell me the warranty had expired on Sunday the day before my call.

I immediately called the dealership (Leith Honda-Raleigh) Service Dept.  I spoke with a Service Advisor who asked for the Vin#.  He initially stated that the Honda’s Vin did not show any recalls/warranty for Cracked Engine Blocks.  I informed him that I just got off the phone with American Honda and they stated “yes”.  However, expired yesterday and to inform him of the mechanical breakdown date.  Long story short not covered.

I called American Honda back and was informed to have the Honda towed to Leith Honda for diagnoses.  The next morning Tuesday Aug 16, 2016 the Honda was towed to Leith Honda.

One week and a day later (Aug 24, 2016) the Service Advisor called and left a message that it was a Cracked Engine Block.  They spoke with some District person and offered us 90% of the cost of repair.  I am to pay 10% of the repair.  My estimated cost $375.00

I spoke with the Service Advisor and tried to explain to him the warranty was for 100% and the breakdown date.

He stated that the warranty would have been in effect if it was originally towed to Leith Honda.  Leith Honda did not want to see the AAA tow records.

I called back to American Honda (Aug 24, 2016) and informed them of same.  American Honda assigned a Case Manager.  The case Manager called the next day and asked me to fax him copies of the tow records.  The tow records were faxed within an hour.

On Tuesday (Aug 30, 2016) I called the Case Manager to be only informed that American Honda is accepting Leith Honda’s views on the repair cost and warranty date.  Even though there was proof of Mechanical Breakdown during the warranty period.

Thursday (Sept 01, 2016) Leith Honda Service has called and informed us that we need a Head Cylinder @$2840.00 we are to pay 50%.  I asked how was that damaged.  I was told the damage was due to overheating.  He agreed it was because of the faulty Engine Block.  We are also to pay 10% for Coils at $391.42.  The Motor mount and bracket was damaged but does not have to be repaired right now.

TSB:  States to replace the coils if damaged.  We should not have to pay for this.

TSN: States to check the Cylinder Head for damage.  If damage is found (Online, enter keywords HEAD INSPECT, and select CYLINDER HEAD INSPECTION for Warpage. [R18A1 and R18A4] from the list and do steps 2 and 3).

We should also not be paying for the replacement of the Cylinder Head.

The case manager at American Honda is supposed to call tomorrow.

Case manager called he is still agreeing with American Honda.  Case Manager stated there is no appeal and no else I can talk to above him.

Sept 06, 2016 Spoke with a rep and Case Manager at American Honda that stated if the vehicle was towed to Leith Honda I would be covered for 100%.

Sept 07, 2016 Service advisor at Leith Honda also stated if the vehicle was towed to Honda dealership we would be covered at 100%.

The Warranty is for 10 years/unlimited miles and the Engine Block Mechanical Failure happened in the warranty period.

I made a BBB dispute against American Honda.  They responded on Sept 21, 2016 the vehicle was out of warranty.

Honda keeps stating the vehicle was out of warranty.

Clearly they know the vehicle was under warranty at the breakdown.  Facts of the breakdown was faxed to them.  Records from AAA were sent about the tow.

Their national number to call for warranties issues reference to Engine Block Crack failure were closed over the weekend.