Honda Warranty Questions

I'm curious about anyone's experience with Honda's warranties.

I bought a brand new Rubicon. Had it for less then 2 months, drove it 42 miles. Then the engine died. I returned it to the dealer who torn into it and discovered the piston had shattered and in so doing also destroyed the crankshaft. The dealer agrees there was a major defect in the motor, however they can not proceed until Honda tells them what to do.

I do not want them to rebuild the motor. There is no way I could trust that motor again or believe that every piece of metal was removed. Honda has told them that they have to check and see if new motors are available. I either want a new motor, and I mean BRAND NEW, or I believe they should replace the entire quad with a new one.

[David]

Where did you buy it? I think they should either give you a new motor or a new quad, too!

[ego]

I agree with David........But if Honda will ONLY rebuild the engine then they should warranty that rebuilt as a new engine. Whatever they do be sure to get any and all warranties, even those implied, IN WRITING!!

[luvsandpits]

Originally posted by ego@May 16 2004, 09:53 PM
I agree with David........But if Honda will ONLY rebuild the engine then they should warranty that rebuilt as a new engine. Whatever they do be sure to get any and all warranties, even those implied, IN WRITING!!

newfhntr
I do not want them to rebuild the motor. There is no way I could trust that motor again or believe that every piece of metal was removed. Honda has told them that they have to check and see if new motors are available. I either want a new motor, and I mean BRAND NEW, or I believe they should replace the entire quad with a new one.

Coming from an automotive background, let me shed some light on this subject ... it is at Hondas discression to rebuild or replace the motor assembly ... you definatly will not get a new quad from this ... this is general practice, from any dealership ... if done properly, you should get many miles of worry free riding ... it's possible there was a defect in one of the internal parts ... if manufactures made perfect vehicles, we would have been out of work many years ago.

As a thought, how many times was the oil and filter changed during your 42 miles ... did you have the dealership do the first service ... did you adjust the valves after the first several hours running time ... reason I ask is a good tech may have been able to pick up on an internal engine noise and prevented the damage you described.

Hope all turns out well.

Dont have any experience with honda warranty etc but most mfg would or should allow the engine swap on such a new vehicle etc if the owner insists on nothing less. Not all of course.


"The squeeky wheel gets the grease"

[luvsandpits]

Originally posted by 440ex4me@May 17 2004, 12:15 AM
most mfg would or should allow the engine swap on such a new vehicle etc if the owner insists on nothing less

Lenny, the manufacturer is only obligated to correct the problem ... it is up to corporate to decide if it's repaired or replaced ... look at it this way ... would you replace the gearbox, case, crank and rod because your 440 needed a piston ... if you wouldn't go thru the unnecessary expense, why would a dealer ?

Originally posted by luvsandpits+May 17 2004, 06:31 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (luvsandpits @ May 17 2004, 06:31 AM)</div>

Lenny, the manufacturer is only obligated to correct the problem ... it is up to corporate to decide if it's repaired or replaced ... look at it this way ... would you replace the gearbox, case, crank and rod because your 440 needed a piston ... if you wouldn't go thru the unnecessary expense, why would a dealer ?

[/b]

The dealer will only do more than they have to if they are being pushed to etc, and then it doesnt allways work either.

I remember a problem I had with a dodge dealer in the past where the problem (crushed lead wires that were sandwhiched between the head and block) was caused during a previous warranty repair on a head gasket. Seems that if I didnt threaten them with anything I could think of they would have hit me with a 500.00 bill for them to fix something they screwed up.

It never hurts to ask, demand or just sit in the showroom screaming your lungs out

[Kelynsdad]

First time I heard of a Honda having a problem like this . My Uncle's 20 year old 200x is still alive and kicking and never rebuilt the motor yet.

The issue still is not settled. But we're making headway. Honda says that replacement engines are not available, so they want to rebuild it. My dealer on the other hand says that in their 20+ years of of service they have never seen anything this bad and they have no idea of what could have caused it. They want to put in a new motor and have asked me to give it a couple more days so they can work on the district service rep.

So the best thing going for me is at least the dealer and I are on the same page. I'm sure he will make it right!

I will keep everyone updated.

[luvsandpits]

Originally posted by newfhntr@May 18 2004, 08:27 PM
They want to put in a new motor and have asked me to give it a couple more days so they can work on the district service rep.

So the best thing going for me is at least the dealer and I are on the same page. I'm sure he will make it right!

I will keep everyone updated.

you should speak to the OWNER of the dealership ... tell him you are VERY dissatisfied with Honda overall, and how your claim is being handled ... if you still get nowhere, tell them you want the name and phone number of the zone rep ... if they still argue with you, call corporate Honda ... DON'T BACK DOWN ... they are playing with YOUR money, not theirs