honda vehicle

Honda Vehicles Recalled Over Failed Backup Camera

Honda has recalled nearly 1.2 million cars due to problems in the connection signals and image appearance of the backend camera. Safety risks related to rearview camera failure are the main drivers of the recall.

Let’s take a deeper look at the recall details and compensations made by Honda.

Why NHTSA Opted For A Recall?

Different measures have been taken in the USA to curb road accidents and road safety insurance. In 2018, rearview cameras were officially mandated and reduced 17% of back over car crashes. However, about 1.2 million Honda Vehicles were reported with potential faults in these mandatory cameras. This resulted in a recall by Honda automakers filed with NHTSA. The company received 273,870 warranty claims related to rearview camera issues between May 2017 and June 2023. The improper design of the Communication Coaxial Cable was the cause of mass failure and led to a recall. Fortunately, no injuries or death has been reported so far.

Models Included In the Recall

The following models of Honda Company are subjected to the recall:

  • Honda Odysseys (year 2018 – 2023)
  • Honda Pilots (year 2019 – 2022)
  • Honda Passports (year 2019 – 2023)

Although Honda specialists will need to inspect all the suspected units, the NHTSA anticipates that just around half of the 1,198,280 vehicles have defective cables. The company’s engineers were tasked with determining the root cause of the camera’s failure and devising the best possible solution.

Reported Problems and Follow-Ups by Honda

After a thorough inspection, the automakers, in the recall statement, confirmed that the defective design of the coaxial cable (communication cable of Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST)) and its poor manufacturing resulted in the loss of signal connections between the vehicle cable connector and audio display unit. This may result in cutting off screen power or even a backup camera stoppage. Some owners also lodged complaints about the crackling and popping sound and flickering of the screen.

In 2019, the company took action against the report of infotainment screen flickering. Honda told the TE Connectivity (cable suppliers) to increase the cable length for better connection to the display unit. The automakers also asked the manufacturing units to use waterproof couplers to solve the connectivity problems. However, all the efforts were futile and ultimately forced the company to initiate the recall.

Instructions for the Dealers

Until 2023, the company did not recognize complete camera failure, but now it is recalling the vehicles and offering compensation. Dealers will be instructed to install the improved version of coaxial cable to ensure the best terminal connections. In addition, straightening covers will be added to the cable connectors, according to NHTSA. The company may also order the dealership to stop selling the affected model years without eliminating the issue. The recall statement has provided the dates of 24 July to 2 August for official notification.

If you face similar issues with your Honda, call (833) Lemon firm. Our experienced attorneys may be able to seek compensation from automakers for defects covered under warranty.

Honda

Safety Concern: Vehicles Recalled By Honda Due to Faulty Seatbelts

Honda recently announced the recalling of 500,000 vehicles, mainly including Accords, Odysseys, and CR-Vs. The issue was related to unlatching the seatbelt, making drivers prone to harmful accidents or injuries. In their official report, Honda stated that the coating on the buckle is likely to get ruined after a while, along with the ineffectiveness of the release button. Over a period of nearly 3 years, Honda received 300 warranty claims regarding this problem. However, no serious injuries were reported at the time, so the cars were not recalled previously. 

Car Models That Are Recalled

These are the main Honda models that you should look out for: 

  1. 2018/19 Honda Accord Hybrid 
  2. 2018/19 Honda Accord 
  3. 2019 Honda Insight 
  4. 2018/19 Honda Odyssey
  5. 2017/20 Honda CR-V 

Damages That Defective Seatbelts Can cause

As Honda stated, their seatbelts were having problems with unlatching. During low temperatures, friction, too, would cause difficulties with opening the seatbelt. In emergencies, this might cause the passenger to be stuck under the seatbelt for a long time. In case it unlatches randomly, that’s when most injuries happen. During accidents, the passenger might go into the windshield of the car! Even worse, an individual can be thrown out of the vehicle, which can cause severe head and neck injuries. 

How Honda Handled This Issue?

Since the consequences of faulty seatbelts were extremely hazardous, Honda decided that their dealerships would change the seatbelt buttons of the front seat. This will help in a smooth release of the buckle. Moreover, the dealer can also replace the buckle assembly if that is what you want. Fortunately, this will be done free of cost.

If you have any of the above car models, you can go to a Honda dealership nearby and get the seatbelts fixed! In their safety call report, Honda also stated that the owners of these cars would be contacted automatically, so you should be mindful of any emails or calls by Honda.

Preventative Measures

If you own those specific affected car models, you must do a safety check of the seatbelts. Ensure they are fastened and completely latched so you don’t slip out. Sometimes the fabric of the seatbelt can be thin, causing it to be worn out quickly if it is stretched too much. Also, you can get your fabric replaced if the buckle is working just fine. In case the buckle is not working properly, you must get it changed as soon as possible. 

Bottom Line

Injuries caused by safety belt failures should not be taken lightly. These injuries can even lead to paralyzed body parts or even death. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to take care of the issue and not authorize such vehicles. Before purchasing a new car, you must go over the safety hazards and discuss them with the dealers if there are any doubt’s regarding the vehicle’s safety. 

If you are facing safety concerns like this, you can reach out to us at the Lemon firm. Our skilled attorneys have successfully won lawsuits against automakers and brought justice to suffering clients. Contact us at 833-LEMON FIRM to speak with a Lemon Law expert today.

Honda

Turbocharged Troubles? Honda Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Engine Defects

You may have seen recent headlines about a class action lawsuit alleging that Honda failed to disclose an engine oil dilution defect in its newer CR-V, Civic, and Accord models. If you own a Honda vehicle with a turbo direct injection engine, you may be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit claims that the engines contain a defect that can cause numerous problems, ranging from decreased fuel efficiency to complete engine failure. 

Here’s what you need to know about whether this oil dilution class action lawsuit could affect you and how to tackle it!

A Brief Story Behind the Headlines

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court on behalf of Honda owners nationwide, claims that I-DTEC engines are defective. In addition, it will eventually cause stalling, reduced power, and unexpected shutdowns. The plaintiff, Honda owner Jonathan Moodie, says he began experiencing engine problems shortly after purchasing his 2018 Honda Civic Type R. Moodie took his car to a Honda dealership for diagnosis and was told that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The cost of the repairs was not covered under warranty, so Moodie had to pay out of pocket. On March 12th, Honda agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that certain Honda vehicles contain a defect that causes the engine to stall without warning. 

What Is the Lawsuit About?

The suit alleges that the affected Honda vehicles’ engines consume oil at an alarming rate and that drivers must frequently add oil between oil changes. The main cause of the problem is said to be an issue with the engine’s piston rings, specifically that there is an excessive gap between them. This issue causes oil to enter the combustion chamber, where it gets burned off, leading to the engine consuming more oil than it should. 

Impacts of the Honda Dilution Lawsuit

The impacts of the Honda Dilution Lawsuit are far-reaching and could have severe consequences for the automotive industry. If the lawsuit is successful, it could set a precedent that would make it easier for other companies to pursue similar cases. It could lead to a situation where automakers are constantly embroiled in litigation, which would be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, it could make it more difficult for companies to protect their trademarks, as courts would likely find that they had been diluted.

As a result, the automotive industry would become less efficient and less innovative. The Honda Dilution Lawsuit has the potential to upend the way that the automotive industry does business, so its impacts should not be underestimated. The class action lawsuit applies to anyone who owns a 2017-2019 Honda Civic turbo or a 2018-2019 Honda CR-V turbo. You can check here if you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected.

Honda Oil Dilution Lawsuit Benefits

The lawsuit alleges that Honda knew about and failed to disclose a defect that caused oil dilution in affected vehicles. This can lead to engine damage and decreased fuel economy. If the settlement covers your car, you may be eligible for one or more of the following benefits:

  • Reimbursement for past repairs related to oil dilution issues.
  • An extended warranty on certain engine components, covering repairs related to oil dilution.
  • A voucher toward the purchase or lease of a new Honda vehicle.

Lawsuit Effects on Honda Owners and Drivers

Honda is in the middle of an oil dilution lawsuit that has affected Honda owners and drivers. Honda has acknowledged that some of their engines may have an issue with oil diluting the gasoline, which can cause engine seizures and failure. The effects of the Honda oil dilution lawsuit are still uncertain, but it could significantly impact Honda owners and drivers.

Depending on the lawsuit’s outcome, Honda prices could go up, quality could go down, or both. It is unclear how much Honda will have to pay out in damages, but the company has already set aside millions of dollars to cover the cost of repairs. Honda owners can also expect their resale values to decline due to the lawsuit. In addition, Honda’s reputation may suffer, leading to a decline in future sales.

Dilution of Oil: What Are the Symptoms?

As a result, it’s essential to be aware of the potential symptoms of dilution of oil, such as:

  • Problems with lubrication, leading to increased wear and tear on engine parts. 
  • It can also lead to sludge buildup, which can clog filters and cause engine failure. 
  • The efficacy of anti-foam and corrosion inhibitors is reduced, making engines more susceptible to these problems. 
  • Decreased engine performance.
  • Increased oil consumption and poor fuel economy. 

By understanding these symptoms, you can take steps to avoid Diluting your oil and ensure that your engine runs smoothly.

Checking If Your Honda Is Affected 

The lawsuit covers any Honda vehicle with a turbocharged engine, sold or leased. This includes popular models like the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Many Honda owners are concerned about their vehicles’ oil dilution. This is when your car’s gasoline gets into the oil, causing the oil to become diluted. This can happen while the vehicle is being driven or even parked and turned off. Oil dilution can cause several problems, including decreased engine life, increased fuel consumption, and reduced performance. 

Affected By the Lawsuit – How to Tackle?

To find out if your vehicle is included in the lawsuit, you can visit the website representing the plaintiffs. All you need to do is enter your vehicle’s VIN, and the website will let you know if your car is affected. You can also find out more information about the case on the website. If you believe that your Honda vehicle has been affected by this defect, you should take it to a Honda dealer as soon as possible to have it repaired. The repair will be performed free of charge, regardless of whether or not the lawsuit covers your vehicle. 

Bottom Line

According to the lawsuit, plaintiffs allege that they’ve experienced various vehicle problems, including sudden acceleration, engine stalling, and power loss. If you have experienced these issues or any others surrounding your hybrid or EV, please call one of our case analysts for a consultation at (833) Lemon Firm.

Honda

Honda Class Action Lawsuit Over Defective Idle Stop Feature

According to a proposed class action lawsuit, certain Honda and Acura vehicles are equipped with a defective “idle stop” feature that shuts off the engine instead of idling, and then restarts the engine when the accelerator pedal is pushed down.

The class action alleges, 2016 to 2020 model year Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, Acura TLX, and Acura MDX vehicles, i.e., the class vehicles, are equipped with a defective “idle stop” feature that causes the cars to suddenly become temporarily disabled. As per the drivers, the engine idle stop function is unreliable and often fails to restart the engine when the brake pedal is released.

Which Honda Models Are Affected?

A class action lawsuit was filed this week by Honda and Acura owners alleging the Idle stop feature doesn’t work. Additionally, not only do some Honda models not start back up but do not start by pushing the Start button.

Affected Honda models include its model year 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, Acura TLX, and Acura MDX, according to the class action.

NHTSA is investigating these issues which originally involved only Honda Pilot models. Honda also received similar complaints about the Odyssey, Acura TLX, and MDX. These all vehicles are now part of the lawsuit.

Here’s the Honda official statement describing its idle stop system, “The Honda idle-stop feature maximizes your fuel efficiency when your vehicle is idling. If you’re stationary for more than two seconds, such as in stop-and-go traffic, the engine will shut off; many of the vehicle’s functions, such as the A/C, will continue to power on smoothly. Merely release the brake to start up the engine again!”

‘Defective’ Idle Stop Feature Leaves Vehicles Temporarily Disabled

As per the lawsuit, idle stop defect is subject to “sudden and unexpected failure” causing the vehicle to become inoperable. 

The lawsuit claims that Honda has marketed the affected vehicles as safe, but owners were never informed about “significant safety risk” due to idle stop defects. The lawsuit says drivers have submitted hundreds of complaints about the issue to NHTSA describing serious safety concerns.

The lawsuit alleges that automakers have had “longstanding knowledge” of the idle stop defect in the affected vehicles yet did nothing to fix the issue or compensate owners for lost value or the costs of repairing their cars.

“Each purchaser or lessee of a Class Vehicle unwittingly paid for a vehicle with an undisclosed and significant safety defect,” the complaint reads. “Each of these purchasers and lessees were damaged in that they paid more for their Class Vehicles than they would have paid had they known about the Idle Stop Defect or in that they would not have purchased or leased their Class Vehicles at all had they been informed of the defect[.]”

Why Can’t The Dealers Fix The Problem?

As per dealerships, Honda was aware of the problem and offered no fix. The lawsuit also alleges that despite knowing the issue, the automaker won’t issue a recall, won’t extend the warranties, and won’t offer a solution to stop the issue.

In March, Honda also recalled 32,000 of its Honda Talon 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles over concerns they were manufactured with intake funnel band screws that could loosen, leading to engine failure.

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

airbag

Honda Takata Airbags Lawsuit

By: Nicole Halavi

Recently, Honda was forced to pay out $5 million to settle allegations that the automaker failed to properly handle the deadly Takata airbags installed in 2001-2016 Honda vehicles. Reports show that most of the deaths from the exploding airbag inflators occurred in Honda vehicles, the last known death occurring in August 2020 after the Arizona driver of a 2002 Honda Civic was killed by shrapnel from the fractured airbag inflator.

Officials say that around 40,000 defective Takata airbags are still in vehicles on the road because many owners have yet to take their cars to the dealer for a free airbag inflator replacement. The settlement may award up to $2.1 million in gift cards to those drivers who haven’t had their Takata airbags replaced. The gift cards are essentially being used as an incentive to get these drivers to take their cars to the dealer for repairs.

The suit also alleges that Honda should have warned consumers about the defective airbags by September 2012, however the automaker did not do so until November 2015. Thus, because Arizona drivers have ignored the recall notices sent out over the last 5 years, Honda must dish out upwards of $2 million. The automaker will mail out $150 gift cards to owners of vehicles equipped with Alpha inflators, and $50 gift cards to owners of vehicles equipped with non-Alpha inflators.

Honda must also pay $650,000 to continue informing consumers of the recall and to encourage drivers to get their defective airbags replaced. The automaker is also obligated to pay $100,000 to Arizona for other outreach efforts and $500,000 as payment to the State. Lastly, Honda must pay restitution to more than 15,000 Arizona consumers who purchased a Honda or Acura vehicle equipped with these defective Takata airbags between September 2012 and November 2015.

What Can I Do if My Honda is Equipped With a Takata Airbag?

If you are driving a Honda equipped with a Takata airbag that is exhibiting any of the above-mentioned issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the defective Takata airbags in Honda vehicles discussed above and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

honda infotainment and software systems

Honda Infotainment & Software Problems

By: Nicole Halavi

A recent class-action lawsuit filed against Honda alleges the automaker has been manufacturing defective infotainment systems in several Honda CR-V models. While Honda claims the infotainment system serves as a technological advancement to make driving safer, affected drivers say otherwise. Plaintiffs in the suit allege the malfunctioning screens are nothing but a distraction as they “dim and go dark, freeze, or shine at full brightness, causing driver distraction and rendering the information center inoperable.” This defect poses a significant safety risk as the issue occurs repeatedly and unexpectedly.

Although Honda has been made aware of this problem, the automaker continues to conceal the defect from consumers and Honda dealerships repeatedly fail to properly repair the screens when owners bring in their vehicles. The plaintiffs argue Honda breached the implied warranty of merchantability as these defects compromise the ability to safely operate the vehicle.

Several months after the class action was filed, Honda issues a recall for nearly 608,000 vehicles because of instrument panel software problems. The recall affected the 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles with defective instrument panel control modules. The software issues cause the instrument panels to fail to display information needed to safely operate the vehicles.

Honda first discovered the issue in May 2019 due to an increase in warranty claims because of instrument panel failures. Ultimately, investigations concluded that the instrument panel software was causing these failures. Because the instrument panels are linked to the vehicle’s central networks, this defect can also affect proper functioning of the engine oil pressure, speedometer, and gear selector position indicators. When there is increased data traffic on the central networks because of errors in software programming, the instrument panel control modules become overwhelmed and fail to display critical information to the driver.

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues with your Honda, feel free to call CCA today. Our experienced team of attorneys is knowledgeable about the various defects affecting your vehicle. Call now for a free case evaluation (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Honda Issues Recall for Fuel Pumps on Over 1 Million Vehicles

Honda Issues Recall for Fuel Pumps on Over 1 Million Vehicles

By: Michael H. Rosenstein

Honda is a Japanese automobile brand primarily known for manufacturing cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. The brand rose to success in the 70’s because of its wide selection of efficient models ranging from hatchbacks, compact cars, sedans, hybrids, minivans, sports utility vehicles, trucks, and more. More recently, Honda (including its luxury line, Acura) has attracted attention for manufacturing vehicles with faulty and dangerous fuel pumps. After many complaints from users regarding several models, Honda underwent various investigations, which resulted in a fuel pump recall of nearly 1.4 million vehicles, almost 140,000 being from the U.S, and approximately 10,000 from Canada. 

If your Honda model has fuel pump defects or is showing signs of any serious issues, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are the Fuel Pump Defects in Honda Vehicles?

Some of the Honda and Acura models that have been afflicted by faulty fuel pumps include:

    • 2018-2019 Acura NSX
    • 2019 Acura RLX and Acura RDX
    • 2019 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
    • 2018-2019 Honda Accord
    • 2018-2019 Honda Civic Type R
    • 2018-2019 Honda Civic Hatchback
    • 2018-2019 Honda HR-V
    • 2019 Honda Fit
    • 2019-2020 Honda Insight

A working fuel pump is essential for the proper functioning of any vehicle. All modern cars with internal combustion engines are equipped with fuel pumps. It is a significant component responsible for carrying fuel from the gas tank and delivering it to the engine at appropriate pressures to meet adequate performance demands.

A defective fuel pump can result in several problems, such as vehicle no-starts and vehicle stalls. Hence, it is crucial to detect and repair a faulty fuel pump at an early stage. Some of the common symptoms of a defected fuel pump are:

    • Vehicle Stalling;
    • Vehicle No-Starts;
    • Loud whining noises from the tank (soft, quiet hums are normal; however, a loud whine is a sign of a deeper issue).
    • Decreased power and fuel efficiency.
    • Experiencing jerks or sputters at high speeds.

Investigations have revealed that the fuel pump issues in Honda models might be due to over-absorption of fuel by the impellers, which causes them to crack, deform, and fail eventually. A user of the Honda Accord 2018 explained the issue: “The vehicle has developed excessive gas/oil smell halfway through the oil change cycle even when the maintenance minder shows 70% oil life. The smell occurs when driving in the Midwest and causes the garage to smell like an oil/gas mixture. Oil dilution has begun occurring even when provided enough time to warm up.”

Another user said, “When going around a corner and the switch from electric to gas (hybrid vehicle) occurs, the car seems to stall and consequently loses speed for a second or two. This happens when starting from a stop and at highway speeds.”

What Can I Do if my Honda Vehicle is Subject to any Repeated Issues?

Get in touch with our team if you have been noticing any signs of the fuel pump failures discussed above, such as stalls, starting difficulties, unusual sounds from the fuel tank, or need any legal advice regarding the upcoming Honda/Acura recall. If you have experienced multiple repairs, CAA is equipped with experienced lawyers ready to help you find a viable solution to your problem. Feel free to reach out to us for a consultation regarding your vehicle.

Contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

An Acura MDX on side of the road.

Safety defects in the 2016-2020 Acura MDX and RDX Models

By: Sepehr Daghighian

The Acura MDX and Acura RDX are two of the best-selling luxury SUV crossovers in the market. In Fact, The Acura MDX is ranked #4 in the Luxury Midsize SUV category by the U.S. News & World Report. These SUVs have been manufactured and produced by the Japanese automaker, Honda, since the year 2000. They are popularly known for their style, comfort, ride and value. However, over the years, customers have expressed their concerns over the safety aspects of both the Acura MDX and the RDX models. Several defective aspects of the vehicle, such as acceleration issues, engine stalling and more, have been brought into the limelight. Due to such predominant problems, these two models have faced several hurdles and large number of lemon law lawsuits over the past few years.

If your Acura MDX or RDX has suffered any serious issues or warranty concerns, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are the Common Safety Defects in the Acura MDX and RDX models?

The Acura MDX and the Acura RDX have both been subject to widespread defects, performance issues, and customer complaints over the past several years. These models have also faced numerous law suits and investigations conducted by the NHTSA. Most of the complaints are regarding acceleration defects, transmission shifts, engine stalls and loss of power.

According to a recent class action suit filed against the Honda motors, The Acura MDX and RDX 2016-2020 models have been subject to potentially dangerous acceleration defects. Users have complained that, at times, the vehicle decelerates, stalls and shuts down without any warning. A user described the issue, “Among the numerous other issues that I have been experiencing with this vehicle, it began to stall upon acceleration earlier this year. This can happen when pulling off after being stopped or even while driving in the 30-45 mph range. You can also see a noticeable fluctuation in the RPM dial. I took it into the dealership, yet the issue remains ongoing.”

The Acura models faced another class action law suit alleging the unexplained loss of power at random times. The plaintiff stated that the first deceleration event occurred while she was changing lanes, she also mentions that the electronics and air conditioning continued to function as the vehicle decelerated.

Another user complaint stated, “On light acceleration from a stoplight, car sometimes stalls for a second, then suddenly lurches forward in a low gear. Sometimes just leaps forward from stop with no hesitation. Causes passengers’ heads to snap back and could be dangerous in heavy traffic. Can occur at operating temperature. When engine is cold, there is a lot of part throttle hesitation low speeds.”

Transmission shift problem is another major complaint received against these SUV models. According to the plaintiff of another class action suit, there are miscommunications between the software that controls the transmissions, engines and the throttle. This results in unexplained shudders and stalls during gear shifts. An MDX owner described the issue as follows, “Transmission is shuddering between 3rd and 4th, and 4th and 5th when going easy on the gas between 1500 and 2000 rpm. Dealer cannot find the problem.”

Here is a partial list of the recent models that are known to have one or the other safety defects discussed above:

  • 2016 Acura MDX and RDX
  • 2017 Acura MDX and RDX
  • 2018 Acura MDX and RDX
  • 2019 Acura MDX and RDX
  • 2020 Acura MDX and RDX

What Can I Do if My Acura MDX or RDX Models are Facing Any of These Issues?

If you are facing any trouble with your luxury SUV such as stalling, loss of power, acceleration defects, transmission shifts or other aggravating issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and your vehicle. Our attorneys have developed a strong expertise in handling such cases and are thorough with the issues plaguing the Acura MDX and RDX models.

If you are facing any performance issues with your vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Man inside a Honda Accord, holding the steering wheel.

Common Honda Accord Problems

By Jim Martinez, PC

The Honda Accord has long been ubiquitous on California roadways. Generally held to be the premier model of one of the automotive industries more reliable manufacturers, the Accord is not without its issues – particularly electrical and engine issues in 2013-2018 models. 

Common issues within the 2013-2018 Honda Accords are related to the starter failing soon after the basic 3-year/36,000 warranty expires. The most widely reported issue with the starter manifest in intermittent “no-starts,” sometimes requiring the driver to repeatedly press the Start Engine button before the vehicle would start – if the vehicle started at all. Accord owners and lessors report a clicking noise or flickering dash lights during these no-start episodes. However, Honda authorized technicians (dealership technicians) are often unable to duplicate the no-start issues due to the defect’s unreliable nature, and as such often do not repair the issue. 

The consumer is charged for a replacement starter and the labor required to install it, costing the consumer close to $1,000 per repair if not covered under warranty or covered by the manufacturer. In other instances, the consumer may be charged for a repair diagnosis, even if the Honda trained technicians are unable to verify the consumer’s concern, in effect being charged over $100.00 and leaving in the same position as before. Still worse, even though Honda Motor America is aware of their starter issues, the problem is often misdiagnosed by dealership technicians or service advisors, who may recommend replacing the vehicle’s battery – again, often at a cost to the consumer if the vehicle is out of warranty.

Other Accord owners and lessees, particularly with the 2018 Honda Accord, have reported that the auto-braking feature engages for no apparent reason while the vehicle is in operation, sometimes for seconds at a time. 2018 Honda Accord owners have also reported excessive pulsation and shuddering in the brakes when applied at highway speeds. At the risk of stating the obvious, both of these issues pose serious safety risks for Accord drivers and their fellow motorists. Accord drivers must rely on other drivers’ quick reaction times in order to avoid collisions that the drivers themselves could not be blamed for.

Still, other issues owners and lessees of 2018 Honda Accords have reported include premature daytime light burnout and headlight failure. Repairing this problem is not as simple as merely changing a lightbulb. Rather, the repair often requires the replacement of the entire headlight unit, at a cost of over $1,000 to the consumer if the defect manifests when the vehicle is out of warranty. Moreover, drivers report subsequent headlight failures of the same headlight unit, or both, again sticking the consumer with high out-of-pocket costs, to say nothing of the inconvenience of presenting the vehicle to a Honda dealership and waiting for your vehicle to be suitable to drive once again. 

While the problems with the Honda Accord’s starter, braking, and headlight issues have since been extensively documented, the general public was unaware of the issues which plagued the vehicles at the time the vehicles were made available for sale – and for a significant period of time thereafter. However, on multiple Honda internet forums, as well as on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, drivers of 2013-2018 Honda Accords lodged extensive complaints, cataloging their frustrations over these common defects. In an attempt to address customers’ widespread dissatisfaction with the starter defect, Honda issued Technical Service Bulletins (“TSB”) instructing Honda authorized technicians on myriad Band-Aid fixes that do not address the primary concern – including mere battery replacement – which in most cases only temporarily alleviate the concerns.  

Fortunately, California Consumer Attorneys can help. Our attorneys and automotive experts are well-versed in all manner of vehicle defects and would love to assist owners/lessees of 2013-2018 Honda Accords. Please call us today to learn about how CCA can assist you – at no charge: (833) LEMON-FIRM.