Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone is having a great week, because I am not amused with Honda/Acrua anymore... the long pledged durability and ease of service has me wanting my Subaru back. To explain...

Thursday (Aug 17th) I decide to install my BC RSD's on my car because I cannot wait for the weekend and I am uber excited. We do the backs (cake), and then we do the passanger front, then the driver front. Upon pulling the driverside front wheel I see a thick coating over my brake line. I think "CRAP, but oh well Goodridge has a warrantee... I'm down for a week," BUT OH NO, upon further inspection, it turns out not be be my brakeline but my CV boot has a tear and is flinging grease everywhere. A very odd thing to have go out with 11K on the car, but oh well I have warranty *I TOOK THE TIME TO TAKE PICS OF HOW IT LOOKED BEFORE THE RSD WENT ON*. So we stuck the BC RSD on the car, and zipped tied the lines onto the coilover so keep them out of the way. I called Acura, got an appointment for Monday... and the car just sat there until Monday (no miles except the drive to the dealer).

Monday comes around and my car is at Los Gatos Acura having it checked out and warranty work done. I get a call about 4pm expecting them to either need it another day or to say it is done. SURPRISE HERE!!!

"Rich, we canno repair the damage under warranty. The brakeline is touching the CV boot (no it is not), and we will not cover it. If you want it repaired I could have it done by tomorrow" - Los Gatos Acura

"Why is it not warrantied?" - Rich(me)

"It's modified. The car will be waiting for you" - LG Acura

"See you in a few" - me

So I went down to LG Acura and spoke to the service guy Russ, he said that the brakeline was touching, and it will not be warrantied. At this time I should him the pictures from Thursday (when the problem was discovered), pre-BC install.

"Its modified and we wont cover it"

So I asked to speak to the manager in charge, and he came out. I showed him the pictures and explained how time works. Thursday comes before the following Monday. " I will call Honda tomorrow (Tuesday) and see what they say."

I expect this to go through, thanks to the pictures that I present and the date and time they were taken. But this hasn't been the easiest thing anyways... yes they do call me the next day, and what do you think Los Gatos Acura said. "Your claim is denied, it is modified."

The call to Acura of America went in yesterday with all guns blazing about the lack of courtesy, kindness, and an explanation of why they can deny my car upon it being modified to a completely unrelated system. So Honda sent a service advisor out today to Los Gatos Acura to see what they can do. I am awaiting the answer, but ehat do you think it will be?

Rich

Normal


Driverside #1


Driverside #2

 

wtf....

 

they are probably thinking that modification that you had somehow LED to the cause of the problem of your car...

i talked to them about this when i bought the car and they said that if you were to modify something and another thing malfunctioned, the thing that malfunctioned is covered by warranty unless they feel that the modification has something to do that led to the malfunction...

just my two cents...hope it works out for you...

 

Once you contact American Honda and make a nice complaint (which you did), the dealership will come crawling back... They have no reason to not repair the issue.

 

dude, you should have just waited to install your stuff and taken it over there stock.

at the dealer:
modified anything=you're fucked

the dealer will use the smallest excuse to screw you over.

if the joint isnt that contaminated--full of dirt etc--you just need to take off the axle and slap a new boot on there. goodluck.

 

I agree with everyone on here, A) it should be fixed and B) I really should have waited on the suspension as soon as I found out... but now I am in the rough and coming back. Yesterday (when they were supposed to be out there at Los Gatos Honda) they did not call, so I am confident I will receive an update today. I will keep everyone posted.

Rich

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gm3w12 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Once you contact American Honda and make a nice complaint (which you did), the dealership will come crawling back... They have no reason to not repair the issue.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not True at all, the Dealership is right in its actions. If he had an aftermarket stereo and went in for a Torn CV boot thats one thing but if its a part in the area of the warranty claimed part that directly affects its lifetime then No they dont have to cover it and can deny warranty ON THAT PART not your entire warranty.

As well your just as much at fault for this if you had a ripped CV joint you should have waited to install your Coilovers until it was fixed. Lowering the car too much can cause the CV bots to rip and I'm sure thats what the service guys went with wether you have pics or not.

Also as far as warranties, any part taken out of a car and replced loses its warranty so your suspension for example is no longer warrantied and any parts off that or that is affected by that will most likely be denied warranty as well if it can be shown that the aftermarket part caused the problem or could have caused it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mike M &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Not True at all, the Dealership is right in its actions. If he had an aftermarket stereo and went in for a Torn CV boot thats one thing but if its a part in the area of the warranty claimed part that directly affects its lifetime then No they dont have to cover it and can deny warranty ON THAT PART not your entire warranty.

As well your just as much at fault for this if you had a ripped CV joint you should have waited to install your Coilovers until it was fixed. Lowering the car too much can cause the CV bots to rip and I'm sure thats what the service guys went with wether you have pics or not.

Also as far as warranties, any part taken out of a car and replced loses its warranty so your suspension for example is no longer warrantied and any parts off that or that is affected by that will most likely be denied warranty as well if it can be shown that the aftermarket part caused the problem or could have caused it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

One thing above all I have noticed about the internet techs on here, is the frustration and misinformation that goes along with the ego. On your points I do agree that a replaced part will make the stock OEM part non-applicable for warranty, and rightfully so.

The larges points I am raising is the concept of time (which most of the dealership staff, and some people on here have a hard time with), the difference between a modified part that is capable of damaging another part, and a general good business paractice. All of these are non-existent at Los Gatos Acrua.

At this point it really is usless to give up the fight for warranty, if I did my car would be on the map of every Honda/Acura dealer in the nation (probably already is). If it comes down to bringing in a lawyer, so be it (I LOVE MY FRIENDS!), Acura Customer Service has already been contacted, and the BBB will be soon to follow Im sure.

Happy motoring to all!

Rich

 

UPDATE: When I called Acura USA the first time, it truly was the run around. Come today, when I called back to find out the progess, I find that no information was entered about my car/case/concern. So today (Friday) I had to start another case with them (thanks Justin!_ and wait another 24-48 hrs to hear back from them... another week without a car, loaner, or offer of a rental

Rich

Come to find out Los Gatos Acura is not a part of the BBB and has had 2 complaints throught the BBB, and now they have a total of 3 thanks to me




Modified by SJcivic at 3:13 PM 8/25/2006

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

One thing above all I have noticed about the internet techs on here, is the frustration and misinformation that goes along with the ego. On your points I do agree that a replaced part will make the stock OEM part non-applicable for warranty, and rightfully so.

The larges points I am raising is the concept of time (which most of the dealership staff, and some people on here have a hard time with), the difference between a modified part that is capable of damaging another part, and a general good business paractice. All of these are non-existent at Los Gatos Acrua.


Rich</TD></TR></TABLE>

My point exacly.. The car is brand new... I had an ordeal with dealership as well regarding a option that I purchased on the car.. They act like they dont want to help until you contact the people above them... Good luck with the fight man and keep us posted

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gm3w12 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My point exacly.. The car is brand new... I had an ordeal with dealership as well regarding a option that I purchased on the car.. They act like they dont want to help until you contact the people above them... Good luck with the fight man and keep us posted </TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks bud, good to know there are some good people on here... at least every once in a while.

Rich

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">One thing above all I have noticed about the internet techs on here, is the frustration and misinformation that goes along with the ego. On your points I do agree that a replaced part will make the stock OEM part non-applicable for warranty, and rightfully so.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL I really hope your not saying I'm coming in here with an Ego or misinformation because trust me I know my **** I deal with these things day in day out and I know people in honda itself and how that system works.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the difference between a modified part that is capable of damaging another part, and a general good business paractice. All of these are non-existent at Los Gatos Acrua.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

See you think its their problem but they have to show proof to Honda Corporate, so no they arent being asses they are covering their *** as they would not get paid for the warranty work by honda if they showed them pics of the area you showed us with aftermarket suspension and brake lines which are hagning close to it.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">At this point it really is usless to give up the fight for warranty, if I did my car would be on the map of every Honda/Acura dealer in the nation (probably already is).

If it comes down to bringing in a lawyer, so be it (I LOVE MY FRIENDS!), Acura Customer Service has already been contacted, and the BBB will be soon to follow Im sure.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Conspiracy Theory nut much??

Slap on the original Suspension, Throw a few more zip lines on to tuck those SS lines away from the CV area and bring it to A DIFFERENT Dealership for the work.
They'll take it in and fix it and be done with it.

I'll say it again because you didnt pay attention the 1st time, THEY CANNOT VOID YOUR WARRANTY that is only if an area rep comes out to see it and says so, On top of that the warranty that gets voided is NOT the Full warranty on the car but only for the replaced parts that are not OEM and anything they may have damaged.

Their lawyers get paid alot more than yours, friends or not, and could have you running in loop holes for years over a torn CV boot, trust me I know the extent of their legal team and who represents Honda USA as well.

BTW making all these calls WILL hurt you more than anything else, stop the complaining, bring it to a dif dealer with the OEM Suspension and lines tucked away and they will fix it, end of story and your happy.

 

just because you took picture prior doesnt mean much. how can you prove that the pictures are yours and or you didnt do something else to the vehicle that would cause the problem. i would put the stock stuff on then get it warrentied at another dealership...my .02

 

I say you check out the link in my signature. They are denying your claim because of modifications that are present What is happening to you, under U.S. law, is illegal! The manufacturer and/or dealer must prove that the part contributed or caused the reason for the claim.

 

I'm in agreeance with Mike M. on this one! You did this all wrong and could have been dealt with differently if you went in stock.

-Victor

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 97 TYPE-R 312 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm in agreeance with Mike M. on this one! You did this all wrong and could have been dealt with differently if you went in stock.

-Victor</TD></TR></TABLE>

One shouldn't have to go to such measures. The laws are in place for the protection of the consumer. It's just too bad that dealers, and manufacturers walk around with a big stick, and count on the consumer to not know there rights.

It's one thing to be out there tearing up the streets and tracks ragging on and abusing the vehicle and expect it to be covered under a warranty. But to simply modify components and have another completely unrelated component fail and to have a warranty claim denied is another.

One should and does have the right to modify their vehicle how they choose without fear of a vehicle manufacturer deny warranty claims.

As I stated in the past. Per Magnuson-Moss warranty act, a dealer or manufacturer must prove that part(s) installed caused or contributed to the reason a warranty claim is submitted.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">With regard to aftermarket parts, the gist of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply becausesuch parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used (See Attachment A for details).The warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarketpart caused the malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJcivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">. A very odd thing to have go out with 11K on the car....</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes, it sure is. It's so odd that you are going to have a very hard time getting it fixed free considering that you've been working near it.

I'm sorry but I don't think you're going to win this one.

Best of luck to you...but I don't think so.

 

It really does look like your breaklines would touch the boot... you gotta remember that when you jack your car up the boot isn't going to be at the same spot as it sits when the car is sittong on the tires....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ff_terror &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It really does look like your breaklines would touch the boot... you gotta remember that when you jack your car up the boot isn't going to be at the same spot as it sits when the car is sittong on the tires.... </TD></TR></TABLE>

And if that were true, I would have a rub mark ALL the way around the boot, and NOT in once 1/2" torn section. There is an obvious difference between a rub wear mark and a tear, you can't mistake them.

Please remember in the pics that the brakelines are unbolted from the strut and moved a smidge... also remember that the distance from the line to the axle is no less than 5". Lets see what Honda says on Monday!

Rich

 

We're not accusing you of doing anything wrong. We are just sorry that you discovered the problem at the same time you were installing the aftermarket parts so near where the problem was.

This just presents a very bad warranty profile.

 

I'll just keep my .02 short and simple. If your claim is denied, put your stock parts back on and take it in to be serviced at another dealer. Best of luck!

 

i work at a dealer so i have a pretty good idea how they run. go to another acura dealer pretty close by, one of their competitors, tell a service manager all this that you've been having to go through, most likely they will fix it under warranty with no hassle since they figure if they help you out you'll help them out by coming to their dealer instead. and its not a bad idea to mention CSI (customer satisfaction) if a dealer has bad CSI it makes the dealership look bad

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blackrsx-s &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i work at a dealer so i have a pretty good idea how they run. </TD></TR></TABLE>
How long will it take the service ticket he already has to make the database?

 

dealers like to make money. they don't make money by doing free work, so they will deny you for stuff like this. kind of a stupid reason to deny someone warranty work, but they can do it. I'm rooting for ya man, good luck

 

the dealer makes money if its warranty, honda(acura) pays the dealer the labor time and pays the part, so the dealer makes money regardless if its warranty or customer pay. the tech makes more money if its customer pay but its not up to them whether they let it go as warranty or not.