My daughter has an '06 civic that has been un-drivable for 6 months. The auto tensioner pivot bolt keeps breaking. They've had it fixed three times - once by Honda as the result of a recall - and it's broken every time. Honda's answer is to replace the motor - $5000.00+. At first they offered to split the cost but changed their minds when the time came. Their answer is to replace the motor. When asked if they were sure that would cure the problem, they said no. That's a lot of money for a maybe!

Anybody have any input? heard of this? any ideas?

Thanks

 

Try a different dealer that doesn't suck, or call honda directly, but if shes outta warranty might not help u at all with the cost.

 

I think you should have received a letter from honda telling you that the engine block is still covered for 8 years or...

Go to the Honda owner link and if you don't have an account sign up and see what information you can find on the block replacement.

Definitly find another honda dealer.

 

Good morning!
there is a bulletin for the pivot bolt.
here is the issue. they have a very specific torque spec and will break every time if not torqued properly. i would have half a mind to check the threads in the block because there is a real possibility that they messed the threads and helicoiled it (not a honda approved repair) the problem lies in the fact that if it's helicoiled the threads do not necessarily finish right at the block surface allowing the bolt to bend and break. the other problem could be that it's over-torqued and will snap from the excess load. so either they did it wrong or they fubared it. either way they did it wrong. I've replaced over 70 of these at the dealer i work at and zero comebacks from breakage. if you really want i can pull up the bulletin and post the torque spec.
oh and by the way. the block is only covered for 8 years for a coolant leak, if they messed the block from a poor pivot bolt repair, that's their own problem and is not warrant able by honda

 

Great feedback here. I would be all over American Honda customer service with this issue... I'll be watching this...