Hi,

I'm a canadian and purchased a US S2K. Unfortunately, Honda USA has a policy not to give recall clearance letters to people intending to export a US Honda to Canada. I've imported other makes in the past and they were helpful, only Honda USA seems to have a show stuck up their a$$. Anyhow, if anyone knows anyone at a Honda dealer, or works at a honda dealer willing to help me, please contact me privately by IM. I may be willing to compensate your kindness.

 

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

I'm a canadian and purchased a US S2K. Unfortunately, Honda USA has a policy not to give recall clearance letters to people intending to export a US Honda to Canada. I've imported other makes in the past and they were helpful, only Honda USA seems to have a show stuck up their a$$. Anyhow, if anyone knows anyone at a Honda dealer, or works at a honda dealer willing to help me, please contact me privately by IM. I may be willing to compensate your kindness.</TD></TR></TABLE>

what are you trying to accomplish? Have the warranty work performed in canada or state side?

 

I'm trying to import my recently purchased car into Canada. Canadian law states that we are required to provide a recall clearance letter at the canadian federal safety inspection. Normally, manufacturers will happily provide you with this letter. I recently called Mitsubishi recently for such a letter for a friend, and they faxed it over in 3 days. Other friends have had no problems with BMW and Porsche too. However, when I talked to Honda USA, they flat out said "if you purchased the vehicle to export to Canada, we will not provide you with a recall letter". From what I gather, Honda USA put this policy in place to curb the importing of Canadian Odysseys for example two years ago when exchange rates were very favourable for americans. So they basically are making it very difficult for import/export of their vehicles. As for warranty, I fully understand that neither Honda USA or Honda Canada will honour the balance of my 2002 S2K when I import it to Canada and I accept that. A recall clearance letter is a letter from a dealer or OEM that states that the specified vehicle identified by VIN# has no outstanding recalls. It's very simple, except that only Honda decided to refuse any canadians requesting this letter. The stupid thing is, I know my car has no outstanding recalls, and dealers will TELL me that, but they will not write a letter. The canadian importation authorities are aware of Honda's PITA approach and advised me try and get a US friend, or previous owner to ask Honda USA on my behalf, and if this fails, to bug all the Honda dealers I could until someone sends me one. The first part won't work because Honda USA will ask for Title, Registation, Driver's License, and Insurance papers. All of which are now expired since I have already purchased the vehicle and it's in my name.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by badkarma &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm trying to import my recently purchased car into Canada. Canadian law states that we are required to provide a recall clearance letter at the canadian federal safety inspection. Normally, manufacturers will happily provide you with this letter. I recently called Mitsubishi recently for such a letter for a friend, and they faxed it over in 3 days. Other friends have had no problems with BMW and Porsche too. However, when I talked to Honda USA, they flat out said "if you purchased the vehicle to export to Canada, we will not provide you with a recall letter". From what I gather, Honda USA put this policy in place to curb the importing of Canadian Odysseys for example two years ago when exchange rates were very favourable for americans. So they basically are making it very difficult for import/export of their vehicles. As for warranty, I fully understand that neither Honda USA or Honda Canada will honour the balance of my 2002 S2K when I import it to Canada and I accept that. A recall clearance letter is a letter from a dealer or OEM that states that the specified vehicle identified by VIN# has no outstanding recalls. It's very simple, except that only Honda decided to refuse any canadians requesting this letter. The stupid thing is, I know my car has no outstanding recalls, and dealers will TELL me that, but they will not write a letter. The canadian importation authorities are aware of Honda's PITA approach and advised me try and get a US friend, or previous owner to ask Honda USA on my behalf, and if this fails, to bug all the Honda dealers I could until someone sends me one. The first part won't work because Honda USA will ask for Title, Registation, Driver's License, and Insurance papers. All of which are now expired since I have already purchased the vehicle and it's in my name. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I'll ask a friend and see what he can do. Basically, all you need is a letter stating your VIN# for your make/model is free from recalls?

 

Yep, that's all it is! It's called a Recall Clearance Letter. I tried several dealers in the state I purchased the vehicle from and they all denied me. Vapor, I would be much indebted to you if your friend can help.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by badkarma &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yep, that's all it is! It's called a Recall Clearance Letter. I tried several dealers in the state I purchased the vehicle from and they all denied me. Vapor, I would be much indebted to you if your friend can help. </TD></TR></TABLE>

no worries man, I figure southern california would be the last place a canadian would export a US car. I might be wrong but who would write such a letter? Would this concern the sales office or service office?

 

I'm not sure who does but anyone at the dealership I believe can. Oh another thing I need obviously is the letterhead of the dealership on the letter. At one point the Canada safety inspection would accept email from a dealer as a recall letter, so I assume it doesn't matter who it's written by, just that it's from a Honda USA dealership.

 

I just talked to the Canadian import authorities. They really sympathize with this sort of thing, and even said that ONLY Honda is a PITA. Anyhow, the only thing's required on the letter is:

1. Statement that VIN# vehicle has no outstanding recalls.
2. Logo/letterhead of Honda

Doesn't matter who writes it or signs it.

 

Looks like another friend of mine will be able to get me a recall letter for my car. Thanks Vapor for your help.

 

Hello,
I am also in the same situation as badkarma, and I need a recall clearance letter. Does anyone have a copy of a old recall letter that I can take a look at, or does anyone have any suggestions