Last Thursday, I went to the dealer with the Squeaky Moonroof problem that appears on just about every 1998-2002 Accord. The dealer installed that clear thin tape the moonroof surround. This morning it rained for the first time, and guess what? This morning I have little pools of water around the moonroof, inside the car. Has anyone else who has had the tape installed noticed this problem??? If I remember right, before the tape was installed the water would never appear under the moonroof.
I had mine at the dealership a total of 9 times for this problem. Finally took it to a shop that installs electric moonroofs and they corrected the problem.
No more squeaks but it cost me $39.95 plus tax but it was worth it. The installer. stated that all new Hondas have this problem and it takes a "professional" with expertise in this area to correct it. You can't have a guy who repairs exhausts and changes oil to work on your moonroof while reading a general Honda technical bulletin. He further stated, you have to know how the system is installed and work from there.
I have '98 Accord Coupe (EX V6) and I use it as a daily commuter. My daily 58 mile round trip includes the West Side Highway (NYC) and I287. Bklynguy has it easy with those nice smooth roads compared to me. Under normal usage, my moonroof doesn't rattle. And on nice days, I use it a lot. Either open or popped (Is there another term for the angle up setting?). It does make some noise if the shade is pushed back when I'm on uneven or dirt roads.
Oh, I do have some other problems. Due to the re-surfacing of the Henry Hudson Parkway and the terrible roughing up of the road bed, my front end seems to have taken quite a beating. But not the moonroof. Maybe next week I'll come back here screaming, but knock on vinyl, I'm good right now.
The moonroof was removed and electrical feed was disconnected. He then reinstalled it like he was going to install a new moonroof that he sold. He used a thicker grade of rubber which caused it to seal better. This was the only thing he changed. The car then sat in the garage for around 6 hours for the seal to adhear. Since the reinstall, there have been no squeaks or leaks and for the past 18 months.
Honda just probably didn't want to spend the money replacing the gasket. So they came up with the tape as a stop-gap solution.
What I don't understand is if they encountered the problem in year 1, why the heck did they not address it in subsequent model years? Or worse yet, use the same type of gasket in other models, such as the CL?
June 7, 2001 was the beginning of an ongoing nightmare for me, once which neither Honda of America nor the dealership which sold me the new car (Don Carlton Honda of Tulsa) had any interest in taking responsibility for. I have the right to tell the truth, and the truth is, I was treated with contempt by both the dealership and Honda of America.
I had made the mistake of paying for the car before it was delivered, a mistake I will never make again. After a couple of days of driving the car, I realized that the driver's seat-back is warped toward a left angle, and is not square and perpendicular to the line of forward travel. In addition, the left edge of the bottom cushion is lower than the right edge. Thus, the seat is warped in such a way that it tends to "roll" me toward the door. Despite my continual effort to use cushions or folded floor mats along the left edge of the seatback, it is impossible to counter the warped angle of the seat, so it is ALWAYS uncomfortable. Without this effort at compensating for the defect, I am in genuine PAIN after about five minutes of driving the car.
I begged the dealership to buy back the car, less depreciation, or to let me trade it on another Accord, and the sales manager wouldn't even discuss it with me. Instead, he accused me of "taking too long to decide on the car I wanted." I finally met with Honda's District Service Manager, who acknowledged that the seat was "crooked", but then told me that as long as the car runs, they could not justify doing anything for me, and I would just have to live with it.
Is this what any of you would call "taking care of a customer'?
I wrote letters, I called Honda of America in Torrance, CA, and met with the service department of a competing dealership here in Tulsa. The answer was always the same: this was a "minor" issue that they didn't want to hear about.
Thus, my first (and only) Honda has turned out to be quite a surprise! I wouldn't wish this on anybody! I hope it saves SOMEBODDY from the grief and humiliation which I was handed.
After all the years of hype and convincing ads about Honda quality, I can only tell you I am still "shell-shocked" by the experience. Toyota, you're loking better all the time.
I am sorry to hear about your problem with your car seat. Honda should have replaced the seat free of charge since it is covered under warranty.
It sounds as if Honda will not budge which is a shame. I suggest going to an upholstery shop and see if they can correct the situation for you. Most likely they can and you will be able to drive your car comfortably.
I would then take the bill and send it to American Honda and ask for payment. Since they didn't abide by their warranty, you have every right to be reimbursed. I would also send a letter to your state's Attorney General's office and have them investigate the case on your behalf.
Maybe in Oklahoma they don't care but in my home state, the Attorney General's office goes the extra yard for the consumer. They are elected officials and I bet if you reminded them in of that fact in Oklahoma, they might do something for you.
The best state is New York State where the Attorney General's Office will go after any company that's in the wrong. Just ask Phillip Morris, GM and Adelphia communications.
I don't understand Honda inaction on this issue. Since they have admitted the seat is crooked, why wouldn't they live up to their warranty and replace the seat?
There is always the option of Small Claims Court which would be you vs. American Honda. It is an open and shut case as long as you present the facts in the case. Pictures from every angle and pictures of another Honda Accord' seat showing the differences.
I also cannot understand why you were not covered under the manufacturer's warranty. If it means that much to you which it does, I would hire an attorney to resolve your problem.
You can get an estimate on a new seat, You must fix it and than check with small claims court on whats the monetary limit you can sue for because small claims court only awards the cost of the item.If the monetary value is more than small claims court allows. Get a lawyer and sue. The lawyer will sue for a lot more than the cost of the seat. You have a good case, Go For It! The previous posts are right I would also report this to the Bureau of Consumer Fraud which is part of the Attorney General's Office they don't represent you in a law suit but they will investigate why Honda is not honoring the warranty. Are you sure you are telling us the whole story? Its still hard to believe
You are correct whoever said this issue would be resolved in New York. Honda would not stand a chance. It would appear they are very arrogant. I think their seats are too low and very hard. While Toyota is maligned for the same problem in the 97-2000 Camry it still better than the Accord. I've owned both. Honda does a large number of other virtues. Why doesn't the frugal Accord get better than 23mpg around town, I had an 88 Accord that would get 30 easily and 40 on the open road. (6 Camry get's 26 city and 34 open road.
Since you sell the vehicles, what privileged information do you have to share regarding the V-6 transmission failures? Probably none!
You know Honda doesn't share any information with anyone regarding failures unless the NHSTA forces the issue. It is the consumer that is left hanging. I should know!
I just bought a 2002 Honda Accord EX V6 and I would like to know what kind of signs and symptoms I should look out for to detect if I have one of these "troublesome" transmission. I only have 700km. on my car and lately, I can hear this "clunk" sound whenever I shift the tranny from park to reverse. This is especially prominent in the morning when I engaged the transmission from P to R. Is this clunking sound normal or is this a sign of defective mechanism in the tranny?
Remember when you test drove the car? You never heard the clunk sound when you drove the car or put the car in reverse. I bet around a few weeks went by after purchasing the car when you heard your first clunk sound when putting the car in reverse. Let me tell you, it is not normal no matter what anyone tells you. Let your service advisor on your next appointment know right away so it is documented. Let me tell you, they know right away when you mention the "clunk sound" in reverse.
Over time, the clunk gets worse and then you will notice a hesitation between gears in drive. The next step in the scenario is failure. While your car is under warranty, make sure they correct the problem right away. They have seen this problem numerous times and know the symptoms.
How loud is this "Clunk" that you guys have experienced. I have had this "clunk" in my CL for as long as I can remember. But to be honest it is only readily audible if I have one or both windows open. Also my CL is now closing in on 2years and 17,000KM and (knock on wood) so far no other perceivable symptom of a tranny failure.
A slight noise (clunk if you like) when shifting from park to reverse is considered normal. If a clunk noise is heard AFTER the car is in reverse and has started to move, then there may be a problem. I believe it was confined to 98-99 Accord V6,,,maybe some 2000s, but not sure.
does that clunk sound the same as shifting from P to R when parked on a hill without using the hand brake? i know that's a huge clunk, do they sound the same? or are they very different?
Well, this "clunk" sound is noticeable i.e you can hear it even if your windows,sunroof, or doors are closed. I have a Toyota Camry and the Camry's transmission does not produce this sound when the tranny is shifted from P to R. Regarding the hesitation between gears,I am experiencing this right now especially from first to second. As I said before, My Accord V6 is only a month old with 700km on it. Are these "symptoms" typical of a Honda tranny or are these something that I should be worrying about? Mind you, we have here in Canada 5 years/100,000km powertrain warranty on our Hondas.
Yes, I have described the problem accurately, and yes, you have read the whole story. The dealership treated me contemptibly about this from the beginning, on the bet that I would "go away!" .......and eventually - they were right. I was so worn out with it and their contentiousness that I did give up. And meeting with the district service manager was a joke (on me, of course!) The answer thrown at me was always the same: all the other seats are the same as yours, and therefore it is not defective. And the district service manager's answer was: if it runs OK, we just can't do anything for you. I have been too busy with other responsibilities to throw any more time at it, but all of you are RIGHT! I should have sought legal action from the beginning. It may be too late now, as I have ad the car since June 7, 2001. With compensatory padding placed behind the left side of my back, it is still tolerable for short trips and work. But I sincerely hope as many people as possible can be spared the grief I have been put through by American Honda Motors.
Yes, I have described the problem accurately, and yes, you have read the whole story. The dealership treated me contemptibly about this from the beginning, on the bet that I would "go away!" .......and eventually - they were right. I was so worn out with it and their contentiousness that I did give up. And meeting with the district service manager was a joke (on me, of course!) The answer thrown at me was always the same: all the other seats are the same as yours, and therefore it is not defective. And the district service manager's answer was: if it runs OK, we just can't do anything for you. I have been too busy with other responsibilities to throw any more time at it, but all of you are RIGHT! I should have sought legal action from the beginning. It may be too late now, as I have ad the car since June 7, 2001. With compensatory padding placed behind the left side of my back, it is still tolerable for short trips and work. But I sincerely hope as many people as possible can be spared the grief I have been put through by American Honda Motors.
If its as you say its never to late to seek legal advice because they have been jacking you around for months just make sure the lawyer is qualified in this type of litigation. You can also contact Cece Colman at the Attoney General's Office in Oklahoma City she's the consumer advocate for Oklahoma.Tell her your tale of woe I bet it gets some action. I have one other idea that should put you in the first 2003 Accord Ex off of the assembly line. Contact Ralph Nader he just loves this type of a problem concerning consumers and warranties especially when he needs some fodder if he runs for president. You can probably find his address through one of the search engines like google, dog pound or maybe yahoo.I don't like to see someone getting the shaft. Follow Through and "Good Luck". If your responsibilities prohibit you from doing this which I doubt, don't live with it, contact local junkies for a seat yank this one out and change it its not difficult nor costly.
I made a point of standing outside and listened as my wife backed her '02 Accord out of the garage this morning. There was no loud "clunk" noise either from P to R, or R to D. Just a soft click which all cars make. So actually my CL makes a louder noise, which might be expected since I imagine the CL would have a beefier tranny.
It seems as if the CL transmission has more problems than Honda Accord's V-6. Read about the CL's transmission woes right here at Edmunds.
The clunk sound is not normal on any car car. Especially when the transmission fails at one point over time. The Accord V-6 has had a "history" of this problem from 1998 thru 2002.
Someone said here that the new 5 speed automatic Honda Accord transmission will solve the problem in the V-6. For all Honda Accord owners, I hope it does.
Just got the notice-said they would replace the ignition switch free of charge. Said symptoms of trouble would be the car stalling or difficult to start. Had no such problems-wonder if it is worth the effort to get the ignition switch replaced. Anybody have any problems with the ignition switch in 97-99 Accord.
From Honda, hope this clears things up. I would get it replaced, whats the harm?
TORRANCE, Calif., May 23, 2002 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of certain Honda and Acura models to replace an ignition switch which may cause the engine to stall. The recall involves about 1.3 million of certain 1997 to 2000 models of the Honda Accord, Civic, Prelude, CR-V and Odyssey. Also included in the recall are some 1999 Acura TL sedans and certain 1997 to 1999 CL coupes.
The situation is created by electrical contacts within the ignition switch that wear prematurely causing the switch to malfunction. An affected vehicle will likely experience difficulty in starting for a period of time prior to experiencing any engine stall. Normally, the vehicle can be restarted immediately.
Most customers will not experience problems with their ignition switch prior to repair -- less than 3/10ths of one percent of affected vehicles have experienced switch problems.
Thanks silverK21-the 3/10 of one percent was the number I was looking for. And another reason I do not like to turn my car over to dealer service department, they seem to find problems that were not apparentl before the visit. In one large city I used to live in, CV boots seem to get tears in them just before the dealer worked on the vehicle.
thanks again-oh remember how long ford fought replacing their thin film ignition problem-lawsuits and the whole bit-this is the first time I ever heard of this problem with honda and they do the recall-very interesting.
I was really astounded at all the transmission problems encountered on the CL and TL. It seems that the CL's/TL's tranny is worse than the Accord V-6's. Read about all the CL's/Tl's tranny's problems right here under the respective topic.
I heard the clunk sound about two months before my first transmission failed. After the second transmission was installed, there was no clunk sound at all for around two weeks. After two weeks I heard the clunk sound again and within a week my second transmission failed.
I was thinking of buying a 2002 Accord - the top of the line with the V6 and some fancy auto trannie that prevents a lot of shifting on hills. Reading some of these postings gives me pause. Can anyone summarize the problems and suggest what I should ask the dealer. Are there similar issues with the 4 banger? Thanks for any help you can give.
I wouldn't let it stop you from buying a '02 Accord, if you already have your heart set on one. The Accord tranny problems are really rare and it only seems like a big deal because everyone who has had the problem comes here to complain about it. That said, there have been less complaints about the 4-cylinder's transimission.
buffette, I concur with the last two posts. Don't be scared off of an Accord because of posts you read here from a small handful of posters. I think the tranny problems are larger than normal for a Honda, but much smaller than they might appear from reading Edmunds. Call up some mechanics you know and ask them. I doubt you will hear that they consider Accord trannies all that troublesome. We'd like to hear what you find out.
I went through two transmissions in my V-6 which is well documented in my posts at Edmunds. As far as going on a crusade regarding V-6 Honda transmission failures, I am only stating what happened to me.
But, I will tell you all something, Honda is well aware of the problem to the point where they did redesign the 2003 Accord transmission in the V-6 and the I-4. As far as asking someone in the auto repair/transmission business about 6th generation model, they will all tell you that since 1998, the Honda V-6 transmission has been problematic. (As compared to first V-6 in the 1995 model). Talk to your Honda repairman the next time you see him on a break and he will give you the "ins" and "outs"!
Just returned from a road trip and I think my '02 Accord LX is noisy (has 1.7K miles on it). I've owned a Camry for 4 yrs and in comparision, I don't like the Engine noise at start up / low speeds. Also the Wind noise on the highways is so IRRITATING. I wonder if the dealer can do anything about it.
Also, sometimes when I park in Sun for 5-6 hrs straight, my car cranks but does not start. Found several TSBs about this on NHTSA. I love the car and its maneuverability and responsiveness, though.
I happen to own both a Honda Accord as well as a Toyota Camry. The Camry is better insulated regarding road noise. My Accord is much nosier on the road. The Accord handles a lot better than the Camry and has a better driver's view. The handling I believe is the result of the "wishbone" suspension which is far superior to the Camry's McPhearson struts.
Wind noise will always be more noticeable in the Accord.
The Camry's transmission shifts a lot smoother than the Accord's. The Camry's engine is also more quiet. (Once again, I believe it is the better insulation).
I haven't really experienced any differences in startup in either car. I do notice though that the Camry idles a lot quieter than the Accord.
Both cars have their respective merits. If you are use to quiet--the Camry is the choice of record. The Honda Accord wins hands down when it comes to handling and visibility.
>>I do notice though that the Camry idles a lot quieter than the Accord.<<
"a lot"? I can barely even hear my Accord idling, whether I'm standing outside next to it or I'm inside the car. I do agree with you that the Camry is quieter and smoother driving, but doesn't handle as well as the Accord.
I was at the gas station pumping gas...right when I was ready to leave. I heard an unusual sound coming from the hood. When i lefted the hood I found that the battery had exploded. I purchsed a new battery and install it but now the car won't start at all. The head lights,interior lights are not working and when I turn the switch on there's no response. The only thing that works is my keyless entry. I had the alternator, fuses, and starter checked and they are ok! Please if anyone have suggestions or advices as to what may causes this please let me know. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Comments
No more squeaks but it cost me $39.95 plus tax but it was worth it. The installer. stated that all new Hondas have this problem and it takes a "professional" with expertise in this area to correct it. You can't have a guy who repairs exhausts and changes oil to work on your moonroof while reading a general Honda technical bulletin. He further stated, you have to know how the system is installed and work from there.
Oh, I do have some other problems. Due to the re-surfacing of the Henry Hudson Parkway and the terrible roughing up of the road bed, my front end seems to have taken quite a beating. But not the moonroof. Maybe next week I'll come back here screaming, but knock on vinyl, I'm good right now.
anselmo1: What exactly did the moonroof guy do to fix the problem??
What I don't understand is if they encountered the problem in year 1, why the heck did they not address it in subsequent model years? Or worse yet, use the same type of gasket in other models, such as the CL?
So I listened...carefully...sure enough, a squeek!
I guess some people are bothered more than I am by this. So every few months, it comes back.
I take ten minutes and rub the seal down with silicone lube and all is well.
No big deal and it works.
I had made the mistake of paying for the car before it was delivered, a mistake I will never make again. After a couple of days of driving the car, I realized that the driver's seat-back is warped toward a left angle, and is not square and perpendicular to the line of forward travel. In addition, the left edge of the bottom cushion is lower than the right edge. Thus, the seat is warped in such a way that it tends to "roll" me toward the door. Despite my continual effort to use cushions or folded floor mats along the left edge of the seatback, it is impossible to counter the warped angle of the seat, so it is ALWAYS uncomfortable. Without this effort at compensating for the defect, I am in genuine PAIN after about five minutes of driving the car.
I begged the dealership to buy back the car, less depreciation, or to let me trade it on another Accord, and the sales manager wouldn't even discuss it with me. Instead, he accused me of "taking too long to decide on the car I wanted." I finally met with Honda's District Service Manager, who acknowledged that the seat was "crooked", but then told me that as long as the car runs, they could not justify doing anything for me, and I would just have to live with it.
Is this what any of you would call "taking care of a customer'?
I wrote letters, I called Honda of America in Torrance, CA, and met with the service department of a competing dealership here in Tulsa. The answer was always the same: this was a "minor" issue that they didn't want to hear about.
Thus, my first (and only) Honda has turned out to be quite a surprise! I wouldn't wish this on anybody! I hope it saves SOMEBODDY from the grief and humiliation which I was handed.
After all the years of hype and convincing ads about Honda quality, I can only tell you I am still "shell-shocked" by the experience. Toyota, you're loking better all the time.
It sounds as if Honda will not budge which is a shame. I suggest going to an upholstery shop and see if they can correct the situation for you. Most likely they can and you will be able to drive your car comfortably.
I would then take the bill and send it to American Honda and ask for payment. Since they didn't abide by their warranty, you have every right to be reimbursed. I would also send a letter to your state's Attorney General's office and have them investigate the case on your behalf.
HA! HA!
HA!!! HA!!!! HA!!!! HA!!!!!! HA HA HA!!!!!!!
The best state is New York State where the Attorney General's Office will go after any company that's in the wrong. Just ask Phillip Morris, GM and Adelphia communications.
I also cannot understand why you were not covered under the manufacturer's warranty. If it means that much to you which it does, I would hire an attorney to resolve your problem.
A crooked seat ???
resolved in New York. Honda would not stand a chance. It would appear they are very arrogant. I think their seats are too low and very hard. While Toyota is maligned for the same problem in the 97-2000 Camry it still better than the Accord. I've owned both. Honda does a large number of other virtues. Why doesn't the frugal Accord get better than 23mpg around town, I had an 88 Accord that would get 30 easily and 40 on the open road. (6 Camry get's 26 city and 34 open road.
I am pretty sure that all the bugs have been worked out in the new V-6 transmission that will be available to the public in a few weeks.
What are the differences between the two transmissions in question? Did Honda change suppliers when it redesigned its new tranny?
What's your basis for this?
Honda has NOT had a "troublesome transmission" in their V-6 Accords!!
A few problems...yes, like any other car. Problems that are few and far between for the umpteenth time.
What's the difference ? Well, a fifth speed for ont thing. Other than that I don't know at this point.
You know Honda doesn't share any information with anyone regarding failures unless the NHSTA forces the issue. It is the consumer that is left hanging. I should know!
I just bought a 2002 Honda Accord EX V6 and I would like to know what kind of signs and symptoms I should look out for to detect if I have one of these "troublesome" transmission. I only have 700km. on my car and lately, I can hear this "clunk" sound whenever I shift the tranny from park to reverse. This is especially prominent in the morning when I engaged the transmission from P to R. Is this clunking sound normal or is this a sign of defective mechanism in the tranny?
Over time, the clunk gets worse and then you will notice a hesitation between gears in drive. The next step in the scenario is failure. While your car is under warranty, make sure they correct the problem right away. They have seen this problem numerous times and know the symptoms.
cokane: I think the noise is similar since both are mechanical noises Basically gear teeth mashing together.
The clunk sound is not normal on any car car. Especially when the transmission fails at one point over time. The Accord V-6 has had a "history" of this problem from 1998 thru 2002.
Someone said here that the new 5 speed automatic Honda Accord transmission will solve the problem in the V-6. For all Honda Accord owners, I hope it does.
TORRANCE, Calif., May 23, 2002 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of certain Honda and Acura models to replace an ignition switch which may cause the engine to stall. The recall involves about 1.3 million of certain 1997 to 2000 models of the Honda Accord, Civic, Prelude, CR-V and Odyssey. Also included in the recall are some 1999 Acura TL sedans and certain 1997 to 1999 CL coupes.
The situation is created by electrical contacts within the ignition switch that wear prematurely causing the switch to malfunction. An affected vehicle will likely experience difficulty in starting for a period of time prior to experiencing any engine stall. Normally, the vehicle can be restarted immediately.
Most customers will not experience problems with their ignition switch prior to repair -- less than 3/10ths of one percent of affected vehicles have experienced switch problems.
thanks again-oh remember how long ford fought replacing their thin film ignition problem-lawsuits and the whole bit-this is the first time I ever heard of this problem with honda and they do the recall-very interesting.
Read about all the CL's/Tl's tranny's problems right here under the respective topic.
That was enough for me and the rest is history.
But, I will tell you all something, Honda is well aware of the problem to the point where they did redesign the 2003 Accord transmission in the V-6 and the I-4. As far as asking someone in the auto repair/transmission business about 6th generation model, they will all tell you that since 1998, the Honda V-6 transmission has been problematic. (As compared to first V-6 in the 1995 model). Talk to your Honda repairman the next time you see him on a break and he will give you the "ins" and "outs"!
Also, sometimes when I park in Sun for 5-6 hrs straight, my car cranks but does not start. Found several TSBs about this on NHTSA.
I love the car and its maneuverability and responsiveness, though.
What do you guys think? Any suggestions?
The handling I believe is the result of the "wishbone" suspension which is far superior to the Camry's McPhearson struts.
Wind noise will always be more noticeable in the Accord.
The Camry's transmission shifts a lot smoother than the Accord's. The Camry's engine is also more quiet. (Once again, I believe it is the better insulation).
I haven't really experienced any differences in startup in either car. I do notice though that the Camry idles a lot quieter than the Accord.
Both cars have their respective merits. If you are use to quiet--the Camry is the choice of record. The Honda Accord wins hands down when it comes to handling and visibility.
"a lot"? I can barely even hear my Accord idling, whether I'm standing outside next to it or I'm inside the car. I do agree with you that the Camry is quieter and smoother driving, but doesn't handle as well as the Accord.
--> http://www.hondabeat.com/hbeat/highmiles.cfm
The new paint (PPG) adhered well on this old steel bucket. The body shop had the car for almost four months.
Please if anyone have suggestions or advices as to what may causes this please let me know.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.