Nobody has been convinced with his story. There are more than a couple of dozen of '08 Accord V6 EX-L's quiet owners like myself in this forum. We have never had a single problem with VCM. The Honda internet sale & finance managers told me there are 9 computers/ processors in this car. Therefore, his car issue may be just a simple electronic adjustment.
My '05 Accord hybrid got a tiny oil leak like a very small mung bean on my driveway @ 13K miles. As a picky owner I took it back to Honda dealer. The dealer spent $10K to replace parts for my car and it charged me zero dollar. My hybrid was built in Japan and it was brand-new, extremely shiny and spotless when I took delivery in '04 Xmas in the dealer's showroom.
I drove Accord V6 with VCM and was not pleased by vibration. Dealer told me that it's ok for a new car and it suppose to go away, it is not a bug it is a feature.
I took my car to the dealer today and I rode with their chief technician for about 15 highway miles. He too felt the surging hunting feel to the car at the different speeds. When we got back to the dealership he checked my active motor mounts and said they were within spec. I knew they would be as I have not had the vibration issues others have had withy their VCM issues. He stated he called the Honda Tech Line and the Honda Tech he spoke with stated he gets about two calls a week now about the VCM Issue. That Honda tech told my dealer tech that is was the characteristic of the VCM System to do what I was feeling and describing and what other owners have stated that my Tech had also noticed in my car and they (Honda Techs) feel it in about 80% of the cars they drive to test for Honda. They stated there was no fix or software etc fix and it sounded to me from what I was told there wouldnt be any time soon, if ever. That in a way I would just have to live with it it was just the characteristic of the VCM System we were feeling. (Little different info than their Accord ad???) I felt that statement was off due to those owners in here that say they don't feel anything when their VCM operates. Now I again called the Regional Honda Rep and told him what had transpired and I asked him to spread the word with his compatriots. Anyone having trouble with the VCM we are at this point out of luck until maybe the future when that is I do not know. They may or may not have a fix it doesnt seem like its a front burner issue. Sounds like class action city coming down the pike as owners with the VCM worse than mine get fed up. Those with the vibration issue might be helped if it is malfunctioning motor mounts as it seems they can check for that like my tech did on my car if they are within spec or not. I still want to stress to take your car in and also contact Honda. I don't see anything in sight though for a fix unless a miracle happens. It's luck of the draw in a way if you want a 6cyl AT Accord you may or may not be bothered by the VCM feature so choose your car wisely. My next meeting will be with the GM of the dealership I already spoke to the general sales manager today too. I personally now wished I had gotten a 6 spd at this point. I love the car!!! But unfortunately an expensive car that does nothing but hunt and surge down the road on trips down the highway constantly. Not an enjoyable ride at all.
of off-topic and disruptive messages have been removed.
Let's review here for a second... this topic is about the VCM feature of the 08 V6 Accord. If you're having problems with it, please tell us about them and also tell us what you've done or are thinking about doing to address them.
On the other hand, if you are someone who owns an 08 V6 Accord that does not exhibit symptoms others are experiencing, we appreciate you letting us know that as well.
In either case, it is not necessary to keep posting the same thing over and over. As long as your post is topical and otherwise within the Membership Agreement, it's not going anywhere. Once is enough, really!
Let's move forward with this topic and stop the repetitive postings and the personal attacks, please.
The fact that not everyone is having the same issue with the VCM leads me to the following conclusion, this is not a design fault as much as certain specifications that are out of whack on some cars that are having this problem. I don't think therefore that one can blame one parameter alone namely the design of the VCM. If there is one company that still cares about reliability, I would have to give that medal to Honda. However, this is based on past ownership experiences so who knows, maybe Honda has succumbed to pressures to compete on cost (therefore dropping quality). I doubt it however based on the few complaints I have seen on this thread relative to the number of Accords that have probably been sold already.
Sometimes one needs to vent and I can see where that is coming from, especially if that one is having a problem. But, after a while the others get numb to one's problem if one doesn't take action that the others are recommending or are helpless to help because they are not mechanics or can't get into the minds of Honda's enginners who designed this product or they can't see/witness the problem first hand.
The steps many have enumerated are simple, take it to the dealer, do it as many times as you can, escalate, escalate...If none of that helps, you have gotten yourself a lemon which either you can live with, have them give you a new one if they will, sell it, whatever.
Why stress yourself? Life is short, its only money i.e. its better than stress which can kill. Take your allegience to someone else, there are a lot of options available in the marketplace.
Good luck.
I sure would like to see something good about this VCM, anybody?
There appears to be a definite and strong connection to the handful of comments regarding the Accord VCM and the few posts over on the Odyssey boards regarding harmonic resonance and slight vibrations that are felt on the Ody minivan with VCM. The Ody has been out since 2005 (with VCM), so there are a lot of real world miles under Honda's belt. I also own a 2006 Odyssey with 37,000 miles on it, and I do notice a slight vibration/resonance that is felt in conjunction with the VCM feature. And my Ody only has the 6 to 4 cylinder shutoff and not the more sophisticated version on the current Accord.
Several Odyssey owners have had service work done on their vans to address the vibration complaint. In these individual cases, Honda has addressed the "problem" with changes to the "a-pipe" as well as changes to engine mounts in attempts to quell these complaints. But bottom line, Honda's official response is that this slight vibration is a normal part of the operation of the VCM-equipped V6 engine, and their polite answer is along the lines of "we'll try a few bandaids, but if they don't work, get used to it and pound sand."
Personally, I have learned to live with this vibration and continue to be a big Honda supporter. To me, this is a very minor issue and not worth the length of this post. The Odyssey (and Accord) are stellar automobiles that are "best in class" in so many areas. There is another thread out there where owners are complaining about a very slight headlight flicker when the electrical system adjusts to an AC or other system turning on. To me, that complaint is also overblown.
I don't doubt that people stay up all night fretting over these seemingly minor quirks, but to each their own. Ultimately, with as many Accords (and Odysseys) on the road, the consumer will decide how big a deal these issues truly are. I just hope some enterprising lawyer doesn't get the class action itch since that is not the answer, IMHO.
Honda obviously believes in the benefits of VCM, given their extensive investment in the system so far. They have equipped most of their mainstream bread and butter products with the feature. The MPG gains may be relatively minor, but it must also help them comply with fed govt CAFE requirements.
If there is one very obvious piece of advice I take from this thread is this....NEVER buy a car without test-driving it! I have owned 12 Hondas in my 29 years of driving, and as much as I love Hondas, I would never dream of buying one (or any car) without a thorough test drive and comparison. No car is perfect.
Last week, I talked to the Honda Service Manager at my dealership. He called me back this afternoon and told me what he found on the VCM issue. NOTHING, absolutely nothing. He talked to both the tech at the dealership and the Honda Rep about the "surging" issue on BOTH of my Accords (red and silver). They did not aware on any Service Bulletin or Recall. The Honda Rep was driving a 08 Accord V6 when the Service Manager called him, and he said that "IT IS NORMAL THAT ONE CAN FEEL IT WHEN THE CYLINDERS SWITCH FROM 6 TO 3" . Unless it is intolerable, then it is the way these cars are.
Since the Service Manager has done his job and has gone that extra mile to call for an answer (even though there isn't one), I guess I have to leave this for now. I have almost lost all my hair by now I have bought two of them after Christmas but I can't return them now. I will lose a bit if I trade them in for something else. You know, cars depreciate... I am not quite happy with my silver one but my wife is OK with her red one... There are a lot of things I am not happy with in my life (e.g. hair loss), but I guess I have to deal with them.
I MIGHT trade my silver one in for a certified pre-owned 07 Volvo S80 V6 (or V8) or for the Accord I4 model or something like that in spring or summer... I guess the positive thing that came out of this are the lessons I have learned. The lessons I learn are:
1. Wait for a bit longer before buying a new re-designed model (even Honda). 2. Don't buy two of them at once (Instead, I might be able to buy one 08 Volvo S80 V8). 3. Test drive, test drive, and test drive until you are happy with it.
The bummer thing about the VCM "problem" is that it may not effect the functionality of the car. Obviously, if it rides like a buck'n-bronco, that may be a functionality problem. But, it sounds like the problem is generally evidenced by slight to moderate surging and, sometimes, vibration at certain speeds. Perhaps it will someday cause the transmission to drop to the ground or the engine mounts to spring the engine into the air . . . Otherwise, without a significant impairment to the vehicle's functionality or usability, a lemon law suit will be hard and the infamous "class action" will be impossible. Most state's lemon laws do not address discomfort or annoyances. Having said that, it is nowhere more true than in the automotive industry, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. . . . literally and figuratively
I sure would like to see something good about this VCM, anybody?
Well, I like the extra power and the larger engine that the 08 V6 was able to give me with about the same mpg as the 07 model. On sutained freeway speed my trip computer shows my mpg as 34-36, that is comparable to smaller 4 cylinder cars. I would contribute that to VCM but someone please correct me if I am wrong.
Honda has also had the VCM in its Pilots since 2006. I bought the V6 model and it did not come with VCM at that time, only the 4 cylinders, so I don't have first hand experience with it. For the 2008 Pilot model year, however, the V6 Pilot has the VCM in the 2WD models. Pilot's VCM is slightly different than that of Accord and it seems like it only switches from 6 to 3 cylinders when needed. Here is what Honda is saying about Pilot's VCM in its website: "Powered by the intelligence of i-VTEC® technology, VCM™ quickly and seamlessly activates or deactivates the three rear cylinders, depending on the driver's needs. So you get the best of both worlds: V-6 power when accelerating or climbing, as well as the efficiency of a smaller engine while cruising".
What is a little strange to me is that there os no thread in Honda Pilot's forum regarding VCM and no concerns or discussions that I could find, be it on the 06, 07 models (4 cylinder) or the 08 model V6. :confuse:
There have always been a few complaints about surging VCM operation (Hybrid Accord, Odyssey). Since Honda is still using VCM, and actually expanding it's use to the bread and butter Accord, they obviously think the system is working well for most buyers. So I think either the percentage of unsatisfied customers is small, or people are just living with the problem, and not reporting it to Honda.
I have followed this thread since the start and posted early on that the car I bought my wife last Sept. did not have any VCM issues. It now has over 4000 miles and I drive it often enough to say it still does not jerk, lurch, vibrate or show any of the described problems. The mileage and performance under the same driving conditions are about the same as her 04 EX V6. Just a very nice, easy to live with car. However I did do extensive test drives in two demos prior to purchase.
I have been looking at the V6 VCM w/Navi in the coupe. It seems that I am reading that this problem mainly comes when the cruise control is "on." Is that so? I am planning on taking a few test drives and want some advise on how to make sure I don't miss this if it happens. Also, looking at Planet Honda in Clifton, NJ and DCH in Paramus, NJ, any comments on the dealerships? Thanks in advance for your help.
They sell cars for a living thier response to you is more than expected....test drive it as much as you can. it will not go away. Honda is saying "its normal".. of course, they have to, otherwise they will have a nightmare on their hands from the backlash that is not only starting but will swell.... what you are feeling in the car is real... choose wisely my friend, get educated and if you feel it is something you can live with then go for it..
It occurs ALL the time cruise , no cruise. I have felt it (surging , VCM hyper changes)less when in cruise. Vibration occurs at 40, 50 and 65-70mph.. like tires out of balnce however its NOT the tires. Its the 3cyl mode of the VCM, the active motor mounts and noise cancel is designed to counter this but they do not eliminate it at all.. there is nothing seamless or unnoticeable about this new VCM operation in my car or many others it seems.
Based on my personal experience and, as it would appear, the experience with others in this forum having this problem, the problem is more prevalent when cruise control is off. I notice very little surging or vibration at highway speeds of 65 - 70 mph with cruise on.
I'd like to add a few other comments regarding this issue:
1) My problem is not severe. I can certainly live with it, however, I don't necessarily like it, especially bebopping between 4 and 3 cylinders. 2) I don't buy into some previous comments made by others about having to "get used to" driving with VCM or drive by wire throttle in order to improve smoothness. These aren't fighter jets that we have to be trained to drive; they're Honda Accords for heaven's sake! They should be as smooth in 3 cylinders as they are in 6. The development of this drive train should really be a simple, natural progression in the ongoing improvement of a fine vehicle. It gets smoother and easier to drive with every new model introduced! 3) Along with my point above and with reference to inferences that bad driving habits might make a difference with this issue: it shouldn't matter if you are such a bad driver that you are pumping rhythmically on the throttle in time to music or if you have cruise on but the road is hilly and there are wind gusts up to 50 mph. VCM doesn't know the difference. VCM should be operating seemlessly and "imperceptably" in either case. 4) Another comment made was that the vibration issues, especially around 50 - 60 mph, may not be related to VCM. Maybe not, but the vibration starts and stops consistently in time with the ECO light going on and off. I think that is pretty self-evident.
Again, if there are cars out there that are not experiencing any of these vibration or surging characteristics, then obviously, Honda's engineering is working well in these cars and they are performing as expected and advertised. They just have to figure out what the difference is between these cars and the rest of us and fix ours.
Are there any Honda engineers or technicians out there reading this that can wade in? We know you know what's going on. This forum is pretty anonymous. You won't get fired or disciplined for being candid about this issue. It would be nice to at least hear clearly that Honda is looking into this issue and is working on a fix.
I went to a dealer and he wanted me to test drive the 4dr sedan V6 VCM and said it has the same ride and performance. I insisted on the coupe and he said that he did not have one available! Problems????? Has anyone taken both the sedan and coupe V6 VCM out for test drive? What difference if any?
Thanks for the previous posts, very helpful, I am still on the fence. I drive in a heavy traffic area of North Jersey and plan on being in some pretty heavy traffic conditions during my commute.
I agree with you as well. However, from all the postings here, it might be that the VCM issue is of a personal perception and subjective. Some might be sensitive to the cylinder firing back and forth from 3,4 or 6 modes and some are not. Really depends on the person driving the car. As I said initially, I test drove the Altima when I was shopping for my car and I found out that I didn't like the way the CVT drones during acceleration. Again, it was my perception and I know that it's an inherent characteristic of the car from talking to some of my friends who owns an Altima. I realized that I would not be able to tolerate that drone and I bought the Accord instead. So best advice is to test drive the car first before buying it.
Thanks blufz1, but I am looking for a toy/transportation, I am coming out of a CTS and like to lines on the 08 6VCM Coupe w/Navi. I will get end up with an auto and wonder how if anyone if finding VCM problems in traffic. I am hoping to test drive one later today. I am not finding that many complaints on the overall reviews. I wold like to hear from those that have not found problems too.
However, from all the postings here, it might be that the VCM issue is of a personal perception and subjective.
I don't think this issue is subjective at all. The view that it is subjective is one of the reasons why some people on this forum are as frustrated as they are. If you're not experiencing problems with VCM, you don't have problems. If you are experiencing the problems, you have problems. If some people don't have problems, then what is the difference between their cars and those of us who are having problems? This is the critical issue. Honda has gotten this right on some cars. What is the difference?
Thank you for your thoughtful observations on VCM. My experience with VCM has been, in a positive sense, unremarkable. It does what I expect Honda's engineering to do --- it works. I've searched for the reported problems over some 3500 miles but can't find anything of annoying significance (post 662). That may happen but right now I'm still wearing a big grin as I lay on the smooth power of 268 horses. You can count me in the happy camp. As so many reviews have reported, this is a great car.
I have no connection with Honda other than having happily owned three Accord V6 coupes.
You are right. For all those who are experiencing the problems, they have problems and for those who don't, they don't have problems. However, we have to look at all the variables. Is the switch from 3, 4 or 6 cylinders basically a mechanical/design failure of the VCM as some of the postings here suggest or is it merely a personal observation based on his or her ability to detect the VCM problem. Again, we don't know this unless Honda classify this as a VCM technical issue. From what elroy5 mentioned, Honda is expanding the use of VCM since they (Honda) believe that the technology works as it was designed to do.
For those of us who experience the vibration and surging, the problem is design/mechanical. You have to experience this to understand how annoyingly obvious it is and how clearly it is related to that little ECO light going on and off. My problem is not severe, but I can truly sympathize with those who are experiencing this constantly.
The question is this: Has Honda intentionally designed their '08 Accords to vibrate and surge when using the VCM technology? If so, then the car is woking the way it should. If not - and Honda's own marketing of this vehicle would indicate that this is the case - then there is a mechanical problem that needs to be fixed.
"Otherwise, without a significant impairment to the vehicle's functionality or usability, a lemon law suit will be hard and the infamous "class action" will be impossible. Most state's lemon laws do not address discomfort or annoyances."
This actually varies state by state since we are dealing with state, not federal, laws. The state of Virginia for example, the car does not have to have a significant impairment to the functionality or usability - it could just have a problem that would impact the resale value of the car. Your car also needs to be in the shop for a total of 30 or more days, or, been seen 3 times for the same problem and the problem still exists. So for the VCM issue under discussion, the owner would need to bring the car to the dealer for 3 service attempts to repair the issue within the first 18 months of ownership and the issue would have to still exist to qualify under the law. Qualifying under the law and winning are two different things though, as it sounds as if Honda would dispute your claim. Even so, many manufacturers would offer a smaller out of court settlement if they felt they would spend more money in court and may lose in the end.
+1 on your post. Take the problem to the dealer, if you can't get a resolution from the dealer, escalate, escalate. Post your resolutions here if any, inform everyone what Honda is doing or not doing.
Good point Duke15! Virginia permits a lemon remedy for a "defect or a condition, including those that do not affect the driveability of the vehicle, which significantly impairs the use, market value, or safety of a motor vehicle."
I think you have to do more than take it to the dealer 3 times within the allotted time. But, if you do that, and the VCM issues "significantly impair" the market value of the vehicle, then you likely have a case. Unless the VCM problem becomes a widely publicized issue and/or a recall is made, I have my doubts that it will "significantly impair" the 08 Accord's resale value.
In my experience in Wyoming and Colorado, I find that manufacturers do not offer a smaller out of court settlement even if they risk spending more money in court. In my opinion, you have to be pretty damn sure you've nailed all the prerequisites before you can expect any relief from a lemon law suit. In my experience, the car manufacturers do not settle under any "nuisance value" theory.
I am not here to downplay your VCM problem nor question your situation. Trust me, I do empathize with posters who are having this problem because I also own the car. However, how do you know that the vibration/surging is of mechanical/design failure of the VCM system? It might due to the software that controls the VCM since most Accord owners are not experiencing this VCM problem. Software issues will be an easy fix with a software update. However, at this point in time, it's all speculation. Again, let Honda know about your problems.
That's correct. The ECO light on means that the car is being operated at it's most efficient rate.
Although I have yet to experience anything amiss with the V-6 VCM systems, I would suggest to anyone who may be nervous about buying one to simply go with a 4 cyl instead.
In my not so humble opinion, the 190 HP 4 cyl cars have more than enough power.
They have more HP than the older V-6's had and they use less gas at the same time. That's what I drive and I love it!
I know the manual states that the ECO light indicates that the car is being operated in the most efficient manner, but what does that mean? In fact, 6 cylinder mode going up a hill in a strong headwind would probably constitute the most efficient manner for those conditions, however, the ECO light would never be on.
Under what conditions would the ECO light be on when the car is in 6 cylinder mode?
I just got back from a lengthy test drive. I wanted to drive the coupe but the dealer did not have one on the lot, with the exception of a 6 speed man. which has no VCM. I took the sedan out on the highway and side roads. I found it to ride solid. I did notice a very slight "bump" when the car was cycling and the ECO light was on. (This was also felt mostly because I was looking for it to happen otherwise it probably would have gone unnoticed by me.) I found it to be minimal and not a distraction or problem. The car accelerated with no problems and held the speed at variable levels, (50, 60, 65 and 70), and I did not notice a vibration or shimmy in the wheel. I was quite impressed by the performance and plan on doing a couple more test drives before making the final decision on the VCM situation.
PS: I put on the A/C, (even though it is in the 20's) and did not notice the headlight flicker.
The salesman said that he has not heard of any problems with the VCM from the company or other customers. (I doubt he would tell me anyway.) He did tell me that the coupes are very hard to come by and they got 2 in today, (both on lot, 1, red and the other black), and sold both immediately after calling potential customers. He said the car is selling itself.
I will be testing a couple of more times later this week to see if I was just lucky with the car I had tonight.
He did tell me that the coupes are very hard to come by and they got 2 in today, (both on lot, 1, red and the other black), and sold both immediately after calling potential customers. He said the car is selling itself.
Do you think a salesman would tell you they are sitting in the back gathering dust? Come visit the Prices Paid and the Leasing forums..
I was at DCH Honda in Paramus, NJ earlier and they had none on the lot or to show. Said they are expecting some to come next week sometime. Honda in Clifton, NJ had 2, one on the floor and one downstairs. Talking about the 6 coupe w/navi. The lack of available coupes w/navi is not going to help negotiations. See you over in the Prices Paid and the Leasing forums.
Shopping for an '08 accord. $2k for a v6 upgrade is a no brainer, especially the great MPG.However, I am very concerned that the VCM issue is just the beginning to this new technology. I just don't trust it after reading all these posts. What else will start vibrating or possibly 'break' after years of wear. I will most likely be purchasing the less powered I4 190hp if I can't find another vehicle with 200+ in the price range. They should have had a non-VCM v6 with less hp, I would have purchased that.
Keep in mind the limited number of posters with actual problems. At least drive one for yourself before resorting yourself to the I4 (and I say this as an I4 Accord owner).
Some people will now become hyper sensitive while trying to find a "problem" that they would otherwise never notice.
Seriously, if a person is that scared about what "might" happen, they should buy something else. Personally, I really think this is a "tempest in a teapot" but I'll keep listening.
The 190 HP 4 cyl cars are certainly up to the task too!
At some point in time, any car will vibrate and break down. Cars are mechanical in nature for your information. Don't buy a car if you are afraid that they might break down.
While I've expressed sympathy for those owners that have objected to the lack of transparency of the VCM activity, I've also praised the new Accord. In my particular vehicle it can be felt as a hiccup to the usual smooth operation of the engine. Living in New England I may not notice it as much as those that live in warmer climes where the road surfaces are smooth enough that as it engages and disengages it can be felt. Driving around here with washboard roads and pot holes that will swallow the Accords 17" tires in a heartbeat, I've got more important things to concentrate on. I would not hesitate to buy the V6 based on my cars implementation of VCM. I do believe that Honda will live to regret their sales pitch that it is not noticeable to the cars occupants, in my experience it is, but it's not objectionable.
...Group Hug!!! fusionacid, these boys are a bit brutal!
....again, a tuned-in observation Bug.
IMHO.......even MORE tuned-in would see you inserting "some of" in front of 'these boys............. ........but your point is well taken (ie: 'feelings run high................"
Eh, it's okay. I was expecting to be flamed by the hardcore honda fans....
I understand that car's are mechanical by nature, but some cars are more prone to mechanical issues quicker than others, I.E) brand new VCM technology + 1st year model quirks.
I think i'm probably just going to stay away from VCM for now and go I4. VCM Engines probably cost more to repair anyhow. I4 here I come!!
HI, HONDA should lose business when they come out with a v/6 that behaves like this car.......would you like to drive a car that vibrates every day ?????word is out ...took my accord with 3,500 miles to trade on a Chevy Malibu...first question i got from the used car manager do you have a vibration problem ? or do you have the surg problem??? first car i ever owned that had a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds......i have owned HONDAS for 20 years........
I don't know if this is true or not, but if it is, it goes back to the earlier posts about the car being de-valued. I hope it's not true. One thing we should all remember is that it's still only February. Honda will have incentives over the next few months, tax rebates will roll in and the accords will start to sell. That is when the issue will become more widespread. I think I read somewhere that the accord sales are down right now so I don't think there is enough of them out there yet. I am going to call Honda today and put my car into the "system". I dread doing this as I still have my 2001 that had the tranny issue and the dashboard issue and that was a nightmare to deal with. It's sad because my car is coming up on 2 months old, has 350 miles and is sitting in the driveway because I hate driving it.
HI.you are right as more of the the v/6 vcm accords come on the road the problem will become more wide spread.....get in front of the curve and trade before the word gets out across the country........its starting to get out as i posted before...........
1. Give the user a button to shut off VCM or cycle between modes (all OR 3-6 only OR 4-6 only OR off altogether because I would rather put 10% more emissions out my tailpipe)
2. Do something about that Eco light, it is distracting, it forced me to focus on the light more so and think more about this technology. Then all those negative thoughts came to my mind that how could someone logically create a system that is "seamless" when so much is going on every micro second.
3. Change your marketing message. Don't advertise it as "seamless" or whaterver fancy word that Honda is using. It is not nor it can be. ABS is not as seamless as regular braking but I know for a fact that the system works.
4. Offer a longer warranty on the engine mounts, make it 100K
5. Perfect the system more. I want VCM, I want more technology to feel green but I want my power too when I need it, the two can coexist. Just like a manumatic system, there are times when I don't feel too green and want to smoke those tires and rev up that engine to burn off some of that stress that I have built up while trying to earn a living and making a car payment.
Honda, you know that VCM limits performance, that is why you don't offer it on some models. Sorry lads, the VCM is here to stay but at least give me a button. As for 2008, hmmm, can you turn it off for some of the guys who hate it?
Comments
Instead, you come here and leave over 100 posts that basically all say the same thing?
We know about your wonderful 1988 Legend that never had a single problem. You have told us about this car dozens of times.
Everyone is telling you the same thing...TAKE IT BACK TO YOUR DEALER! This is exactly what your "friend" will tell you too!
My '05 Accord hybrid got a tiny oil leak like a very small mung bean on my driveway @ 13K miles. As a picky owner I took it back to Honda dealer. The dealer spent $10K to replace parts for my car and it charged me zero dollar. My hybrid was built in Japan and it was brand-new, extremely shiny and spotless when I took delivery in '04 Xmas in the dealer's showroom.
Let's review here for a second... this topic is about the VCM feature of the 08 V6 Accord. If you're having problems with it, please tell us about them and also tell us what you've done or are thinking about doing to address them.
On the other hand, if you are someone who owns an 08 V6 Accord that does not exhibit symptoms others are experiencing, we appreciate you letting us know that as well.
In either case, it is not necessary to keep posting the same thing over and over. As long as your post is topical and otherwise within the Membership Agreement, it's not going anywhere. Once is enough, really!
Let's move forward with this topic and stop the repetitive postings and the personal attacks, please.
Sometimes one needs to vent and I can see where that is coming from, especially if that one is having a problem. But, after a while the others get numb to one's problem if one doesn't take action that the others are recommending or are helpless to help because they are not mechanics or can't get into the minds of Honda's enginners who designed this product or they can't see/witness the problem first hand.
The steps many have enumerated are simple, take it to the dealer, do it as many times as you can, escalate, escalate...If none of that helps, you have gotten yourself a lemon which either you can live with, have them give you a new one if they will, sell it, whatever.
Why stress yourself? Life is short, its only money i.e. its better than stress which can kill. Take your allegience to someone else, there are a lot of options available in the marketplace.
Good luck.
I sure would like to see something good about this VCM, anybody?
Several Odyssey owners have had service work done on their vans to address the vibration complaint. In these individual cases, Honda has addressed the "problem" with changes to the "a-pipe" as well as changes to engine mounts in attempts to quell these complaints. But bottom line, Honda's official response is that this slight vibration is a normal part of the operation of the VCM-equipped V6 engine, and their polite answer is along the lines of "we'll try a few bandaids, but if they don't work, get used to it and pound sand."
Personally, I have learned to live with this vibration and continue to be a big Honda supporter. To me, this is a very minor issue and not worth the length of this post. The Odyssey (and Accord) are stellar automobiles that are "best in class" in so many areas. There is another thread out there where owners are complaining about a very slight headlight flicker when the electrical system adjusts to an AC or other system turning on. To me, that complaint is also overblown.
I don't doubt that people stay up all night fretting over these seemingly minor quirks, but to each their own. Ultimately, with as many Accords (and Odysseys) on the road, the consumer will decide how big a deal these issues truly are. I just hope some enterprising lawyer doesn't get the class action itch since that is not the answer, IMHO.
Honda obviously believes in the benefits of VCM, given their extensive investment in the system so far. They have equipped most of their mainstream bread and butter products with the feature. The MPG gains may be relatively minor, but it must also help them comply with fed govt CAFE requirements.
If there is one very obvious piece of advice I take from this thread is this....NEVER buy a car without test-driving it! I have owned 12 Hondas in my 29 years of driving, and as much as I love Hondas, I would never dream of buying one (or any car) without a thorough test drive and comparison. No car is perfect.
Carry on everyone. Peace.
Last week, I talked to the Honda Service Manager at my dealership. He called me back this afternoon and told me what he found on the VCM issue. NOTHING, absolutely nothing. He talked to both the tech at the dealership and the Honda Rep about the "surging" issue on BOTH of my Accords (red and silver). They did not aware on any Service Bulletin or Recall. The Honda Rep was driving a 08 Accord V6 when the Service Manager called him, and he said that "IT IS NORMAL THAT ONE CAN FEEL IT WHEN THE CYLINDERS SWITCH FROM 6 TO 3"
Since the Service Manager has done his job and has gone that extra mile to call for an answer (even though there isn't one), I guess I have to leave this for now. I have almost lost all my hair by now
I MIGHT trade my silver one in for a certified pre-owned 07 Volvo S80 V6 (or V8) or for the Accord I4 model or something like that in spring or summer... I guess the positive thing that came out of this are the lessons I have learned. The lessons I learn are:
1. Wait for a bit longer before buying a new re-designed model (even Honda).
2. Don't buy two of them at once (Instead, I might be able to buy one 08 Volvo S80 V8).
3. Test drive, test drive, and test drive until you are happy with it.
Sorry that I am not much help.
Tc
The bummer thing about the VCM "problem" is that it may not effect the functionality of the car. Obviously, if it rides like a buck'n-bronco, that may be a functionality problem. But, it sounds like the problem is generally evidenced by slight to moderate surging and, sometimes, vibration at certain speeds. Perhaps it will someday cause the transmission to drop to the ground or the engine mounts to spring the engine into the air . . .
Well, I like the extra power and the larger engine that the 08 V6 was able to give me with about the same mpg as the 07 model. On sutained freeway speed my trip computer shows my mpg as 34-36, that is comparable to smaller 4 cylinder cars. I would contribute that to VCM but someone please correct me if I am wrong.
What is a little strange to me is that there os no thread in Honda Pilot's forum regarding VCM and no concerns or discussions that I could find, be it on the 06, 07 models (4 cylinder) or the 08 model V6. :confuse:
I'd like to add a few other comments regarding this issue:
1) My problem is not severe. I can certainly live with it, however, I don't necessarily like it, especially bebopping between 4 and 3 cylinders.
2) I don't buy into some previous comments made by others about having to "get used to" driving with VCM or drive by wire throttle in order to improve smoothness. These aren't fighter jets that we have to be trained to drive; they're Honda Accords for heaven's sake! They should be as smooth in 3 cylinders as they are in 6. The development of this drive train should really be a simple, natural progression in the ongoing improvement of a fine vehicle. It gets smoother and easier to drive with every new model introduced!
3) Along with my point above and with reference to inferences that bad driving habits might make a difference with this issue: it shouldn't matter if you are such a bad driver that you are pumping rhythmically on the throttle in time to music or if you have cruise on but the road is hilly and there are wind gusts up to 50 mph. VCM doesn't know the difference. VCM should be operating seemlessly and "imperceptably" in either case.
4) Another comment made was that the vibration issues, especially around 50 - 60 mph, may not be related to VCM. Maybe not, but the vibration starts and stops consistently in time with the ECO light going on and off. I think that is pretty self-evident.
Again, if there are cars out there that are not experiencing any of these vibration or surging characteristics, then obviously, Honda's engineering is working well in these cars and they are performing as expected and advertised. They just have to figure out what the difference is between these cars and the rest of us and fix ours.
Are there any Honda engineers or technicians out there reading this that can wade in? We know you know what's going on. This forum is pretty anonymous. You won't get fired or disciplined for being candid about this issue. It would be nice to at least hear clearly that Honda is looking into this issue and is working on a fix.
Thanks for the previous posts, very helpful, I am still on the fence. I drive in a heavy traffic area of North Jersey and plan on being in some pretty heavy traffic conditions during my commute.
I don't think this issue is subjective at all. The view that it is subjective is one of the reasons why some people on this forum are as frustrated as they are. If you're not experiencing problems with VCM, you don't have problems. If you are experiencing the problems, you have problems. If some people don't have problems, then what is the difference between their cars and those of us who are having problems? This is the critical issue. Honda has gotten this right on some cars. What is the difference?
I have no connection with Honda other than having happily owned three Accord V6 coupes.
The question is this: Has Honda intentionally designed their '08 Accords to vibrate and surge when using the VCM technology? If so, then the car is woking the way it should. If not - and Honda's own marketing of this vehicle would indicate that this is the case - then there is a mechanical problem that needs to be fixed.
To me, this issue is agonizingly simple:
1) The problem is real
2) Honda needs to fix it
This actually varies state by state since we are dealing with state, not federal, laws. The state of Virginia for example, the car does not have to have a significant impairment to the functionality or usability - it could just have a problem that would impact the resale value of the car. Your car also needs to be in the shop for a total of 30 or more days, or, been seen 3 times for the same problem and the problem still exists. So for the VCM issue under discussion, the owner would need to bring the car to the dealer for 3 service attempts to repair the issue within the first 18 months of ownership and the issue would have to still exist to qualify under the law. Qualifying under the law and winning are two different things though, as it sounds as if Honda would dispute your claim. Even so, many manufacturers would offer a smaller out of court settlement if they felt they would spend more money in court and may lose in the end.
I think you have to do more than take it to the dealer 3 times within the allotted time. But, if you do that, and the VCM issues "significantly impair" the market value of the vehicle, then you likely have a case. Unless the VCM problem becomes a widely publicized issue and/or a recall is made, I have my doubts that it will "significantly impair" the 08 Accord's resale value.
In my experience in Wyoming and Colorado, I find that manufacturers do not offer a smaller out of court settlement even if they risk spending more money in court. In my opinion, you have to be pretty damn sure you've nailed all the prerequisites before you can expect any relief from a lemon law suit. In my experience, the car manufacturers do not settle under any "nuisance value" theory.
Although I have yet to experience anything amiss with the V-6 VCM systems, I would suggest to anyone who may be nervous about buying one to simply go with a 4 cyl instead.
In my not so humble opinion, the 190 HP 4 cyl cars have more than enough power.
They have more HP than the older V-6's had and they use less gas at the same time. That's what I drive and I love it!
I know the manual states that the ECO light indicates that the car is being operated in the most efficient manner, but what does that mean? In fact, 6 cylinder mode going up a hill in a strong headwind would probably constitute the most efficient manner for those conditions, however, the ECO light would never be on.
Under what conditions would the ECO light be on when the car is in 6 cylinder mode?
Just curious.
PS: I put on the A/C, (even though it is in the 20's) and did not notice the headlight flicker.
The salesman said that he has not heard of any problems with the VCM from the company or other customers. (I doubt he would tell me anyway.) He did tell me that the coupes are very hard to come by and they got 2 in today, (both on lot, 1, red and the other black), and sold both immediately after calling potential customers. He said the car is selling itself.
I will be testing a couple of more times later this week to see if I was just lucky with the car I had tonight.
Do you think a salesman would tell you they are sitting in the back gathering dust?
Come visit the Prices Paid and the Leasing forums..
Some people will now become hyper sensitive while trying to find a "problem" that they would otherwise never notice.
Seriously, if a person is that scared about what "might" happen, they should buy something else. Personally, I really think this is a "tempest in a teapot" but I'll keep listening.
The 190 HP 4 cyl cars are certainly up to the task too!
Group Hug!!! fusionacid, these boys are a bit brutal!
....again, a tuned-in observation Bug.
IMHO.......even MORE tuned-in would see you inserting "some of" in front of 'these boys.............
........but your point is well taken (ie: 'feelings run high................"
hang in there, ez....
I understand that car's are mechanical by nature, but some cars are more prone to mechanical issues quicker than others, I.E) brand new VCM technology + 1st year model quirks.
I think i'm probably just going to stay away from VCM for now and go I4. VCM Engines probably cost more to repair anyhow. I4 here I come!!
......or not buy at all. I'll hang on to my GenVII 6M and lay in der weeds for a spell.
2. Do something about that Eco light, it is distracting, it forced me to focus on the light more so and think more about this technology. Then all those negative thoughts came to my mind that how could someone logically create a system that is "seamless" when so much is going on every micro second.
3. Change your marketing message. Don't advertise it as "seamless" or whaterver fancy word that Honda is using. It is not nor it can be. ABS is not as seamless as regular braking but I know for a fact that the system works.
4. Offer a longer warranty on the engine mounts, make it 100K
5. Perfect the system more. I want VCM, I want more technology to feel green but I want my power too when I need it, the two can coexist. Just like a manumatic system, there are times when I don't feel too green and want to smoke those tires and rev up that engine to burn off some of that stress that I have built up while trying to earn a living and making a car payment.
Honda, you know that VCM limits performance, that is why you don't offer it on some models. Sorry lads, the VCM is here to stay but at least give me a button. As for 2008, hmmm, can you turn it off for some of the guys who hate it?