We had purchased a Honda Accord V6 vide Chasis No. 201651, Engine No. 43830716, Car No. MH01VA4934 on 27th April, 2006 from Ichibaan Honda, Parel Showroom. From the time of purchase till date we have been plagued with appalling service levels and unexpected troubles with the car which we submit as under:

1. From the time of purchase of the vehicle, we were made to run around in circles by the dealer for procuring the RC book. Although we had purchased the vehicle in April 2006 till October 2006 we did not receive the RC book thus forcing us to send a letter threatening legal action against the dealer after which due action was taken (Annexure No.1)

2. Although we have been pleased with the vehicles performance per se, we are sorry to state that repeated unforeseen problems have been cropping up constantly in the first quarter of 2009, which makes us question the very reputation of Honda Motors as a World Class Auto Maker. The instances are given below:

a. Complete Lock Assembly had to be changed due to malfunctioning of the same on 19th February’09 thus resulting in a staggering bill of Rs.1,12,533/- (Annexure III)
b. On 3rd April 2009 I have shelled out approximately Rs.1.50 lakhs for a car which has run only 46000 kms approximately and has been maintained in an immaculate condition (which can be verified by a physical examination any time). I fail to understand how a Luxury Car maker like Honda Motors has parts mal-functioning one after the other in quick succession.

Whilst we had changed the service provider to M/s. Auto Hangars who have presumably done their best to resolve the problems in the car. Inspite of the above repairs, the car was plagued with repeated mechanical problems forcing us to send the vehicle atleast 7 to 8 times back to the service station within a month but without much success.

We have had umpteen number of correspondence with M/s. Auto Hangars but to no avail. Honda Motors besides a preliminary communication did not even bother to reply or even attempt to resolve our grievances.

When we enquired about an exchange offer M/s. Auto Hangars could not even revert back with a fair offer. Although the WDV of the car is Rs.13,42,704/- we were forced to sell it for a paltry Rs.7 lakhs through another agency for a car which costs nearly 20 lakhs. You can understand the financial loss and the trauma we have undergone in this aspect.

We wish to make the public aware of what they have in store if they go in for a Honda Product.

We bought a 2008 Honda Odyssey van in Wilmington, NC (we live in Raleigh, NC). The Wilmington dealership experience was great. There was a punch list of items (torn seats, etc) that they put in writing would be covered under waranty and that we could take it to Leith Honda in Raleigh to take care.
We took it to Leith Honda and for 3+ months they pointed fingers as to who was going to pay for it. I expected Honda would take care of it and Leith Honda would get paid. I still have no idea what the issue was...but the new car experience became an ongoing ordeal. Eventually, Leith did fix the issues so I assume they got paid. Honda Corporate called and apoligized and said the would create a $400 credit account with Honda which we could use to get oil changes, etc. NOTE: This is a brand new car so we didn't currently need anything.
So far so good. We did have a hassle getting things noted on the car before sold to fixed... but Honda Corporate did something very nice by giving us a credit to use.
It has now been a year and we have had several oil changes and a service which was paid for with the credit leaving a balance of $70 (or so). During our last visit there was noticed an area on the back end of the sliding door which was an imperfection dinging part of the van each time it opened and closed. They said it would be covered under warranty and that they would have their paint guy fix it. Then they said or we could give you a bottle of touch up paint for $10. We elected to take the touch up paint since it looked like something we could do. When picking up the the van from other work they said we had to pay $10 for the paint. Since they said it was covered we said no... and they told us we could call corporate which we did.
I don't know where things went wrong but all of a sudden Honda Corporate became a jerk. Julie was assigned as our account manager (different from the person who gave us the credit). Julie told my wife that they would give us the $10 paint as gesture of good faith, but that the $400 credit (now $70 some dollar) they gave us was meant to be one time use and that she was expiring it (it was no longer good). My wife also told me that Julie was quite rude with her.

I think Honda cars are great... but I was in complete shock. I asked to be called by Julie to figure out what went on. Julie called me and was quite rude to me as well. What my wife said was true (which was not a shock). I told Julie that I did not need charity... I was told that the paint issue was covered under warranty and how they said they would have their guy paint or give us the touch up paint. She said that to get the paint we would have to pay $10. I still dont' know what the issue is with $10 paint... but I am going back to Honda to have them look at it again to see if they can figure it out.
As for the credit... she said it expired. I asked her were the expiration date was to which she said it was one time use. I told her that it does not say that and that we have already used it 3 or 4 times. I asked to speak with her superivisor to which she said that I would have to speak to her. I asked to have it reviewed... have someone else read the letter (a credit account was created and they later did send a letter which luckily I still had). It does not state an expiration date or a one time use. However I guess it is a little vague. The line in question is: "Because of your loyalty, this letter serves as confirmation for a complimentary $400 (Four Hundred) dollar) credit toward your next service or purchase of any Honda part or accessory."
Now... I honestly never read this letter until Honda expired the account. When Honda called to apoligize for our purchasing experience... they told us to use the account for oil changes, mats, etc. It was never stated as up to $400, one time use, or with an expiration date. The sticking issue to them is that is says "NEXT service or purchase" however I never read it to me only your next (single). This is a brand new van which did not need much. We were told we could use it for oil changes (plural), etc. It does not state up to, single use, or an expiration date... but Julie decided that it was no longer valid.
Anyway, like I said I think Honda cars are (mostly) great. However, after this incident... I will NEVER give Honda another dime. It seems so trite to treat a loyal customer like this over a $70 credit.
To try to get closure I am posting this and will be submitting my info to my State's Attorney Generals office (NC) along with a copy of the credit letter. I doubt anything will come of it....but that is all I have left in me. Beside warranty issues... I will never give Honda any business.

Hopefully this is a fluke. Maybe since Toyota is having so many problems Honda feels they can treat their customers this way. Who knows??? I still think Honda cars are great... but Julie from Honda corporate has lost me as a loyal Honda customer.

luterguy