I have a Civic hatchback with a 1. - Adrianna
I have a Civic hatchback with a 1.5L Turbo engine. I bought it brand new 3 years ago. Last month, I brought it into the Birchwood Honda Regent as I noticed that my clutch was slipping when driving on the highway. My car had 66K on it, and I was told that the warranty expired at 60K. For them to determine if the issue was wear and tear or if it was a manufacturer's defect, I had to commit to them taking it all apart. As I have owned four manual transmission Hondas previously, and never had issues with a clutch, let alone after 66K kms, I was sure that this had to be a manufacturer's defect. I didn't really have a choice but to dive in deeper to determine the problem. I was convinced that it had to be a defect and that the warranty would cover it.
Upon taking it all apart, I was told that the issue was due to wear and tear and not due to a manufacturer's defect. At that point, I either pay for them to put it all back together, on top of taking it apart, or have them fix it and try to escalate it through your Goodwill program to see if Honda would at least help with part of the cost. The total cost that I paid to the dealership was $5,700 (after diagnostic and taxes). Upon Honda Canada's review, I was told that since I had no extended warranty, and the issue fell outside the warranty, there was nothing they could do. I was devastated. Purchasing a brand new, $40,000 Honda, I would never have dreamed of having to put $5,700 into it 3 years in.
I asked for the photos that the mechanic took and brought them to two different mechanics for a second opinion. Both told me that there was still a lot of life left and that it did not need to be replaced.
I tried to escalate this issue with Honda Canada's "Good Will" program to see if they would at least help with part of the cost. To which they did not help whatsoever, not as much as an oil change. They said they "do as much as they can to help their loyal customer, but that there was just nothing they could do." Absolute joke. After so many years and money invested into this company, they did absolutely nothing and showed zero empathy from any of the staff.
My family or I will NEVER purchase a Honda again. If you are considering buying one, know that if you ever run into any issues, they will do absolutely nothing for you. And yes, buy the extended warranty since apparently their clutch life span is less than 60K.
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