Consumer complaints about Honda - Ignition Switch Problems

Consumer Complaints & Reviews

Ruthy of Los Angeles, CA on Jan. 26, 2003

I bought a used Honda Accord LX, 1998 model in January of 1998 from Honda of Gardena (CA). It then had just under 5000 miles on it. Since then, in March of 2002, I had a defective ignition switch, which many months later Honda acknowledged as being defective. By then, I'd almost been killed 5 times as the power would cut off without warning while I would be driving. It would take countless attempts to get the car started again. Ultimately it had to be towed.

It cost me between $400 -500 to figure out what was wrong with it. Honda only reimbursed me $153.00 for the cost of fixing the actual part, not everything I had to do to even figure out what was wrong with the car. Their acknowledgment of the problem defect wasn't made til many months after the fact.

Matthew of Tallahassee, FL on Sept. 10, 2002

Purchased 2002 Honda Accord in Oct '01, 2 months later the SRS light on the dash turns on. Take it to dealer, they say that I either had a child or laptop sitting in the passanger seat (neither of which ever occured) and turned off light. 2 days later, light is back on. In addition, the ignition cylinder is acting up. When I take the key out, the sensor in the ignition cylinder thinks it's still in. Dealer thought problems were related so they replaced the immobilizer. Still didnt work.
Determined that problems were not related. Replaced cylinder and gave me new set of keys. Now, I have different keys for the ignition than for the doors and trunk. SRS light problem persists. Take it back again, they turn it off, say they cant fix it, 2 or 3 days later, it comes back on. I called the dealer and asked what can be done since this is a brand new car and the problem persists for almost 10 months now. They said Honda put out an 'alert' that the leather on the seat was thicker than it should be and the sensors in the seat need to be adjusted. Said I should get something in the mail. 2 months go by, nothing. I called Honda, they said no such alert or recall exists or ever has.

No physical damages. I own a car that is not safe. Honda told me that with the SRS light on, the airbags MAY NOT deploy. I purchased a Honda for safety and reliability. I have had to take it into the shop 5 times in the first year I owned it and the problem persists.

Therese of Los Angeles, CA on May 17, 2002

Below is my letter to Honda explaining my complaint:

I am writing in response to a letter received welcoming me into The Honda Family. I would like to express my dissatisfaction of quality of service.

I recently purchased a certified used 1998 Honda Civic EX, December of 2001. I have only had this car for 4months ( I have been in New York for the month of May); and have incurred several mechanical problems and expenses.

I was under the impression by the finance manager when I purchased my car that Honda Care would provide me with peace of mind that I would receive highest quality of service possible. As of now, I am very disappointed.

It was unclear to me the details of my coverage. I recently discovered that my Honda Civic has severe external rust on my exhausts pipes. The car drives extremely loud. I was told through Honda that the exhaust system is not covered through Honda Care. I was also told because of the severe rust, I would need to replace all the pipes and system would cost me close to $1500.

When asked for some sort of alternative plan (something with in my financial means), the service consultant, suggested that I go to a local muffler shop, and have them saw off the pipes, and weld on a new muffler and exhaust pipe. I did not feel comfortable with this suggestion and felt disappointed by not being able to get any assistance from the Honda department.

Recently, I was working with a New York based production company in West Hollywood. As I was pulling into a driveway the Belage Hotel in off of Sunset Blvd., my entire muffler fell off. I was very embarrassed, especially when the valet attendants assisted me in putting my muffler into my trunk. I am now forced to absorb the cost of getting a new muffler and replacing all the pipes. I am not in a financial position to do this, and I am very dissatisfied with the lack customer support from Honda.

My next problem soon after was, I could not remove my car keys from the ignition. When bringing the car to Honda, I was told that there is a problem with the gear shifter. It seems that the car does not always register when it is in park, and therefore the key is locked in the ignition. I was told to fiddle with it until I hear a click sound.

This problem is not covered by Honda Care. The attendant quoted me $69 for the diagnostic, and if there is any adjustments, that would not be covered through Honda Care. I was not quite sure what defines an adjustment when there is obviously a problem with the gears. Now every time I pull into a valet parking, I have to direct the attendant to fiddle with it until you hear a click sound.

I thought in purchasing a Honda and Honda Care, I would benefit from the service. I feel at this point, that my Honda purchase is no different than if I were to of bought a used car at any other local used dealership. The peace of mind in the quality of car and service does not feel applicable in my situation. Frankly, I feel I bought a lemon.

I am writing out of frustration and deep concern for any future problems I have with my Honda Civic. I have only made 4 payments (at $315.77 ) towards my car, and already I am having doubts with my purchase. In purchasing a certified used car, I was guaranteed that the car was inspected with great detail and care, and that the car received the best tune up.