I’m adding a new category to this blog: Consumer Complaints. When I have a problem with a company or product, I will describe the experience here. This will serve two purposes: first, it will spread information about companies that are not treating their customers properly. Second, it will allow me to track the problem for future reference. I am also starting a category for general consumer information.
So, on to Consumer Complaint #1: Brakes on the 2008 Honda Accord.
I drive a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L Coupe. It was making a squeaking noise, so I took it to the dealer. It turns out I needed new rear brakes, after a mere 17,000 miles. I talked to the service manager, and apparently all the 08 and 09 Accords are coming in for new brakes between 12k and 17k miles. I also looked online and found several links that document the issue:
Accord Brakes Complaint Link #1
Accord Brakes Complaint Link #2
Accord Brakes Complaint Link #3
Accord Brakes Complaint Link #4
However, the service manager also told me that Honda has not authorized the dealers to do anything about the brakes issue, and Honda has not issued a recall despite the fact that they are aware of the problem.
I called Honda Customer Care, and they sent my complaint to their regional representative, who will review it to determine if I am entitled to reimbursement. I will update this post when I get an answer. If you have had a similar problem with your brakes, I suggest taking the same course of action. Make sure Honda (the company- not your local dealer) is aware of the problem. Sooner or later, it may force them to take action.
For the record, this is the 4th Honda that I’ve owned. I love the car and I’ve never had any problems. But it’s inexcusable to put a defective part in a car and simply choose to ignore it.
UPDATE: 9/21/2009
I called Honda Customer Care, and they reimbursed me for half the cost of the brakes. While that is a nice gesture, it certainly won’t cover the cost and hassle of replacing rear brakes every 15k miles. Motor Trend recently reported the same problem on their long-term test vehicle, so maybe this will force Honda to finally do something about it.
