Many manufacturers run into this problem. A couple I am familiar with because they involve the same engine used by 4 companies. Hyundai, Mitsu, Chrysler are the big ones, all used a particular style of 4cylinder engine. It is based on a design from the late 60's used in production cars until 1999. The Mitsu Sirius Family, or the 1990's Hyundai Betas. Everything from revised thrust bearings, oil squirters, intake manifolds, hydraulic lash adjusters, etc. Some were preventative measures done via recall, others were just improvements based on longterm field feedback. The whole reason they came about is because some things you can only learn through experience. To automatically just assume they should have known better, were cutting corners or should have better tracking of part distribution tells me you really do not have much experience with mass production. There is theory, and then there is reality. There is a particularly infamous issue of determining which crankshaft/cylinder head combination you were going to get if you ran to a junk yard for instance on a several makes of cars from 1992-1995. You just come off sounding ridiculous. How about you relax and do some reading, then call your dealer with your VIN? Or Honda USA? If you are going to attack someone for their alleged speculation, you need to give yours a rest as well. Just educate yourself in the mean time and either contact Honda or wait on them to get to you.

 

I called my dealer to see if my car was recalled and they said that only certain 2009-2010 fits were recalled not all of them, is this possible? Everything that i am reading says that all are being recalled in the 2009-2010 year range. I have 25,000 miles on my 2010 fit and want this to get fixed ASAP if i am going to be effected by this

 

I can't remember whether all of the fits/vehicles [with the L15] come out of one plant in Japan or not but if they do come from multiple facilities, one of the facilities may have been using a different manufacturer for springs and in this case, only a portion of the fits during the time-frame would be affected. If it is all fits up until a certain time, they likely used the same distributor for all of the L15 engines.

~SB

 

Let me ask you this.

Is there a database out there of the VIN# of cars?

Are the engines in those cars stamped with some identifier? Like a production code?

Are those VIN#s and production codes tied to each other?

The final question is... are the "stamped" identifiers the Honda dealers are looking for, the stamped engine code? or possibly a production code on the springs themselves?

Even if you say there is a valvetrain sub-assembly that is mass produced, and they somehow track exactly which springs go into those assemblies.

It still boils down to... they don't know which Fits got them.

If you have a tracking system that tells you these springs went into those valvetrain assemblies... and they went into that group of engines that went to those Fits in the corner... then there would be no need to inspect anything, as all you would have to do is look up the VIN#.

 

fitchet Do a little looking into the NorthStar engine and blown head gaskets. GM knew of a head bolt issue w/ the N* for years. Thread pitch was not designed correctly and the bolts had a tendency to back out - thus loosen - and that is not what you want in an engine, quickly leads to a blown head gasket.

No recall was ever issued, thus all pre 2001 N* engines that went into $40K+ luxury cars are suspect. 2001 they changed the bolt design. Did all engines fail, hardly but it was a well known 'repair' issue.

What it shows is that manufacturers handle these issues in many ways.
Why did I finally buy a Honda?
There superlative reputation in building engines and cars. I trust them. [oops,... there I go again, sorry nothin_]

In the long term, it's really not about what you do, it's how you do it and I believe Honda is handling this situation respectably.

 

Haha...that's not quite the same. You are definitely making an adjustment for the better.

I have to say, some of the comments from the more knowledgeable members (especially the Honda techs) give me hope that the job is routine enough that it's unlikely to create a problem for the engine down the road. I will monitor the situation--especially after the recalls start up--and see what my thoughts are afterwards. I always try to keep an open mind with these things.

See, I'm not really interested in those who defend or accuse Honda. I'm agnotstic about Honda. Like most good companies, they try to do right by the customer because it's in their interest. But at times, what I may want as a customer may conflict with their view of what is best for their company. I understand that. It's called life. So no problem there. I mean, it's not really some epic battle of good vs evil that some people make it out to be. Just simple interests that sometimes align and at other times conflict.

Regarding this issue, I'm simply interested in whether this recall will affect the life of my vehicle. I keep my cars a very, very long time. I have a "91 Accord parked in the driveway and it is a great car. So as you can see, longevity and dependability are very importatnt to me and that's the main reason I pay what I call the "Honda tax." Or you can just call it a premium. If Honda were to let me down in that area, I would not pay the premium any longer. Right now, I am more optimistic about this issue than I was at the beginning of the thread. But only time will tell.

Cheers

 

Whoa... there... Hold back for a minute there cowboy!

Do not try and inject reasonableness & Logic into this.
Couldn't resist...

Well stated post 'nothin.

In general, It doesn't sound like it is much more work than a valve adjustment which should be somewhat easy work for most any mechanic who does even basic internal engine work.

~SB

 

Yeah, outrageous, ain't it?

 

After reading a lot of these posts I am considering selling the Fit. Why? The car is just fine it is just a lot of the owners. What a bunch of AHs to put it bluntly. Their expectations are so high it is unbelievable. Do you want to drive the same car as them?

It is just a disposable ecobox people. Get over it.

 

Well there you are. Well put my friend and fortunately when driving the Fit around town all these crybabies blend in with all the others out there so who cares anyway, I'll go for the mileage and keep my Fit.

DAYTONA 500 drops the flag in about 4hrs! I know what you're doing. I'll save a few ribs for you.

Hats off to 10yrs.

 

This seems a little...how you say...extreme.

Plus, you can just stop reading the forum. Or you can put a lot people on ignore. Start with me, if you like. I promise I won't take offense.

But to sell a car you like because some of the people driving it are in [your view] asshats? That's radical. I mean, why would you even care and why would you let others influence your enjoyment of owing the car?

Also, I would say no car is disposable. It may be on the cheap end as far as cars go but it's still a nice chunk of change to a lot of people.

Just my 2 cents.

Anyway, got go for a drive now.

Peace.

 

Well for what it worth, I had my Fit on the Dragon and Cherahola Skyway last fall and it was living in the area of 4500-6800 RPM's for most of the run and I had NO problems with the car. By the end of the month which will be the 1 year mark of having the car, I'll have 25k on the car but we'll see how it goes

 

Daytona 500 should be good, they are using the new E15 GTX race fuel. More pit stops but higher speeds compared to last year.

 

where is this sticker located? i looked at my door sticker today and all i saw was the tire information, like PSI and tire size, i couldn't find a manufacture date.

 

WOW! That's a bit extreme, don't you think? I mean, Ferrari owners are usually tools and wear all their Ferrari gear just to "show everyone", but it wouldn't keep me from buying and owning and enjoying a yellow 458 Italia....if I could afford one

Talk about "cutting off your nose despite your face", come on Black3sr, I know your better than this. Now as far as expectations go, well, its a Honda and rep is everything, had alot to do with why I bought the car I did. Todays econobox is not like the econobox of yesterday. I mean, look at the old diesel Rabbit and todays TDI Golf for instance, same mileage but the newer car is a Rolls Royce compared to the 70's/80's car. Heck, look at a Fit compared to any Honda from the 70's/early 80's, plush and alot safer, not a "throw away" car, atleast not IMO.

Those who wanna make a bigger deal about this, let em', they're the minority on our forum and most of us are more educated on the subject.

 

No shit - and while I love my Fit, this recall is the least of my worries. When you have never owned a Honda, and then do; it's a very different mentality regarding dealership service. Try owning any number of other cars by various makes. I really would worry about some techs with another brand, but isn't this slightly ridiculous, especially considering Honda uses our engine as the basis for three cars in it's lineup? Be happy you own a Honda folks!

Oftentimes I see a very unrealistic view of this car on the board, and it's a very high quality piece of engineering, but it's an econobox, like you said Black3sr. The comparisons that fly around here are amusing. There is no perspective sometimes, and lots of grandiosity.

Choose a car that is still brand new, isn't an Audi, and cots north of 30k to obtain one the whole time you own the car, in order to converse with adults about it. Forums with super high performance machines, or old imports that people wrench on, have a bunch of AHs on them too. At least they keep the stupidity in check, but it's an even less enjoyable environment because it's just a technical archive with engineer-minded people arguing with each other. The worst... I owned a TDI. Normal people don't seem to drive diesel passenger cars. NASA engineers do though.

 

Your statement sound quite extreme to me Black3sr but I will try to understand where you are coming from. I may be one of the "AH" you are referring to, full of paranoia, posting dumb questions in the forum, jumping around like fried chickens with heads chopped off. Sorry if I have offended you with any my redundant questions I've asked in my posts.

I think the "unbelievable expectations" expressed collectively by FIT owners in the forum is a result of one thing...WE LOVED OUR FIT... and we are concerned with the well being and performance of our FIT post recall fix. I spent over $23,000 for my new FIT and it is a big investment for me.

For many of us, this is our first recall and we don't know what to expect and may start asking questions that can be construed as "unbelievable expectations". Just like when I was scheduled to have my first prostate exam a few years ago, I didn't know what to expect and start asking stupid questions. After going through my prostate exam, I am beginning to like it (my doctor is a man)

I am also a fan of this forum and really appreciate and respect the views of several posters (you know who you are) who really knows their stuff. I am impressed with the knowledge demonstrated by the "senior" posters and Black3sr, you are one of them. I have enjoyed reading your postings and do look forward to your contribution and views expressed by all other forum participants as well

 

I'm NOT attacking anyone for "alleged speculation". I'm asking...do you know for sure??? Is it speculation? I actually think a forum, is a place for a degree of speculation and discussion....to an extent it is what a forum is about...

The only reason I ask, is because I am somewhat familiar with how quality control works within the auto industry. I will admit I am speculating, but for example, if Honda (or any manufacturer) determines there is a problem with component B....and it's failure could cause damage or even a fatality resulting in liability for the company...and they thus "officially change the specifications applied for that component...then they stop using the old component...they do NOT mix them..or simply use up the old components...

Once Honda discovered the problem I doubt they thought it was "no big deal"...making a change to the specifications of a component..engine..airbag..safety related...mid-production...then retro-actively applying a recall...which will be very costly...IS a big deal.

I'm speculating...but it's my contention it is more likely that there is a clear definable point engines produced up to this point...need the new springs....engines produced once the new springs where determined to be needed and the new springs were used..do not..

I'm doubtful that there was a period where Honda would "mix" components meeting specifications "A" and new components meeting specifications "B".

Am I sure? No. Because I don't work behind the scenes at Honda. I'm not in the factory building them. But it just seems logical to me, especially since failure of this part can evidently result in engine stalling...thus potential liability for Honda....that they wouldn't go "Good Enough...Lets just "Use Up" these last bits "O" bad springs...."

Could I be wrong? Certainly...already admitted..but I think within a discussion where I think speculation valid...the key is to be clear when you are speculating..and when you are presenting fact.

 

Why do people "think" I think..Honda isn't handling this correctly? I think they are doing the right thing..they got reports of a problem...studied it...determined the degree of potential problem and created a solution. Applied it to production..and are retro-actively applying it to the recently produced vehicles that need the recall...I'd say that is handling it correctly. I've never said I think they aren't handling it correctly.

Some speculation as to specifics I have asked about. I myself am disappointed that Honda Fits have to go through this process. I am NOT happy about the recall...I do not enjoy it...ALL recalls are not good for the manufacturer and usually not "fun" or a positive for the owners...

If my vehicle will have to be taken to a dealership and the engine disassembled to a degree....I will not be whistling or smiling or particularly happy about it...as a matter of course...because I think it sucks..

But do I think Honda is handling it incorrectly? No...you are absolutely correct. They are handling it right. They could of ignored the relatively low number of early reports of this failure...putting peoples lives at risk with future failures....they could ignore and deny...engines could fail..3,4,7 years in the future...out of warranty and Honda could just say..too bad...just happens sometimes....

So no. I think Honda is handling it correctly, morally and ethically...and pro-actively..they deserve Kudo's for launching the recall and doing the right thing.

I'm happy about that...but that doesn't mean I'm happy about all the other realities...

People get defensive about their cars. It seems some people want a Polly Anna attitude about this. Like I MUST say it's nothing...and even embrace it as a great thing...or shut up...

Listen I think if you sat the CEO of Honda down and asked him about this recall....he'd say it SUCKS and he'd rather not do it...but Kudo's that Honda values it's reputation highly enough to do it...

 

Oh no! Ferrari is recalling all their 458 Italias! What a POS company. I no longer have faith in them and I will never buy another Ferrari again.
---------

Last week, Britain's Sky News site said drivers of the 458 Italia were "fearing they are jinxed after 10 of the vehicles crashed or caught fire within three months ... It is not thought that the 458 design has a fault, just that the owners have been unusually unlucky."

http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/02/auto...call/index.htm