Class Action Lawsuit ??
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New Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 19
From: Columbia Pa
BSM - your rattle at cold startup is the VTC actuator. It's not related to valve adjustment as one person here claims.
Valve adjustment is recommended on Hondas, typically every 60 - 100 K depending on model.
The pounding action of the valves over time will tend to make the intake valves more open and the exhaust valves more closed than spec.
By adjusting valves back to original spec, the engine breathes a lot better, esp. on the exhaust side, since all the exhaust gases are properly vented before the next power stroke.
Getting a valve adjustment will help your engine breathe, but doesn't do a darn thing about the VTC actuator.
The problem is that long term, VTC actuator failure will lead to timing chain stretch, and that could destroy your engine in a split second.
I had my injectors replaced (under warranty) at 88K. I already have the cold rattle at startup. I'm just hoping my engine lasts long enough on the second set of injectors to outlive the VTC actuator problem. Once the injectors go, I'm done with this vehicle.
Valve adjustment is recommended on Hondas, typically every 60 - 100 K depending on model.
The pounding action of the valves over time will tend to make the intake valves more open and the exhaust valves more closed than spec.
By adjusting valves back to original spec, the engine breathes a lot better, esp. on the exhaust side, since all the exhaust gases are properly vented before the next power stroke.
Getting a valve adjustment will help your engine breathe, but doesn't do a darn thing about the VTC actuator.
The problem is that long term, VTC actuator failure will lead to timing chain stretch, and that could destroy your engine in a split second.
I had my injectors replaced (under warranty) at 88K. I already have the cold rattle at startup. I'm just hoping my engine lasts long enough on the second set of injectors to outlive the VTC actuator problem. Once the injectors go, I'm done with this vehicle.
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New Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 19
From: Columbia Pa
Do you think an oil additive would help with the chain rattle issue at all or waste of money?
Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 141
From: ME
From what I understand, if the VTC noise only happens upon cold start up don't worry about it, but if it does it at hot start up, then that is the time to start worrying. I bought mine at 57,000 and it has the occasional cold start up rattle.
New Member
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 2
From: City
You’ve outlined your concerns very clearly, and it’s frustrating to face costly repairs due to what seems to be a known defect. Honda’s TSB confirms they were aware of the issue, so it’s understandable why you’d seek some recourse. Joining a class action lawsuit or advocating for a collective response might be a step forward, as it could amplify the voices of affected Honda owners and push for accountability.
Last edited by herovtretqq; Jan 10, 2025 at 05:41 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,463
From: Portland Or
Why has there not been more lawsuits filed against Honda for the VTC Actuator defect. Anyone want to join one?
Here is a letter I just wrote to a service manager at Honda :
Good morning, Adam.
I'm writing in regards to a recent repair estimate for my Honda Fit due to a rattle at start up and acceleration. I have attached that estimate to this email.
Upon researching this issue, I have found numerous customer complaints from Honda owners about this VTC actuator rattle and resulting timing chain stretch and oil consumption dating back to the early 2000's, including one class action lawsuit filed by defendant owners of CRV's, Crosstours, and Accords.
I also found a TSB (see attached) which states that, for 2015-2016 Fit all models, it has been known since 2017 that the actuator is defective.
I find it a bit harsh that the mechanic blamed me for not having my oil changed frequently enough when I was following the maintenance minder to change the oil at 15%. There is also a sticker that was placed on my windshield from a Honda mechanic that states to change the oil at 15%. My latest oil change was done at 50% and the oil was reportedly low.
Now I am dealing with a costly repair and would like to know if there is any leeway on reducing the cost of this repair since it does not appear to fit the narrative of operator neglect and/or normal wear and tear.
I appreciate your attention,
Here is a letter I just wrote to a service manager at Honda :
Good morning, Adam.
I'm writing in regards to a recent repair estimate for my Honda Fit due to a rattle at start up and acceleration. I have attached that estimate to this email.
Upon researching this issue, I have found numerous customer complaints from Honda owners about this VTC actuator rattle and resulting timing chain stretch and oil consumption dating back to the early 2000's, including one class action lawsuit filed by defendant owners of CRV's, Crosstours, and Accords.
I also found a TSB (see attached) which states that, for 2015-2016 Fit all models, it has been known since 2017 that the actuator is defective.
I find it a bit harsh that the mechanic blamed me for not having my oil changed frequently enough when I was following the maintenance minder to change the oil at 15%. There is also a sticker that was placed on my windshield from a Honda mechanic that states to change the oil at 15%. My latest oil change was done at 50% and the oil was reportedly low.
Now I am dealing with a costly repair and would like to know if there is any leeway on reducing the cost of this repair since it does not appear to fit the narrative of operator neglect and/or normal wear and tear.
I appreciate your attention,
GM has a ton of issues similar reason on their Eco Tech V6 and 4 cylinder engines. All related to the the overly long 10 to 15K mile oil changes.
If you change your oil every 5K you are highly unlikely to see any oil related issues, like sticking lifters or VVT solenoids. .
Their get out of jail free card, is the "severe use" disclaimer in the oil change instructions in most manuals.
They will claim you were operating in the severe use category and just walk away.
Use the Honda full synthetic and change it every 5K (maybe 6 if its all freeway miles) Use a Honda or Napa Gold (If you can find the non Chinese ones)
Class action suits BTW nobody makes money but the lawyers and they seldom get customers what they need to even try and make things right.. Sad , but thats how it works.
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