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,

 

You need a Valve Adjustment.

Just put your big boy pants on and pay for it. It's part of the routine maintenance.

Take Honda to court?

Can't wait to see this on TV on Judge Judy.
🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

lol. I’d be glad to pay for something routine but that’s not what they are saying is the issue. Do you think it was misdiagnosed?

 

Not sure what it means, but a suit was "Certified" a year ago in CA and IL.

HONDA VTC ACTUATOR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT CERTIFIED

 

Yeah, I saw that. Thanks for posting the link. Just pisses me off that they tried to hide it. I found a local garage with Honda certified mechanics. I plan on taking my business there. Ever since our local Honda dealer built this brand new super huge facility, it seems like they have been gouging to pay for losses during Covid.

 

You should read this class action lawsuit again.

Honda Fit isn't listed as a car in this lawsuit.

Just go to your local Honds Dealer for a Valve Adjustment. Forget about this class action lawsuit.

I'm you have better things to do than focus on this.

 

The VTC Actuator problem has occurred across a range of Honda models and a range of years going back more than a decade. It is disturbing that in spite of Honda engineers knowing about the problem they still continue to design and manufacture new engines in which the same problem pops up again and again. It does not inspire confidence in their expertise.

 

Appreciate the video. At this point I’m more concerned with the rattling on acceleration that recently started. Do you think it’s the timing chain? The other guy posting keeps berating me and says I need a valve job. I plan to make an appointment with a non dealer who specializes in Hondas.

 

From everything I have seen on the VTC actuator problem it only briefly occurs on cold startup. It is not an ongoing driving problem. So if you have a rattling on acceleration then odds are that that is probably something else. And yes valves out of adjustment might be it. What mileage do you have?

 

118,000 miles. The rattle has a similar sound as a heat shield. It has subsided after adding oil. It doesn’t sound like a ticking. Guess my only option is to get a second opinion. At the dealer you don’t have the opportunity to speak to a mechanic. I guess if I do go with the actuator replacement, I might as well let them do a valve job too.

 

At that mileage a valve adjustment should be done (assuming it's never been done before) anyways, even if you weren't having any problems.

 

I will do that. Thanks.

 

What the heck have I been saying?

Instead of blaming Honda. And talking about all this technical crap.

Get a Valve Adjustment.

 

why so angry? Sheeesh.

 

Because the Ticking Engine crowd will readily blame Honda for something these Fit owners should be doing as part of a regular maintenance routine.

if I get a flat tire should I start a class action lawsuit against Yokohama?

 

Blame Honda? They are the ones who diagnosed the ticking as the timing chain. I think you’re smoking something and it’s not bologna. 😂

 

And all the while your Fit Valves keep on ticking and ticking doing further damage.

Here's an Einstein idea;

Pay for the Valve Adjustment yourself. Then if there is a resolution from this possible lawsuit Honda can reimburse you for what you paid for the Valve Adjustment.

 

Most class action lawsuits I've seen - including a couple non-car ones I benefited from - resulted in the lawyers collecting large sacks of moolah ($$$) and the individual consumers who participated getting about the equivalent of a tube of toothpaste.

 

It’s not a tick. It’s a rattle.

 

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.