This is what I saw today: rust spots on the front edges of both rear doors. Is it a general quality issue or is it caused by stone chips? When I took a first look the paint seemed not to be damaged. Maybe I have to take a closer look.

What is your opinion? Anyone else with this problem?

I am from Germany and my Fit is not even 3 years old. Warranty expires in september. I will talk to my dealer on friday.

 

hey ill take rust spots over flaking paint (my GK) any day.. lol

its a quality issue which the dealer may or may not do anything about.

 

I'd say it's a poor quality paint job which Honda and most other manufacturers are noted for. Talk to your dealer but they'll probably point out that the paint warranty only covers penetration through the metal (like a hole) and not surface rust which is considered just cosmetic. Yeah, the manufacturers warranties are designed to allow them to get away with poor paint jobs while their marketing guys can advertise about their rust protection warranties as if they meant anything.


There are questions though that you should ask yourself: Do you wash your car often enough? Do you wax your car to protect it, especially in the area which was affected? Is salt used on the roads in your region in winter? etc.


You will probably end up sanding off the rusted area yourself, applying a rust primer, color match coat and a clear coat top.

 

Mine has rust spots on the lower door jamb, and as of this year in the interior-facing part of the door. 2012, which I admit not new now, but only 35K miles on it.

Lame. My 1996 honda is only just starting to show rust issues at over 20 years old. But. Also not surprising. It's the cheapest thing Honda makes, and it IS just cosmetic for now. But yeah, not designed for a 30 year service life by any means.

 

I don't know if I totally blame Honda.
From what I've read, all automakers have been moving towards using more environmentally safe paints.
And they all seem to not have the durability of the old paint.

It may just be that the paints used in 1996, were a lot more durable.

I had premature paint issues with my last two newer vehicles. Both from different manufacturers. I'm to the point where I actually believe it's more new paints, and new clear coats designed to be more environmentally safe.

Hopefully, this will all improve with time.

PS.
My 2016 hasn't demonstrated this problem yet, but I'll keep an eye open. I don't expect sterling durability. Seems to chip pretty easy.

 

Doubt it. I'm rusting faster than the del Sol. :P

 

Actually I meant, I hope "Environmentally Friendlier" paints improve with time.
Yeah, we're all stuck with the paint we have.

 

Yep, same. Front of rear door on driver side so far.
My car is a 2016, just barely 3 years old.
Strange it's always the same spots. Just took Ducky in to my dealer for oil change this a.m., and service writer said it shouldn't be happening and will "see what they can do."

 

Honda warranty says body should be covered against rust for 5 years, no mileage limit. But is says "from the inside out." Not sure what that means! Isn't that how rust works?!
Here's the wording:
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
Honda will repair or replace any body panel on your vehicle that rusts from the inside out. This coverage extends for 5 years with no mileage limit.

Hopefully that applies to you in Germany as well!

https://automobiles.honda.com/fit#

 

The key word there is "perforation" which means a hole right through the metal. For surface rust you're almost certain to only get the "too bad, so sad" song from Honda. I assume that the inside out thing means that they're trying to exclude rust which starts on the outside from stone chips and the like. That pretty much neuters their warranty and makes it worthless since rust from the inside out usually takes much longer to develop and the warranty period will be long gone before you notice anything.

 

Could it be industrial fallout? Very common on new cars. My white Civic Si is the worst for it.

https://allthatgleams.co.uk/car-care...at-is-fallout/

If it isn't fall out, could they be chips rusting? Could someone have hit the door on something over the years? If so, then that's not Honda's fault as they need to be touched up.

 

 

That's known as rail dust. I remove it with by pouring a bit of the liquid form of Bartender's Friend on a cloth and wiping off the spots. also removes it but the Bartender's Friend is cheaper.

 

Rust not generating visible holes? Guess not covered by warranty. Anyway, I always treat my rust spots with WD40 and Honey Goo or chain lube... been doing that for years and they do a great job at keeping rust from spreading.

 

Same spots for me and in the same place for me. Was this ever resolved? And if so how?

Regards