AC Condenser Damaged by Road Debris

[fpritchett]

I've posted info here before regarding this problem and now that my case has been closed by American Honda, I'd like to take the opportunity to catch everyone up on my experience.

I purchased my '06 Civic EX Coupe in October 2005. Since that time I've had two primary problems. One, the pervasive rattle/vibration in the rear speaker deck around the subwoofer. After about 5 or 6 trips, I shared with the dealer some info from this site (the paper towel trick). Instead of paper towels, they used foam rubber and the problem has been solved.

Two, in September 2006 my AC stopped working. Took the car to the dealer and they said my condenser had been damaged by road debris and the repair would not be covered under warranty. Repairs would be around $750. Since the weather was turning cooler, I decided to not have the repairs done immediately. At that time I began researching the problem and learned that I was not alone and that the "road debris" issue was not limited to the Civic. I found countless accounts where folks were experiencing the same thing.

I called American Honda and was rejected in November 2006. Not being satisfied, I continued my research and discovered that Honda was replacing the condenser for some owners, but not everyone, so I requested a second review. Unfortunately, today American Honda called to let me know they had reviewed the extensive data that I sent (links to this site as well as others) that supported my claims... but that the company position had not changed.

American Honda still hasn't sufficiently explained why they choose to repair some and not others. My case manager told me that those repairs had been covered by Honda out of "goodwill" toward the individual customer. So, I suppose that American Honda doesn't really care about retaining new customers (this was my first Honda purchase). Needless to say, it will be my last. I do like the vehicle but I now HATE the company.

Bitterness gets us nowhere so I will learn to let this go, but the hurt will sting for a while. I believed in the Honda name and its reputation. The way this company has treated me is truly sad and a polar opposite to the position they claim to hold in the automotive industry. Fortunately for me, I am in a position to hurt Honda on several fronts, most importantly sharing my experience with others and pursuade them to not purchase Honda vehicles (I've already changed the minds of three of my students - work at a university). I could have become a very loyal customer, but Honda didn't want that. Instead, now they will have someone working against them. I cannot wait to get rid of this vehicle.

For those on this site who are Honda enthusiasts, please continue purchasing vehicles. I will not, however. One caveat: don't EVER purchase a vehicle, regardless of make, that is in its first year or redesign. I've ordered lemon magnets and can't wait to drive onto the dealer lot to show my disgust.

I welcome any comments and/or advice.

Frank

[kero]

Sorry to hear that they will not fix the condenser under warranty. That really sux and to be honest, since many people have this problem, Honda did not adequately protect the condenser from small debris like rocks and pebbles.

Honda elements have this problem really bad and on the EOC site, many people use gutter guards from home depot to protect it.

It's just one of those things. Some people can drive their new civic for 100K and never have this happen, some can drive it a week and boom, rock or pebble damages the condenser.

When you get it fixed, look into the gutter guard from home depot or lowes. I hear it's $6 or $7, you can cut to fit and use zip ties to keep it on. I have considered this but the weather is not warm enough where I am to play around with it.

[fpritchett]

hi kero,

i discussed this with the mechanic that will repair/replace the condenser. He has agreed to put the screen in place (I am headed to Home Depot today after I leave the Honda dealership). Ironically, I am there now because the engine light came on yesterday. I am through with Honda, though have requested American Honda to provide a written explanation for why they will not repair my vehicle (while they do repair others). Once the repairs are done, I am suing both the dealer and American Honda. It's more about doing the right thing at this point.

[Cybergypsy]

Sorry to hear that but blame the driver, not the automaker.......I find it would be a stupid case in a court of law.....if i was on the jury, you would not win :) sorry just my 2 cents....

[SoFLACiViCSi06]

I had the same problem with my ac condenser and they would not cover it, but when i called honda corp. they agreed to fix my problem for me. All i said is i heard it was happeneing to a lot of civics and that i would be getting rid of it if they didnt fix it for me.

[kero]

Originally Posted by fpritchett

hi kero,

i discussed this with the mechanic that will repair/replace the condenser. He has agreed to put the screen in place (I am headed to Home Depot today after I leave the Honda dealership). Ironically, I am there now because the engine light came on yesterday. I am through with Honda, though have requested American Honda to provide a written explanation for why they will not repair my vehicle (while they do repair others). Once the repairs are done, I am suing both the dealer and American Honda. It's more about doing the right thing at this point.

If you have interest in the gutter guard, join EOC (elements owner club and you will see plenty posts on this as the elements are very prone to condenser problems..

I joined when I was going to trade my civic for an element due to life style and problems with my civic. I did not trade but found it interesting just how many people with new hondas are having problems, most of which Honda is not fixing without a the customer going to long lengths. I had to to get my mount and belt replaced. Luckily my car fell within the affected vin number range.

[Kakashi]

30 minute 5 dollar ghetto prevention:

A/C Condensor Punctured

[Cybergypsy]

Originally Posted by Kakashi

30 minute 5 dollar ghetto prevention:

A/C Condensor Punctured

[fpritchett]

Blame the driver? How can one do that. I am simply driving my car under normal conditions. I never even knew anything had hit my condenser until the AC stopped working. If I file a suit, it will be in small claims to recoup the $500 this is going to cost me. My point has already been made on this new thread. There is a problem with the quality of the condenser; for it to be made from inexpensive (read cheap) materials, it should be better protected, which is isn't; and Honda is discriminating by not doing repairs on ALL who experience this problem. I paid cash for my car - a bit over $20,000. One would not expect to have these problems with a new vehicle (note: I have been driving for more than 30 years and this is the first time I've had a pebble hit the condenser and render it useless).

[volvo9]

Do we have any pictures that work? The others in the liked post don't show up.

What kind of a puncture is this? A slow leak or a big tear in the tube from a larger object?

Honda must have used some thin metal in the condenser, possibly to save weight since it's a small car, or hopefully not to be cheap. On my Taurus I have a large rock smash in it from where I slid into a rock and it's still working fine after a year, I really thought it was going to be toast.

I guess when I get my civic I'll be putting the screen over it.

[Kakashi]

Originally Posted by volvo9

Do we have any pictures that work? The others in the liked post don't show up.

What kind of a puncture is this? A slow leak or a big tear in the tube from a larger object?

Honda must have used some thin metal in the condenser, possibly to save weight since it's a small car, or hopefully not to be cheap. On my Taurus I have a large rock smash in it from where I slid into a rock and it's still working fine after a year, I really thought it was going to be toast.

I guess when I get my civic I'll be putting the screen over it.

Its not noticeable. It can be a tiny tiny puncture or crack caused by debris, and it slowly leaks out all of the AC coolant. Its invisible, and cant be detected with out some kind of agent I think. The only way you can tell is if your AC/heat start malfunctioning i believe.

ps- you dont need to screen the entire lower grille, just the passenger side corner where the AC condenser is located.

[digger1978]

Honda does not make a cheap condensor on the new Civics. It is just luck of the draw that your car had something hit and puncture the unit. Honda doesn't warranty accidents or acts of God. That is what insurance is for. If the unit failed on its own, then yes I can see Honda having to honor its warranty. As your mechnanic stated, some people can go their lifetime of their vehicle with no problems. I still have my 1994 Si with the original condensor. No problems and is unprotected just like me 2007 Si Sedan. I do go under there every year and clean out the bugs and debris that builds up so it can breathe properly. Fresh air needs to pass through for the condensor to work properly. That is why it is located where it is on your car, just like many other makes and models. I do believe it is a good idea to build a mesh screen to protect the condensor and radiator as others have shown. Just my .02

[Cybergypsy]

not blaming the driver just saying why not blame the county for pebbles on the road, makes a much sense as suing Honda....lol

[fpritchett]

I understand your point. The real reason I am upset with Honda is the fact that they acknowledged that this is happening to owners, but they they only do the repairs with owners they deem appropriate to help (the words the case manager used were "prior relationship" and "goodwill.")

What I don't understand is why I am being discriminated agains because this is my first Honda vehicle (no prior relationship) and what constitutes "goodwill" on the part of Honda?

Went to Home Depot today and they didn't have the mesh, so I'll look at a few other places this evening. My car will be at an independent mechanic tomorrow to have the condenser replaced.

[undrgnd]

Lighten up Francis! Nobody is discriminating against you because it's your first Honda, or because you paid cash for it. How can you expect to prevail by suing Honda for not practicing 'good will'? The fact that you have driven 30 years without having a condenser damaged works against you - you are due. Stop your whining and get on with your life. At this point, if I worked for Honda, I wouldn't want you as a customer. I can imagine what a pleasure you must be to deal with at the Service department.

[Cybergypsy]

I am just saying, its not Hondas problem....just luck of the draw.....