Civic Si TRANS problems PETITION

[Rayray84]

#642 I really wish we could get a real document rolling, because i would love to prove my point at the stealership. they wont look into the, what they call the "problem"(the guy even used his fingers) any further, and claim that they have never heard of any other similar civics with the same issue i'm having. PLEASE LETS MAKE THEM FIX THIS.

[soxfan]

Originally Posted by dt07Si

Here are my thoughts....

1.
I think we need a well written letter supported with facts, and if at all possible proofread or written by or with the assistance of an attorney.

2.
I think an online petition could help support our argument, but we can't solely rely on it. I think the online petition that links have been posted to here on 8th and a thread has been created about, is weak. And if we are going to do one, it would be best if we started another one.

The creator of that petition's email is no longer valid, which is just another problem with it.

3.
I think we need to decide if these transmission problems that 8th generation Civics, RSX's, and EP3's all have reported are similar and if so then decide if we want to include them in our argument or petition.

Aside from that also do some research on what Honda has told them or done for them, seeing as how they have owned there cars since probably 2001 or 2002.



CLIFF NOTES

My idea would be to present a formal well written statement to Honda, with a formal petition with the names of the owners, model, and model year of car, and VIN number, and then a brief description of their problems. On top of that any case numbers developed with Honda dealerships. All of this along with URL's/links to threads with related discussions, lists, or experiences with these problems could be helpful supporting evidence also.


Let me know what you guys think of my ideas or any suggestions or input you may have.

I don't want to go creating another thread until more progress is made, and or a petition or letter is written.

WE NEED TO DEVELOP A STRONG PLAN OF ATTACK!

I agree. I believe there are two people who's contact information we need to obtain:

1. A high-ranking executive at Honda of North America, and
2. The Editor in Chief at Consumer Reports

I'm not sure that we need a lawyer to get involved just yet, but I know a few who can look at a letter and make suggestions. Once a letter is drafted with the names and VIN numbers of all the interested owners, a hard copy and electronic copy should be sent to Honda, with a cc to Consumer Reports. I think once Honda sees that we want to get the largest consumer product publication involved, they'll be pressured to take action.

[dt07Si]

Originally Posted by soxfan

I agree. I believe there are two people who's contact information we need to obtain:

1. A high-ranking executive at Honda of North America, and
2. The Editor in Chief at Consumer Reports

I'm not sure that we need a lawyer to get involved just yet, but I know a few who can look at a letter and make suggestions. Once a letter is drafted with the names and VIN numbers of all the interested owners, a hard copy and electronic copy should be sent to Honda, with a cc to Consumer Reports. I think once Honda sees that we want to get the largest consumer product publication involved, they'll be pressured to take action.

I agree, sending it to Consumer Reports along with multiple people at Honda would probably be a great idea. On top of that, sending it to our local BBB (Better Business Bureau) or other Consumer Protection Agencies might not be a bad idea also.

Basically we need to get a little more organized, and when we go to present something to people at Honda and Consumer Reports, we better bring all the facts and make a good argument.

[portabuddy]

Originally Posted by Orbit1

I wish you had let me write it. I've done many business letters and legal pleadings, I can literally kick someone in the balls with my words.

some people are just like that, i say give it a go man, lets see what you can come up with, you know the sanario...


also my mom's like that, i feel sorry for the people that cross her, with only a few words she can have a grown man crying lol...

[utstu]

DEFINITELY send it Consumer Reports. That could definitely help bring about some action by Honda.

[ryker]

Originally Posted by soxfan

I agree. I believe there are two people who's contact information we need to obtain:

1. A high-ranking executive at Honda of North America, and
2. The Editor in Chief at Consumer Reports

.

It's called shot-gun effect. Spray out enough emails and phone calls in hopes that just one person will take a hit.

Email. Every newspaper, TVstation, 20/20, dateline, car magazine.... attorny generals office, NHTSA, etc etc etc

Or just get an Ex. j/k

[Qshooter151]

i'm in to help...

[rednek]

cool guys, I'm in.

[soxfan]

Originally Posted by ryker

It's called shot-gun effect. Spray out enough emails and phone calls in hopes that just one person will take a hit.

Email. Every newspaper, TVstation, 20/20, dateline, car magazine.... attorny generals office, NHTSA, etc etc etc

Or just get an Ex. j/k

Actually, I'm just talking about one letter to someone of improtance at Honda with a copy to Consumer Reports.

I don't think any car magazine would touch this. They're all total whores.

And, until somebody can prove that this is a safety issue, there will be no recall. Has anybody gotten into an accident here that was caused by a transmission failure?

The best we can hope for is a TSB.

The latest (and prob last few) New Car Buyer's Guide from Consumer Reports lists Honda a the top manufacturer for reliability. Believe me, this means a lot to Honda.

We need to organize a way to get everybody's info (model, year, VIN, specific complaint) together with a carefully written letter.

[ryker]

I agree. But since the majorty of the work would have been completed. It only takes a few seconds to add the CC.

Sometimes local TV news stations have no real news events and they need 30 second filler stories.

[JC'sXtremeSi]

I hope it works I'm #658

[furryferret7888]

somebody type up a sweet letter or e-mail....and post it up here with a list of people to send it to...and ill be more then happy to send it once from every e-mail address i own

[silver h22]

should we pass this around to club si? what about clubrsx? supposedly they have the same issues as well....

[06si]

Originally Posted by silver h22

should we pass this around to club si? what about clubrsx? supposedly they have the same issues as well....

lets just stick with the SI for now because if we throw in the RSX also they will just be like "this is going to cost us way too much money so we don't wanna do it"

[buurner]

I really hope they fix it. Toyota has fallen in reliablity... I would hate to see Honda down there as well.Then the resale value will be crap on our cars. Does anybody work for the media? The more people know the faster Honda will fix it to keep it quite...

[yayyay]

so....let's pretend that this petition does go through and honda does do a TSB or something of that nature; we would then have to take the car in and have them duplicate the problem again for them to fix it? i ask because i just recently put amsoil in and its smooth like butter but i do believe that amsoil is only a temporary fix. im looking for a permanant fix!

[bizzybearfigiblue]

hmmmm.... interesting...

[dt07Si]

Originally Posted by soxfan

Actually, I'm just talking about one letter to someone of improtance at Honda with a copy to Consumer Reports.

I don't think any car magazine would touch this. They're all total whores.

And, until somebody can prove that this is a safety issue, there will be no recall. Has anybody gotten into an accident here that was caused by a transmission failure?

The best we can hope for is a TSB.

The latest (and prob last few) New Car Buyer's Guide from Consumer Reports lists Honda a the top manufacturer for reliability. Believe me, this means a lot to Honda.

We need to organize a way to get everybody's info (model, year, VIN, specific complaint) together with a carefully written letter.

I believe we should be focused on contacting as many people withing HONDA first! And then if they choose to blow us off or not be of any help, then we take what we presented to HONDA and send it to Consumer Reports, Newspapers, Magazines, TV Shows, Local Consumer Protection Agencies.

Originally Posted by 06si

lets just stick with the SI for now because if we throw in the RSX also they will just be like "this is going to cost us way too much money so we don't wanna do it"

I agree that it would probably be best to keep our planning within the 8thcivic community for now only because we don't really know if our problems are exactly the same.

However I think if we do more research to see whatproblems they have had and to see what attempts they have made at getting Honda and Acura to fix them I think that would be a great idea, because I'm sure they have tried a lot of different things and we could probably learn a lot from them.

Originally Posted by silver h22

should we pass this around to club si? what about clubrsx? supposedly they have the same issues as well....

I think we should, but not right away. What i mean is we should develop a strong argument and possibly a new petition which includes more detailed information. And then we should spread it around to all the different forums.

Club RSX, Temple of VTEC, Honda-Tech, ClubSi, FGCoupe, and the many many more that are out there.

[soxfan]

Originally Posted by 06si

lets just stick with the SI for now because if we throw in the RSX also they will just be like "this is going to cost us way too much money so we don't wanna do it"

I think we should include all Honda/Acura models that have had this problem. It strengthens our argument. I'm sure Honda has known about this defect for some time. They are a very wealthy corporation, and probably weighed the risk vs. reward of continuing to produce a faulty transmission. They've saved plenty of money thus far by refusing to redesign this gearbox, and now it's time for them to pay. They're still gonna save money over the complete redesign because people are going to have prove that there's a problem with their particular car.

Here's a letter that I wrote last night. I'd rather not sign it because I can only speak for myself. Only an attorney should speak for everybody. Maybe I could reword the letter so that everybody could send it individually to Honda and Consumer Reports. Let me know what you think.

Dear (blank),

I am writing on the behalf of <# of people> owners of the following model year Honda/Acura vehicles: <provide models and years>. These individuals have identified themselves on 8thcivic.com <list other sites too>, a popular car enthusiast website, as owners of vehicles that are symptomatic of a manual transmission defect. Please find the attached list of VIN numbers for the vehicles in question.

The extent of this defect is mainly limited to 3rd gear, but also affects a limited number of vehicles in 2nd and 4th gear. In general, the defect is manifested by simply attempting to engage the transmission into gear. Many owners report vagueness with regard to the actual engagement. More specifically, prior to engaging the clutch, the driver has the sense that the transmission is in gear, but quickly discovers that it is not once the clutch pedal is lifted. A pronounced grinding then results. This condition seems to occur regardless of engine speed. The range of occurrence reported by owners is from intermittent to constant.

Many owners, including myself, have brought this matter to the attention of their local authorized Honda service departments. My personal experience with local dealerships is one of ignorance with respect to the pervasive nature of the problem; the frequency at which owners on 8thcivic.com are reporting this defect would indicate that Honda service departments are receiving this complaint on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the transmission grinding is so intermittent on my vehicle that Honda technicians have been unable to recreate the condition during two separate test drives. Ultimately, I am concerned about the durability on my vehicle’s transmission, and fear that at some point I will have to replace various system internals.

Currently, there is a Technical Service Bulletin (NHTSA Item #1018868) that acknowledges the condition that I have described above. However, it is limited to 2006 model years only, and simply advises that the manual transmission fluid be changed. Obviously, this epidemic involves many model years, and is indicative of a design, manufacturing, or assembly flaw. I invite you to visit the following internet links that discuss this very issue. <list links>

As I am sure you are aware, probably the most appealing aspect of Honda vehicles is their track record of reliability and durability. One would expect that the purchase of a Honda would ensure many years of trouble-free ownership. Considering the apparent quality that Honda engineers into their cars, one would also expect that if a defect is discovered, the manufacturer would take swift action to acknowledge the defect and consequently remedy the problem.

The Editor in Chief at Consumer Reports will also be receiving a copy of this letter, as I feel it is important that somebody with a larger voice than I be alerted to this matter. I appreciate the time you have taken to read my letter and look forward to resolution of this matter.

Sincerely,

[furryferret7888]

needs a little more revising...but GOOD!
+1 for u