Over last month our 2019 Honda Civic started blowing warmer air. In researching online, I learned Honda had a couple tech advisories and had extended warranties on a couple parts related to the A/C.
We took the car in to a large Honda dealer in Dallas. In their inspection, they found compressor shaft seal leaking. So initially Honda was going to cover the costs because the ext warranty was for the compressor shaft seal. Lo and behold, got a call an hour later from the Service Assistant. They said that they couldn't cover it because the system was contaminated. When they told me this they explained we had it serviced at some point and added a different Freon. I called BS because that seemed impossible (plus we've not had that type of service done). She tried to backup her stance by saying the car had been in a collision. False - it does have a minor damage report on CarFax, but that's because we had to do some body repair (car went through hail damage in C Stat during the 3/25 storm). But I kept stressing there were no mechanical parts changed or Freon added.
In doing some additional research online, I see there are some other reports on Hondas - similar situation and similar actions by Honda. Seems like a scam, and coming up with reasons to not cover the costs.
Fast forward to today - I met with Service Manager and Forman. We're both starting a case with American Honda. They may try to reduce the charge for parts & repairs; but I doubt they do anything based on others experiences. I'm waiting for the car now and then we'll leave & assess next steps. I don't trust them to do the work and they overcharge. Right now they're estimating ~ $4400 to replace compressor and flush system. In my conversation with manager, he added that this could be a "step"; they could determine the contamination affected the whole system. So to me seems like a setup to do a plethora of repairs and charge an exorbitant amount.
I'll probably take it to a local shop and get their estimate/diagnosis. I might just ask them to recharge system/add Freon. That will buy us a few months. Compressors and labor are expensive. But I'm betting the "contamination", if there is any, is from that leaky, faulty seal.
Sorry - I know TLDR - but very frustrating. Anyone else experience something like this or have any guidance?
We took the car in to a large Honda dealer in Dallas. In their inspection, they found compressor shaft seal leaking. So initially Honda was going to cover the costs because the ext warranty was for the compressor shaft seal. Lo and behold, got a call an hour later from the Service Assistant. They said that they couldn't cover it because the system was contaminated. When they told me this they explained we had it serviced at some point and added a different Freon. I called BS because that seemed impossible (plus we've not had that type of service done). She tried to backup her stance by saying the car had been in a collision. False - it does have a minor damage report on CarFax, but that's because we had to do some body repair (car went through hail damage in C Stat during the 3/25 storm). But I kept stressing there were no mechanical parts changed or Freon added.
In doing some additional research online, I see there are some other reports on Hondas - similar situation and similar actions by Honda. Seems like a scam, and coming up with reasons to not cover the costs.
Fast forward to today - I met with Service Manager and Forman. We're both starting a case with American Honda. They may try to reduce the charge for parts & repairs; but I doubt they do anything based on others experiences. I'm waiting for the car now and then we'll leave & assess next steps. I don't trust them to do the work and they overcharge. Right now they're estimating ~ $4400 to replace compressor and flush system. In my conversation with manager, he added that this could be a "step"; they could determine the contamination affected the whole system. So to me seems like a setup to do a plethora of repairs and charge an exorbitant amount.
I'll probably take it to a local shop and get their estimate/diagnosis. I might just ask them to recharge system/add Freon. That will buy us a few months. Compressors and labor are expensive. But I'm betting the "contamination", if there is any, is from that leaky, faulty seal.
Sorry - I know TLDR - but very frustrating. Anyone else experience something like this or have any guidance?