Honda CR-V Fires Continue To Haunt Honda in 2006

[range]

As predicted here on BON, Honda's "fix" for the CR-V fires has not worked.

 

Fires continue to be reported even after Honda told the Government they had an effective "fix" for the problem.

 

This does not appear to be the case as Honda CR-V fires continue to be reported.

 

For those unfamiliar with the problem, Honda changed the exhaust design for this engine and moved the hottest part of the exhaust to just under the oil filter. The end result is predictable to everyone (Except Honda engineers I guess)

 

 

Here are some more reports that were included in last month's update.

 

Summary:

DRIVING DOWN THE ON RAMP ONTO I-95 MY 2005 CRV SE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE LAST TIME I SERVICED THE CAR WAS LAST WEEK FOR AN OIL CHANGE. SINCE THEN I HAVE DRIVEN OVER 300 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS OR WARNING SIGNS. THE CAR IS NOT TOTALED AND I AM DEALING WITH THE INSURANCE. *JB

 

 

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2005 HONDA CRV AND THE CAR STARTING SMOKING AND LEAKING OIL. THE HONDA DEALER STATED THAT AN OIL CHANGE WAS IMPROPERLY DONE. HOWEVER, I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND WANTED TO REPORT IT SO IT WAS ON FILE AT THE NHTSA.. *AK

 

 

 

[JasonM]

As predicted here on BON, Honda's "fix" for the CR-V fires has not worked.

 

Fires continue to be reported even after Honda told the Government they had an effective "fix" for the problem.

 

This does not appear to be the case as Honda CR-V fires continue to be reported.

 

For those unfamiliar with the problem, Honda changed the exhaust design for this engine and moved the hottest part of the exhaust to just under the oil filter. The end result is predictable to everyone (Except Honda engineers I guess)

Here are some more reports that were included in last month's update.

 

Summary:

DRIVING DOWN THE ON RAMP ONTO I-95 MY 2005 CRV SE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE LAST TIME I SERVICED THE CAR WAS LAST WEEK FOR AN OIL CHANGE. SINCE THEN I HAVE DRIVEN OVER 300 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS OR WARNING SIGNS. THE CAR IS NOT TOTALED AND I AM DEALING WITH THE INSURANCE. *JB

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING A 2005 HONDA CRV AND THE CAR STARTING SMOKING AND LEAKING OIL. THE HONDA DEALER STATED THAT AN OIL CHANGE WAS IMPROPERLY DONE. HOWEVER, I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND WANTED TO REPORT IT SO IT WAS ON FILE AT THE NHTSA.. *AK

 

 

 

 

This has been going on to long why doesnt Honda step up and solve it once and for all?

[bec5150]

I know I am going to be called a "Honda Lover" or something to that effect, or that I don't know anything, or I am biased. Whatever, the reality is that AS LONG AS THE OIL FILTER IS REMOVED AND REPLACED AS SPECIFIED, checking for the old gasket and lubricating the new oil filter gasket with motor oil, there is no problem.

 

I will be the first one to admit, however, that if you don't do this and have a leak, the oil WILL hit the exhaust and you WILL have a problem. But if properly done, no problem.

 

Do I think it's a stupid design? Yup, dumb, pretty friggin dumb, but it's like anything. I don't disregard the problem as most Honda lovers, but I don't exagerate the issue like some Honda bashers do.

 

I have a CR-V, I change my own oil, and haven't had a problem yet. BUT, if I have a leaky oil filter on my Ranger, no sweat since Ford was smart enough to put the filter on the 2.3 DOHC where it should be, away from the exhaust.

[range]

I agree, Honda seriously errored in the design.

 

The fact that the fires are still being reported on the Honda CR-V more than a year after the issue was supposedly resolved is troubling.

[bec5150]

I agree, Honda seriously errored in the design.

 

The fact that the fires are still being reported on the Honda CR-V more than a year after the issue was supposedly resolved is troubling.

I keep telling you, these complaints don't mean anything. Two complaints out of over 150,000 vehicles means NOTHING!

[NickF1011]

I keep telling you, these complaints don't mean anything. Two complaints out of over 150,000 vehicles means NOTHING!

 

Just like 300 tire blowouts out of 6 million Explorers is nothing, right?

[J-150]

Just like 300 tire blowouts out of 6 million Explorers is nothing, right?

\

 

 

depends... the rules for domestics are different than the rules for imports.

[bec5150]

Just like 300 tire blowouts out of 6 million Explorers is nothing, right?

The Explorer was different. It was caused by utilizing the inflation pressure, as listed in the owners manual, and utlizing the tires that came on the vehicle. Meanwhile, the CR-V case, if you CHANGE the filter as directed, no issue. That being said, if folks disregard the owners manual on the Explorer and put 30+ in their tires, there was no issue. If I was an owner, I would have done this and disregarded the 25PSI in the manual.

 

The owners manual in the CR-V also lists an abnormally low pressure for normal driving, something like 25-27 PSI. No way in hell I would ever run a tire that low. I put it up to 30-32PSI.

[NickF1011]

The Explorer was different. It was caused by utilizing the inflation pressure, as listed in the owners manual, and utlizing the tires that came on the vehicle. Meanwhile, the CR-V case, if you CHANGE the filter as directed, no issue. That being said, if folks disregard the owners manual on the Explorer and put 30+ in their tires, there was no issue. If I was an owner, I would have done this and disregarded the 25PSI in the manual.

 

The owners manual in the CR-V also lists an abnormally low pressure for normal driving, something like 25-27 PSI. No way in hell I would ever run a tire that low. I put it up to 30-32PSI.

 

Why were there only 2 reported tread separations on Explorers fitted with Michelin tires then?

 

Anyway....let's not get into this argument again...it's way old news.

[JasonM]

so I take it Honda isn't going to do anything about the fires and just going to let the fires happen over time? doesnt sound right to me

[bec5150]

so I take it Honda isn't going to do anything about the fires and just going to let the fires happen over time? doesnt sound right to me

They did. The issue was that the first run of 2003's and a few 2004's had an oil filter gasket that stuck to the oil pump at times. If you put a filter on without checking for the gasket, ytou would get a double gasket, leak, and it could result in a fire. If you checked for the gasket and lubed the filter gasket on the new filter, no problem. IN other words, if you did as any person that changes oil is supposed to, no problem.

 

What Honda did was change the oil filter supplier, one with a "less sticky" gasket. They sent out a TSB. THey also sent out a letter to all CR-V owners telling them to go to their local Honda dealership for a free oil filter check/replacement. I got one of the letters myself. Finally, they sent out a letter to organizations like ASC and other oil change industry organizations to remind them to check for the gasket and lube the new one.

 

All of this must have worked because according to Range, in 2005 and 2006 only four incidents were reported which is basically 0%.

 

Before anyone calls me a Honda lover, I will be the FIRST one to tell you that the oil filter location, not only on the CR-V but all Honda automobiles, is stupid and difficult to get to. IN this case, it's also is a potential fire hazard if the filter is not removed/replaced properly.

[Mr. KABC]

They did. The issue was that the first run of 2003's and a few 2004's had an oil filter gasket that stuck to the oil pump at times. If you put a filter on without checking for the gasket, ytou would get a double gasket, leak, and it could result in a fire. If you checked for the gasket and lubed the filter gasket on the new filter, no problem. IN other words, if you did as any person that changes oil is supposed to, no problem.

 

What Honda did was change the oil filter supplier, one with a "less sticky" gasket. They sent out a TSB. THey also sent out a letter to all CR-V owners telling them to go to their local Honda dealership for a free oil filter check/replacement. I got one of the letters myself. Finally, they sent out a letter to organizations like ASC and other oil change industry organizations to remind them to check for the gasket and lube the new one.

 

All of this must have worked because according to Range, in 2005 and 2006 only four incidents were reported which is basically 0%.

 

Before anyone calls me a Honda lover, I will be the FIRST one to tell you that the oil filter location, not only on the CR-V but all Honda automobiles, is stupid and difficult to get to. IN this case, it's also is a potential fire hazard if the filter is not removed/replaced properly.

 

^^^ HONDA LOVER!!! ^^^

 

The only good Honda is the one on the side of the road, overturned, banged up, and on fire... :P

[bec5150]

^^^ HONDA LOVER!!! ^^^

 

The only good Honda is the one on the side of the road, overturned, banged up, and on fire... :P

I'd rather drive an American made Honda than a Mexican made Ford.

 

:P

 

Ideally, I'd rather drive an American made Ford.

 

Wait...I do. A 2002 Ranger, bought brand new, and built by the fine folks at Edison NJ. RIP.

Edited April 8, 2006 by bec5150

[marc-o]

^^^ HONDA LOVER!!! ^^^

 

The only good Honda is the one on the side of the road, overturned, banged up, and on fire... :P

 

He loves Hondas, and he loves Fords. Just like me.

 

Is that some kind of problem?

[range]

I'd rather drive an American made Honda than a Mexican made Ford.

 

:P

 

Actually bec, your :bowdown: Honda CR-V was made in Japan, not in the USA.

 

I thought you only buy American made cars???? You're not trying to mislead us again about where your car was built are you?

 

 

[grbeck]

He loves Hondas, and he loves Fords. Just like me.

 

Is that some kind of problem?

 

Unfortunately marc-o, some people just can't grasp that concept.

 

I can understand loyalty to one's employer...after all, this is a Ford site, and it attracts lots of employees of Ford (and Ford dealerships).

 

But ignoring what the competition is doing - and doing EXTREMELY well - is what got Ford and GM into their present pickle.

 

And whining about "import-loving lemmings" who can't make a purchasing decision without breaking out the copy of Consumer Reports while saying "I only buy American" or "I buy domestic because my great-grandaddy worked for the UAW" hardly makes any sense. Who is really the lemming?

 

For the record, we own a 2005 Focus SE sedan and a 2003 Accord EX sedan (four cylinder), and we are extremely pleased with both. If Ford wants our repeat business, however, it had better make sure the Edge is a winner, or get off its butt and substantially update the Escape, because it is very likely that our next vehicle will be a small SUV or crossover.

[Bored of Pisteon]

I keep telling you, these complaints don't mean anything. Two complaints out of over 150,000 vehicles means NOTHING!

 

Well don't cry us a river when your Honda does the same thing. It's just a matter of time... You don't know when either!

 

I said it before... I don't feel sorry at all for these people who continue to be uninformed (I'm not singling you out sir) but the vast majority of these foreign car buyers simply don't know better or the hidden defects that they hide from them.

 

^^^ HONDA LOVER!!! ^^^

 

The only good Honda is the one on the side of the road, overturned, banged up, and on fire... :P

 

And I'll challenge any Honda lover to a demolition derby anytime. I have a fleet of old RWD Fords, Lincolns, and Mercurys... :happy feet: At least my repair bills will be minimal!

[bec5150]

Actually bec, your :bowdown: Honda CR-V was made in Japan, not in the USA.

 

I thought you only buy American made cars???? You're not trying to mislead us again about where your car was built are you?

Actually, my CR-V was built in England by Union Labor. I support Honda because they NOW build the CR-V about 45 minutes from my house in OH. In 2003, they only built them in the UK and Japan because their plants in the US were too busy building over 45% of the total Honda made vehicles worldwide.

 

As far as discussing the Bored of Pisteon post, I'll let you know when my CR-V catches fire. Since I know how to change an oil filter, it's doubtful it will be anytime soon.

 

The majority of foreign buyers are uninformed? You are kidding, right. Oh, that's right. If you buy a Ford, it's because you are smart and if you buy a Honda, it's because you are an uniformed person...

 

mmmm....

 

Since I have bought both new, what does that make me? See, Range and Bored, you both can't really slam me on anything. I mean, if I am a Honda lover, what's that Ford I bought new say? If I am against Honda, well, I bought one of them new also. So I guess I was just completely logical, smart, and informed when I bought my Ford in 2002 but turned into a complete idiot throughout the year and was a moron when I bought my 2003 Honda.

 

:shrug:

 

 

------------------

 

PS: A "Fleet of old RWD cars and a demo derby? What the hell grade are you in anyway?

Edited April 8, 2006 by bec5150

[Bored of Pisteon]

First to reply to your statement about "uninformed": The typical average American consumer out there is told by MASS MEDIA (news on TV, magazines, newspaper articles) on which vehicle(s) is best for them. But what isn't told also ties in to my argument about demolition derbys... First and foremost: My odds of surviving a crash are a lot better than your foreign trinket of yours. #2. The parts you can get for the older vehicles are still reasonable if they are in decent shape. I've seen some estimates and read them on foreign cars. Trust me when you get behind that foreign car of yours. You better think of how much it costs to insure it, as well as body work done on them! By the way, How many of them are stolen in a year? That will also drive your premiums up depending on what area you live in of course. A bent bumper on an old car is nothing, but a cracked one on your foreign car will result in hundreds of dollars don't you think?

 

How about getting parts for foreign vehicles... NON-EXISTANT and if they are; You are paying top dollar! Especially on the older foreign cars in a corrosion state like Michigan!

 

I only have a High School diploma, but I see a lot of college educated types that sure aren't in line with whatever unintended consequences are in driving these foreign cars! They may look stylish, hip, and trendy but the reality is cost... Sure they may be cheap, but like I said... It's the examples I listed that will have "The typical average American consumer" with egg on their face every time!

[JasonM]

maybe I am dense or something but how can Honda justify doing nothing when it was Honda who chose the bad placement of the oil filter to begin with even if it does only cause 1 or 2 fires a month or whatever who cares. Sounds like Honda is ducking ownership on thier part of the problem.

[bec5150]

maybe I am dense or something but how can Honda justify doing nothing when it was Honda who chose the bad placement of the oil filter to begin with even if it does only cause 1 or 2 fires a month or whatever who cares. Sounds like Honda is ducking ownership on thier part of the problem.

Then don't buy one.

[range]

Then don't buy one.

 

 

Sounds like Honda's response to a lot of problems......in other words "screw you" customer.

 

Sounds very similar to all of the problems with the Ridgeline (missing welds, water leaks, slipping trans, peeling paint, creaks and groans, rattles, powertrain hesitation, starting problems, clunking, .....) and the typical customer service provided by Honda.

 

:wacko:

[IMBoring25]

I'm eager to learn, but I don't remember any of the Explorer delaminations involving a vehicle on which the tires were even up to the manual pressure. I remember a lot of quotes of 18 and 19 psi being involved.

 

Further, given reasonably competent driving, a tire failure should be a non-issue. I've experienced four of them as the driver, none of which significantly affected vehicle handling. Of course, I wasn't doing 80 mph, high, overloaded, underinflated, or towing a trailer. It occurs to me that they've all been rear tires, but so were the bulk of Explorer rollovers I've heard of.

 

Conversely, if A TECHNICIAN messes up your oil filter (Let's face it, most people don't change their own), once the smoke starts billowing out from under your hood, you have little hope of salvaging a satisfactory result from the situation.

Edited April 9, 2006 by IMBoring25

[bec5150]

Conversely, if A TECHNICIAN messes up your oil filter (Let's face it, most people don't change their own), once the smoke starts billowing out from under your hood, you have little hope of salvaging a satisfactory result from the situation.

First, in reference to the Explorer deal, you are correct. I will be the FIRST to admit Ford got a raw deal there. The Govt. now is putting in a system where ALL cars have to have remote inflation warning and that tire manufactures have to make their tires run at something like half pressure or lower at 60MPH. That's crazy. I mean, where does the liability fall on the owner to put air in their friggin tires!!?? Yes, the Explorer fiasco was a bum rap, but I think most people actually understand that because the Explorer is still selling fairly well.

 

Back to the CR-V, even you admit when you say "TECHNICIAN messes up your oil filter" that the liability here is not on Honda. Again, if the tech does his job, no issue.

 

You also admit that most people don't change their oil, which means that a "professional" is doing it. Shouldn't a professional be expected to do the job correctly? While I do admit that Honda on ALL of their cars could put the oil filter in a more convenient location (the del Sol is much worse than the CR-V), the question is "does Honda have a responsiblity to design their products taking into account the incompitence of the tech?"

 

But lets look at the idea of another system. If a technician takes ANY car and does a fuel injection cleaning. Part of this procedure is to remove/replace the fuel line. ANd sure enough, most of these fast lube places offer this service (even though it's a rip off). If the fuel line is not replaced properly, we have a fire regardless of what car or truck we are talking about. Now, if this does cause a fire, who's at fault?

 

And let's be brutally honest. I can go out right now and find just as many fire issues on any number of Ford products. Honest. But you aren't going to see them out of me because in those cases it's the same issue, an improperly fastened fuel line, oil filter, or something similar. The difference is that on this board you have some trolls that tend to blow the Honda issues out of proportion. And there ain't a damn thing you are gonna say to folks like that because logic and fact has no place in their world. Truth be told, if all of Ford thought like them, Ford would still be making the Escort and telling everyone how bad Honda is. So just consider the source.

 

One final thought. All oil filters should be in the same place as my 1993 Dodge. On that vehicle, the intake and exhaust are on the firewall side of the engine and out by the radiator are the plugs, distributer, and oil filter. Honda, on the other hand, insists on putting their filters on the firewall side of the engine. I hate that.

Edited April 9, 2006 by bec5150

[tim kakouris]

i won't park any of my cars next to a hondia on a parking lot...i don't want my cars to be damaged by the smouldering debris!!! :P