Complaint Rating:

Honda Care Warranty. I purchased a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid (it was like new, with 12,000 miles on it. When we purchased the extended warranty Honda Care was recommend being the best one. At about 60,000 miles we started hearing a chattering type of noise when the car was first started and then seemed to last longer and longer. I took it to our local Dealership, Bill Rogers Honda (which has been great) to see if they could hear the noise and figure out the problem. After numerous times of leaving it, they agreed we did have a problem. They did adjust the valves and it helped for a few weeks and then the noise started again.

They submitted it to Honda who said it was not their problem as it was past the 60,000 miles. So they submitted it to HONDA CARE. They don’t seem to trust their Dealerships. They said I would need to have me sign a paper that if it wasn’t accepted I would pay to have my car put back together. I called to ask what the deal was and was told they would send an Independent Mechanic to the Dealership after my car was apart and IF he agreed that it was the problem then they would authorize the repair, otherwise I would have to pay to have it put back together. The diagnosis of the car is Serious Valve problems with noisy lifters. They said it was the noisiest Honda they had ever heard. We tried again talking to Honda and they told the Dealership that the case was closed as it wasn’t their problem. When I called Honda Care they were very short with me and said they usually paid 9 out of 10 claims. Each day I get closer and closer to my Warranty expiring with serious engine problems and I still owe money on my car. Right now I feel that I got ripped. University Honda recommended Honda Care and never explained what would happen it we had problems. Not once did they explain that your repairs aren’t actually covered. This was the first year out on this model, so they aren’t willing to concede there may be some issues. I would never have purchased it if I had realized it didn’t have more stability behind it.

This is the 3rd Honda I have had in 16 years and never had problems like this, never ever used and extended warranty or even the regular warranty. Then to top it off my Emissions light has now come on twice. I have done all my maintenance and oil changes through my Honda Dealership. TJ the service person has really tried to help us. I heard this week that Honda Care is owned by Ford.

Any ideas?

Thank You

Jo