I recently bought a 2006 Honda Civic with 81,000 miles from a used car dealer. After two months of driving it and some 2000 miles, I noticed a coolant smell. I checked all around until I noticed a leak coming from the rear side of the engine. Took it to the Honda dealership, they inspected it and determined that the engine had a crack in the block. One of the mechanics told me that this model year had had a recall on the engine. I contacted Honda Customer Care to see if they would do a goodwill repair. They did confirmed that there had been a recall for this particular issue for my car, however that recall had never been done on my car. Then they came back saying that the recall had expired and I couldn't get the engine block replaced on goodwill, even though they had had a recall out for it.
My questions are, does a recall really expire? What can I do to get Honda to make good on the recall?
Thank you.
The recalls do not expire. Based on the quick search on goole, it was not a recall in your case, it was an extended warranty.
I see, very smart on their part. This way they are not obligated to replace the engine after this warranty expires.
Not fair to me, I bought the car because of the low mileage. I looked at the Carfax and everything checked out. The car had been a government purchased vehicle which sat most of its life in a garage. The engine runs great, except for the leak. I stopped driving it to avoid any further damage. Any suggestions?
There are a variety of ways to repair cracked blocks - welding, pins, some even say they've had JB Weld work on small external cracks.
Probably a temporary band-aid at best, but replacing the engine in a 16-year-old Honda may exceed the value of the car so there's nothing to lose...
https://itstillruns.com/seal-cracked-block-jb-weld-8075421.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLSX1UAN2Pw
A ,more thorough and (hopefully) longer lasting repair. Video says cast iron but web site says the product also works for aluminum...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq0wfU4ZaKk
did you read the document? All the terms and conditions should be there.
Of course not.
I looked at the Carfax and everything checked out
Not everything will be listed on a Carfax. Buyer beware!
Caveat Emptor.
There were 15 recalls on the 2006 Civic (I assumed it's the regular 4 door) but what you stated is not in the recall list.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/HONDA/CIVIC/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls
Not fair to me
Recalls are typically for things that pose risk of injury or death. Failure to issue a recall bears very heavy repercussions from the state.
Offers to fix flaws are simply a measure to avoid costly lawsuits by owners, and too much bad press. Otherwise, they are under no obligation. Buyer beware.