NHTSA Complaint #10090781 — 2004 HONDA CR-V

PURCHASED 2004 HONDA CR-V JANUARY 2004 FROM CONTINENTAL HONDA IN ANCHORAGE ALASKA. WE TOOK IT IN FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE (5,000 MILES) ON JUNE 16TH. AFTER DRIVING THE 15 MILES HOME, THE ENGINE STARTED BILLOWING SMOKE, AND SPUING OIL (THE TRAIL OF OIL CAN STILL BE SEEN ON THE STREET). THE DEALER HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, THEY EXPLAINED IT AS A FAULTY OIL GASKET, AND OFFERED A FREE OIL CHANGE. AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW WEEKS, I NOTICED A CLACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAD THE TECHINTIANS CHECK IT OUT DURING THE SECOND OIL CHANGE ON AUGUST 16. AFTER TWO WEEKS OF LOOKING FOR THE PROBLEM, THEY DEDUCED THERE WAS SOME "SCORING" INSIDE THE PISTONS AND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SHORTBLOCK. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A FLUKE (A FIRST TIME INCIDENT) AND THAT THE ENGINE WILL BE SENT TO HONDA USA FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. I FINALLY GOT THE CALL YESTERDAY (SEPTEMBER 9) THAT THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. IN ALL FAIRNESS, THE EMPLOYEES AT THE DEALERSHIP WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS.*AK