NHTSA Complaint #11440676 — 2009 HONDA CR-V

Bottom Line Up Front: The service advisor at Chapman Honda here in Tucson told me this morning (16 Nov) that passenger door locks and hatchback locks that freeze in the locked position (and can NOT be opened by anyone inside or out) sometimes happen with older Hondas (over 10 years). Really? This is a VERY serious safety issue. If what the advisor said is true, then there are potentially many thousands of vehicles that need to be immediately recalled. Timeline: On 11 Nov 21, without any warning whatsoever, the door locks in our 2009 Honda CR-V froze in the locked position. Passenger door and hatchback. My wife has serious back issues and we are thankful this did not happen, for example, when I was driving her to a medical appointment. I immediately called Chapman Honda, Tucson and was able to set up a service appointment for 9:00am, Saturday, 13 Nov. 13 Nov: As soon as I drove the car into the service bay, the frozen locks "un-froze" and operated correctly. The service advisor said he would have the doors checked anyway. They lubricated the doors and I left the dealership. 15 Nov: On the way to pick up a handicapped friend to take her to lunch the same door locks froze AGAIN. Fortunately, it happened before her friend was picked up; she had to sit in the back seat. My wife was very worried her friend would be trapped in the back as well. That same afternoon my wife took the CR-V back to Chapman Honda and left it for overnight servicing. 16 Nov: The service advisor called to say door lock actuators in both front doors would have to be replaced. Cost: $952.05! (including a 10% veteran’s discount) For the greater good and safety of all “older” Honda CR-V owners, it would seem this door lock actuator issue merits investigation. Very Respectfully, Lindsey Arison Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired GS-15, DoD, Retired