NHTSA Complaint #11693923 — 2018 HONDA HR-V

I am submitting this complaint regarding a severe and widespread paint peeling/delamination defect on my 2018 Honda HR-V, which is painted in the White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) color. Nature of the Defect: The exterior clear coat and base coat are separating from the underlying primer, resulting in large, unsightly patches of paint peeling and flaking off the vehicle's body panels. This is a clear manufacturing adhesion failure, not damage due to wear, tear, or external environmental factors. Manufacturer Acknowledgment: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. previously acknowledged this defect by issuing a Warranty Extension (Technical Service Bulletin 19-064, issued August 29, 2019) for specific models, including the 2016-2018 HR-V, extending the warranty coverage for this specific paint problem to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit. The Current Issue: My vehicle has recently begun exhibiting this peeling condition, which is consistent with the defect covered under TSB 19-064. However, I have been informed by the dealer/Honda Customer Service that the 7-year warranty extension period has expired as of 2024, and they are refusing to cover the cost of the necessary repainting, which can cost thousands of dollars. Request for Action: The underlying problem is a manufacturing defect that exists for the life of the vehicle and is only now manifesting due to premature failure. Limiting the remedy to a seven-year period is inadequate for a defect that is inherent to the production process and directly affects the vehicle's structural integrity over time (potential for rust exposure). I respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review the data related to this known manufacturing defect (Honda White Pearl Paint Peeling, TSB 19-064) and consider the following actions: Re-open or Extend the Investigation: Investigate the ongoing nature of this failure and the adequacy of Honda’s limited remedy. Compel an Expanded Remedy: Pressure