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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: ditheca on March 29, 2016, 08:07:25 AM

Title: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ditheca on March 29, 2016, 08:07:25 AM
We just got a recall notice for our 2012 honda fit.  Apparently when the driver's airbag deploys a piece inside can explode into metal shrapnel and kill people.

The notice we got also says that they won't have replacement parts until Summer, and suggests calling them to arrange temporary alternative transportation.

Any idea what I should expect when I call? What do you think I should ask for when I call?

Quote
HTSA RECALL NUMBER: 16V-061
CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION: Takata Driver Airbag Inflator
RECALL DATE: 02/12/2016
SUMMARY:
SPECIFICALLY, IN SOME VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE UPON DEPLOYMENT. IF AN AFFECTED AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE (BREAK APART) AND DEPLOY ABNORMALLY.

SAFETY RISK:
IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR RUPTURE, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL POSSIBLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY TO YOU OR OTHERS IN THE VEHICLE. PAST RUPTURES LIKE THIS HAVE KILLED AND INJURED VEHICLE DRIVERS.

REMEDY:
THE REMEDY PARTS NEEDED TO CONDUCT DRIVER'S AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALLS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN SUMMER OF 2016. HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS IN AN INITIAL LETTER WITH A SECOND LETTER BEING MAILED WHEN PARTS ARE AVAI LABLE. PLEASE DISCUSS YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND CONCERNS WITH YOUR DEALER, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF, OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR, TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION AS NECESSARY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA'S AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-888-234-2138. HONDA'S CAMPAIGN NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS JY1.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: NoStacheOhio on March 29, 2016, 08:25:30 AM
This is part of the massive Takata recall. Just Google Takata and you'll get tons of articles.

I don't know about the temporary transportation, I'd be surprised if they're going to give you a loaner for months on end, but you never know.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: bobechs on March 29, 2016, 08:57:29 AM


... What do you think I should ask for when I call?...



Body armor?

(http://usarmy-collectors.pagesperso-orange.fr/images%20web/body%20armor%20178.jpg)
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: gillstone on March 29, 2016, 09:16:49 AM
We are also getting our 2009 Fit recalled.  We called our local dealership and they are covering the cost of a rental car (full or midsize) until the repair is complete.  Call your nearest dealership and they will get you set up.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Capsu78 on March 29, 2016, 09:18:17 AM
Yes, I received notification on my Honda Ridgeline as well.  I recommend not deploying the airbag :-)
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: robartsd on March 29, 2016, 09:40:20 AM
This is part of the massive Takata recall. Just Google Takata and you'll get tons of articles.

I don't know about the temporary transportation, I'd be surprised if they're going to give you a loaner for months on end, but you never know.
I don't know, it seems like they could arrange loaner vehicles from the used car inventory of dealers without too much trouble. I'm sure they'd want to make sure that you are properly insured for the loaner and would charge something if you select a loaner that is more valuable than the recall vehicle. I would find it acceptable to simply disable the potentially dangerous airbags until repair could be made.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on March 29, 2016, 09:47:08 AM
Huh, I didn't see that option. Guess I'll call them up...
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: chemistk on March 29, 2016, 10:08:52 AM
Your dealer will be happy to replace the defective airbags because nearly all of the auto companies are very eager to get any and all affected cars (many millions of affected vehicles) fixed. In general, it's not good for auto companies to have a large number of outstanding recalls.

When you call, there is a very good chance that you'll not be able to take it in immediately since there is a nationwide backlog of pending repairs as dealers wait for new airbags from different suppliers. Just be patient and take the first available opening your dealer offers you to perform the repair. The repair itself shouldn't take more than an hour or two, even if the dealer is busy so you can probably plan on waiting there or nearby while it's being fixed.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: gillstone on March 29, 2016, 11:50:36 AM
Our recall letter noted that parts would not be available until the summer.  If you are in an area with the parts, you may not have the same options.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on March 29, 2016, 12:28:06 PM
I had both front airbags in my Mazdaspeed6 replaced under recall a few weeks ago. It took them about 2.5 hours.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: DTaggart on March 29, 2016, 12:33:44 PM
My husband's Fit was part of the recall, and like you we were told mid-summer for the parts. The dealership has given him a rental car until the repairs can be made. We had to pay a $50 deposit but that's it. We're leaving the Fit in our driveway, they made him sign a thing that says he won't drive it until its repaired - obviously to cover their butts so we can't sue if he gets killed by a faulty airbag.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: tweezers on March 29, 2016, 01:58:21 PM
Our friend's are also getting a rental for 3-5 months (paid for by Honda) and parking their Fit until parts are available. 
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ditheca on March 29, 2016, 02:12:04 PM
Thanks for the all the responses!

If we get a rental car paid for by Honda, do we need to buy insurance for it?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: DTaggart on March 29, 2016, 02:49:49 PM

If we get a rental car paid for by Honda, do we need to buy insurance for it?

Your existing car insurance will extend to the rental. If you don't have comprehensive/collision you might want to think about that - if something happens to the rental you'll be on the hook for it. Best idea is to talk to your insurance agent to be sure.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on March 29, 2016, 07:47:07 PM
I just called today about my 2009 Fit; I was offered a rental (Honda Accord 2014 or newer), but they were not willing to reimburse me for the extra cost in gas when driving the larger car. They also said I'd need to sign a waiver indicating I would not drive the Fit.

I called American Honda and they said there is nothing they can do about the extra cost of gas, and I should speak with the District Parts Manager to ask them to cover it. I'll try again; can't hurt to ask.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on March 29, 2016, 09:26:46 PM
I just called today about my 2009 Fit; I was offered a rental (Honda Accord 2014 or newer), but they were not willing to reimburse me for the extra cost in gas when driving the larger car. They also said I'd need to sign a waiver indicating I would not drive the Fit.

I called American Honda and they said there is nothing they can do about the extra cost of gas, and I should speak with the District Parts Manager to ask them to cover it. I'll try again; can't hurt to ask.

2009 Honda Fit/MPG
Up to 28 city / 35 highway

2014 Honda Accord/MPG
Up to 27 city / 36 highway

What exactly do you want them to cover?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on March 30, 2016, 08:02:12 AM
I have an appointment with them at 2 to get a rental car. They ask that I leave the car in the driveway and get a ride from somebody to the dealership.

Has anybody seen if they simply want to buy the car off of them? I doubt they do since the dealership would have to do that and Honda corporate is paying for the rental, right?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on March 30, 2016, 12:31:09 PM
Got a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. (They are out of dealership loaners and are simply working through Enterprise Rent-A-Car.) Note that you have to sign that you won't sell your Honda to anybody but the dealership during the period. I imagine you could simply return your rental car and sell it if you wanted to, though.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ditheca on March 30, 2016, 12:32:12 PM
I called corporate and a local dealer hoping for a better deal, since we don't need two cars (my bicycle works just fine).  I couldn't find anyone admitting to having any negotiating power.  I asked for $10/day instead of a rental car.

Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on March 30, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
$10/day would be nice, but this is our only car.

What should I do to the Fit that's sitting on the street to prepare it for its three months of idleness?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on March 30, 2016, 01:17:23 PM
$10/day would be nice, but this is our only car.

What should I do to the Fit that's sitting on the street to prepare it for its three months of idleness?

I would make sure the tires are properly inflated and put a battery tender on it every month or so (or bring the battery inside and put it on a battery tender).
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on March 30, 2016, 01:24:45 PM
$10/day would be nice, but this is our only car.

What should I do to the Fit that's sitting on the street to prepare it for its three months of idleness?

I would make sure the tires are properly inflated and put a battery tender on it every month or so (or bring the battery inside and put it on a battery tender).

OK, thanks. Filled the tires up not long ago and they'll only be getting warmer for the rest of the summer. Do I need to do anything to the gasoline in it, or will that be fine?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: NoStacheOhio on March 30, 2016, 01:28:27 PM
$10/day would be nice, but this is our only car.

What should I do to the Fit that's sitting on the street to prepare it for its three months of idleness?

I would make sure the tires are properly inflated and put a battery tender on it every month or so (or bring the battery inside and put it on a battery tender).

OK, thanks. Filled the tires up not long ago and they'll only be getting warmer for the rest of the summer. Do I need to do anything to the gasoline in it, or will that be fine?

Gas should be fine, but it's a good idea to fill the tank before parking it.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: kimmarg on March 30, 2016, 06:18:16 PM
Whoa I got this for our 2013 Fit. I didn't realize it was so serious! (I thought the rental was for while they fixed it in the shop for a day or so) Guess I"ll call them tomorrow. Thankfully it's not winter anymore as rentals never have snowtires.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on March 30, 2016, 06:30:26 PM
Whoa I got this for our 2013 Fit. I didn't realize it was so serious! (I thought the rental was for while they fixed it in the shop for a day or so) Guess I"ll call them tomorrow. Thankfully it's not winter anymore as rentals never have snowtires.

Yeah, it's a pretty big deal: http://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/takatalist.html
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: RosieTR on March 31, 2016, 12:17:14 PM
Thanks for the alert! We actually had a front-end accident in our 2009 Fit, in 2009. Glad it didn't set off the airbags, jeez!

DH got tge rental car, and we will fill gas in the Fit, then run it periodically to charge the battery. Or figure out what a battery tender is. We have a solar battery charger so maybe that would work? Hmmm, time to do research.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: hops on March 31, 2016, 12:45:07 PM
My dealership was told that delivery of their recall kits had been expedited and that a shipment should arrive by mid-to-late April rather than mid-summer. We'll see if that happens! I drive my 2010 Fit infrequently and will be able to make do without requesting a rental if that's the case.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: NoStacheOhio on March 31, 2016, 01:13:43 PM
Thanks for the alert! We actually had a front-end accident in our 2009 Fit, in 2009. Glad it didn't set off the airbags, jeez!

Odds are the airbags would've deployed normally. The problem is that, over time, moisture gets into the explosives they use to inflate the airbags, which affects the chemical reaction, leading to unpredictable deployment. They're prioritizing hot, humid locations for parts, because that's where it's most likely to happen. The problem likely won't manifest on a brand new car.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on March 31, 2016, 03:22:12 PM
Jlee, I was told when I called that they expected the Accord to run $10-20 more than the Fit.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on March 31, 2016, 04:32:23 PM
Jlee, I was told when I called that they expected the Accord to run $10-20 more than the Fit.

$10-20 more for what?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: 2704b59cc36a on March 31, 2016, 10:13:54 PM
I picked up my rental car today. The dealership went through 60 loaner cars and ended up sending me to Enterprise for a rental. I got a brand new Corolla and miss my Fit already but I get to put wear and tear on another vehicle for 3-6 months and I'm not paying for it. And I hope that new car smell doesn't give me the new car bug...
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: DeltaBond on April 01, 2016, 06:25:15 AM
I'm feeling a lot better after reading this, my husband and I traded ours in (we each had one) and sometimes we miss them.  Not after reading this.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: hops on April 01, 2016, 06:59:14 AM
DeltaBond, what do the two of you drive now? This recall is enormous and will include tens of millions of vehicles sold by various manufacturers. Notices will probably continue being sent out for the next three years.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: shusherstache on April 01, 2016, 07:05:10 AM
I picked up my rental car today. The dealership went through 60 loaner cars and ended up sending me to Enterprise for a rental. I got a brand new Corolla and miss my Fit already but I get to put wear and tear on another vehicle for 3-6 months and I'm not paying for it. And I hope that new car smell doesn't give me the new car bug...

Ditto, on every count. :-)

I miss my hauling capacity already.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 01, 2016, 07:34:24 AM
I picked up my rental car today. The dealership went through 60 loaner cars and ended up sending me to Enterprise for a rental. I got a brand new Corolla and miss my Fit already but I get to put wear and tear on another vehicle for 3-6 months and I'm not paying for it. And I hope that new car smell doesn't give me the new car bug...

Ditto, on every count. :-)

I miss my hauling capacity already.

I know! I need 22 feet of PVC and I don't know how I'll fit it in the Elantra.

(Got a totally overloaded gutter replaced, and I didn't DIY that part because it's at 2.5 stories and I needed a huge and solid gutter. Now I need a trench to pipe it away from the foundation.)

It's renewed my used Leaf itch, though. I asked the dealership and they didn't indicate that they're paying extra for cars under recall, which I would have thought Honda would want to do to stop paying for so many rentals.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Capsu78 on April 01, 2016, 08:11:02 AM
I picked up my rental car today. The dealership went through 60 loaner cars and ended up sending me to Enterprise for a rental. I got a brand new Corolla and miss my Fit already but I get to put wear and tear on another vehicle for 3-6 months and I'm not paying for it. And I hope that new car smell doesn't give me the new car bug...

Ditto, on every count. :-)

I miss my hauling capacity already.

My issue too- I have a Ridgeline and spring is coming- I may just rent a truck at HD when I need to.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on April 01, 2016, 11:25:03 AM
I'm feeling a lot better after reading this, my husband and I traded ours in (we each had one) and sometimes we miss them.  Not after reading this.

This has nothing to do with Honda.  This is a recall for Takata airbags, which are used by many manufacturers.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on April 01, 2016, 01:45:49 PM
Jlee I didn't think to ask at the time - was still wrapping my head around the whole venture. She must have been talking about price to fill the tank, not mileage. When I picked up the car today, Enterprise was running out of cars fast. They gave me a Dodge Dart, which is nice enough, a bit larger than I'm used to, but it's fine considering they only had trucks left after that. They said I'd need to bring it in every 30 days or so to swap it out for something else. It seems the kits they may be getting in April are extremely limited, if they get them at all, and they aren't sure which cars they'll get kits for. This may take a while...

Oh they did say Honda would pay to get the car towed in for repairs if I didn't feel safe driving it to the dealership.
Title: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: yourusernamehere on April 02, 2016, 04:02:10 PM
Jlee I didn't think to ask at the time - was still wrapping my head around the whole venture. She must have been talking about price to fill the tank, not mileage. When I picked up the car today, Enterprise was running out of cars fast. They gave me a Dodge Dart, which is nice enough, a bit larger than I'm used to, but it's fine considering they only had trucks left after that. They said I'd need to bring it in every 30 days or so to swap it out for something else. It seems the kits they may be getting in April are extremely limited, if they get them at all, and they aren't sure which cars they'll get kits for. This may take a while...

Oh they did say Honda would pay to get the car towed in for repairs if I didn't feel safe driving it to the dealership.

Glad you got set up. Do make sure not to go over the 30 days. At least if you are in the US, if you have a rental car for more than 30 days your auto insurance company will no longer consider it a temporary replacement and may decline coverage if something happens. Then either you have to deal with rental company insurance, or - and I have seen this happen- the rental company could potentially charge your deposit card for the cost of any damage to the rental plus loss of use. PS- never use a debit card for a rental deposit, for this reason.

Stay safe everyone.

Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: kimmarg on April 03, 2016, 03:24:06 AM
My dealership was told that delivery of their recall kits had been expedited and that a shipment should arrive by mid-to-late April rather than mid-summer. We'll see if that happens! I drive my 2010 Fit infrequently and will be able to make do without requesting a rental if that's the case.

Where are you people getting rentals located? I'm in Maine and I called and they said they weren't doing anything until I got a 'second letter' and that the parts would probably be in in April. I asked if it was safe to drive and said my friends had needed a rental and the dealer made no mention of the rental and essentially said "we can't tell you it's safe but we're not worried".   Should I call them back and be more persistent??? We need two cars and the Fit is our long haul car.    At this point I'm going to call back this week and see if the parts are in. I need my snowtires off as well so I want to do it all at once.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 03, 2016, 04:41:41 AM
I heard nothing about 30 days and my insurance company confirmed that I was all set (and said it was the fifth call that rep had taken about it that day.) So, there's a lot of regional variation, it seems.

kimmarg, it may be that if they're getting the parts in April and you're in Maine (they're most worried about tropical locations) that they think they can get away without it. I would be kinda tempted to sell the car in your situation, though I do really like the Fit.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: protostache on April 03, 2016, 06:11:10 AM
My dealership was told that delivery of their recall kits had been expedited and that a shipment should arrive by mid-to-late April rather than mid-summer. We'll see if that happens! I drive my 2010 Fit infrequently and will be able to make do without requesting a rental if that's the case.

Where are you people getting rentals located? I'm in Maine and I called and they said they weren't doing anything until I got a 'second letter' and that the parts would probably be in in April. I asked if it was safe to drive and said my friends had needed a rental and the dealer made no mention of the rental and essentially said "we can't tell you it's safe but we're not worried".   Should I call them back and be more persistent??? We need two cars and the Fit is our long haul car.    At this point I'm going to call back this week and see if the parts are in. I need my snowtires off as well so I want to do it all at once.

Call the Honda number in your letter and get a case ID, which will give you a bit more firepower with the dealer. Regardless, they should not be denying rentals to anybody because Honda corporate is paying for them.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on April 17, 2016, 01:30:44 PM
I am not sure if the 30 day car-swap is because my insurance won't cover it or some regulation with Enterprise, for example maybe they are required to check out a car every 30 days to make sure it's still safe, etc. My insurance simply said that's fine, you're covered, and didn't mention anything about the 30 days.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 17, 2016, 01:47:01 PM
Does anybody's state emission inspection deadline fall in the waiting period? Mine is, and I have signed this contract that I won't move it (though I am running it around the block every so often so the brakes don't rust together). Anybody else have this problem? What do I do about it?
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: protostache on April 17, 2016, 03:24:39 PM
Does anybody's state emission inspection deadline fall in the waiting period? Mine is, and I have signed this contract that I won't move it (though I am running it around the block every so often so the brakes don't rust together). Anybody else have this problem? What do I do about it?

What state? I think most states just won't let you re-register until you have a passing test, which doesn't matter since you won't be driving it. If it isn't registered when your dealer calls, just make them tow it in, then take it directly to emissions testing. You should be able to get any late fee waived with the signed, dated no-drive contract and the receipt from the recall work.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: scrubbyfish on April 18, 2016, 08:39:23 AM
Me too, so following...
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 18, 2016, 10:57:29 AM
My local dealership says they are getting airbags in slowly, and they might get to mine in May, which would take care of my problem, otherwise they'll bring it in to do the inspection so I don't have a sticker problem.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: robartsd on April 18, 2016, 01:49:34 PM
Does anybody's state emission inspection deadline fall in the waiting period? Mine is, and I have signed this contract that I won't move it (though I am running it around the block every so often so the brakes don't rust together). Anybody else have this problem? What do I do about it?

What state? I think most states just won't let you re-register until you have a passing test, which doesn't matter since you won't be driving it. If it isn't registered when your dealer calls, just make them tow it in, then take it directly to emissions testing. You should be able to get any late fee waived with the signed, dated no-drive contract and the receipt from the recall work.
Here in California, I know that you can pay the registration fee on time to avoid a late penalty. When you're ready to move the car (still not registered, but fees paid) you can get a permit to move it on specific days to get the emissions testing and recall work done. I'm pretty sure the state will charge the late fee if you haven't paid on time regardless of signed agreement to leave the car parked.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: rtrnow on April 20, 2016, 01:22:18 PM
Glad I ran across this thread. I picked up my rental yesterday. Yay free car!
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: scrubbyfish on April 20, 2016, 05:24:21 PM
I checked here. My local place made no mention of free car, but when I said other customers were getting them elsewhere, they said I could have one...but that I have to buy rental insurance coverage and that most customers are opting out for that reason. Not free car, boo Honda!
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on April 20, 2016, 05:31:33 PM
I checked here. My local place made no mention of free car, but when I said other customers were getting them elsewhere, they said I could have one...but that I have to buy rental insurance coverage and that most customers are opting out for that reason. Not free car, boo Honda!

Your regular car insurance company should provide coverage.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: scrubbyfish on April 20, 2016, 05:36:22 PM
^ Only if we buy the extra coverage. Honda said most customers haven't, and didn't want to newly buy rental coverage for this, so got no car. I actually have coverage through two sources, but what about all the others who've approached the one I did? Is this another Canada/US difference? Dunno.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: rtrnow on April 21, 2016, 05:23:19 AM
^ Only if we buy the extra coverage. Honda said most customers haven't, and didn't want to newly buy rental coverage for this, so got no car. I actually have coverage through two sources, but what about all the others who've approached the one I did? Is this another Canada/US difference? Dunno.

Perhaps. In my experience (in the US), your regular vehicle coverage extends to a rental. I called my carrier to double check since I'll have this rental long term. I was assured it's just like driving my own vehicle with same deductibles, etc. If you're unsure, call your insurance company and ask. Surprisingly, they didn't even push the insurance just said "sign here to deny all the extra coverage."
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 21, 2016, 06:32:29 AM
I called my insurance broker and he said he'd gotten five calls that day from Honda owners asking about it and that yes, I was all set. The Enterprise guy even said "sign here to decline our extra insurance, it's $18 a day so that would add up pretty quick."

They are probably much less worried in Canada because heat and humidity contribute to the problem.

Have you tried calling the next-closest dealership to see if they're more helpful? (Do dealerships even work the same way in Canada?)
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: scrubbyfish on April 21, 2016, 07:24:36 AM
Perhaps. In my experience (in the US), your regular vehicle coverage extends to a rental. I called my carrier to double check since I'll have this rental long term. I was assured it's just like driving my own vehicle with same deductibles, etc.

In BC, the government has an arm's length agency that we're required to insure through, our only option. They're the ones that said only if we have the extra (optional) coverage, not otherwise. As it happens, I do have that, and perhaps coverage through my credit card company too (not sure, if I'm not paying for it). The guy here was definitely unconcerned, yes, saying the issue of concern hasn't happened in Canada, therefore everyone's fine, not to worry about it, and just get my new part in some months.

I'm just finding it fascinating, the response you guys are getting and the response here.

Yes, out of curiousity I will call another dealer. This was the same one that, after I told them a light was out and left the car with them for three hours, gave me back a car with a light out... They said they looked and it was fine. I turned my car on and showed them: no light.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: JLee on April 21, 2016, 09:01:09 AM
Perhaps. In my experience (in the US), your regular vehicle coverage extends to a rental. I called my carrier to double check since I'll have this rental long term. I was assured it's just like driving my own vehicle with same deductibles, etc.

In BC, the government has an arm's length agency that we're required to insure through, our only option. They're the ones that said only if we have the extra (optional) coverage, not otherwise. As it happens, I do have that, and perhaps coverage through my credit card company too (not sure, if I'm not paying for it). The guy here was definitely unconcerned, yes, saying the issue of concern hasn't happened in Canada, therefore everyone's fine, not to worry about it, and just get my new part in some months.

I'm just finding it fascinating, the response you guys are getting and the response here.

Yes, out of curiousity I will call another dealer. This was the same one that, after I told them a light was out and left the car with them for three hours, gave me back a car with a light out... They said they looked and it was fine. I turned my car on and showed them: no light.

The Mazda dealer didn't seem too worked up about the airbag recall in my car, either.  They sent me letters saying to call and check parts availability/schedule replacement, but no mention of rental cars, parking the car, etc.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: theknitcycle on April 21, 2016, 09:48:08 AM
I got a notice that also mentioned the airbag problem and that parts would be available in late summer, but no mention of a free rental car or any other remediation/temporary solution.  Pretty much sounded like "there is a problem, we'll fix it later.  Stay tuned for more information and try not to die in the meantime."   I didn't think much of it since the issue is so widespread and yet so unlikely to arise for any specific car/driver... but I guess I'll feel pretty dumb now if it does happen in the next few months... good thing it's lovely biking weather! 
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: rtrnow on April 21, 2016, 10:04:37 AM
I got a notice that also mentioned the airbag problem and that parts would be available in late summer, but no mention of a free rental car or any other remediation/temporary solution.  Pretty much sounded like "there is a problem, we'll fix it later.  Stay tuned for more information and try not to die in the meantime."   I didn't think much of it since the issue is so widespread and yet so unlikely to arise for any specific car/driver... but I guess I'll feel pretty dumb now if it does happen in the next few months... good thing it's lovely biking weather!

I honestly wasn't too worried bc as you mention the odds are pretty low that you'll both get in a wreck and have a faulty airbag. I honestly just wanted to drive something new and put miles on someone else's car since it was free. I can now say the Chrysler 200 is much more boring to drive than a honda fit. At least is has a nice stereo and XM radio.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 21, 2016, 10:10:41 AM
Guys, they're not saying come get a free rental car on us. That's just the experience many of us have had when we call the local dealer (who doesn't care - it's Honda corporate that's paying). If you haven't called the local dealer you might as well.

(The dealer probably even likes it, because even if 1% of the people come in and decide to trade it in for a new Honda rather than having their car sit around, they make money.)
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: rtrnow on April 21, 2016, 10:40:16 AM
Guys, they're not saying come get a free rental car on us. That's just the experience many of us have had when we call the local dealer (who doesn't care - it's Honda corporate that's paying). If you haven't called the local dealer you might as well.


Well they kind of are saying that IMO. The recall notice from Honda Corporate says they will provide alternate transportation until the parts are available. I also assume that they will recoup these costs from Takata to the extent possible.   
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on April 21, 2016, 10:46:18 AM
Guys, they're not saying come get a free rental car on us. That's just the experience many of us have had when we call the local dealer (who doesn't care - it's Honda corporate that's paying). If you haven't called the local dealer you might as well.


Well they kind of are saying that IMO. The recall notice from Honda Corporate says they will provide alternate transportation until the parts are available. I also assume that they will recoup these costs from Takata to the extent possible.

Didn't see that in my letter - of course, like a fool, I quickly read it over, decided there was nothing I could do, and threw it out. Then I saw this thread and had my rental 6 hours later.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: fa on April 21, 2016, 11:15:24 AM
I got a notice that also mentioned the airbag problem and that parts would be available in late summer, but no mention of a free rental car or any other remediation/temporary solution.  Pretty much sounded like "there is a problem, we'll fix it later.  Stay tuned for more information and try not to die in the meantime."   I didn't think much of it since the issue is so widespread and yet so unlikely to arise for any specific car/driver... but I guess I'll feel pretty dumb now if it does happen in the next few months... good thing it's lovely biking weather!

I honestly wasn't too worried bc as you mention the odds are pretty low that you'll both get in a wreck and have a faulty airbag. I honestly just wanted to drive something new and put miles on someone else's car since it was free. I can now say the Chrysler 200 is much more boring to drive than a honda fit. At least is has a nice stereo and XM radio.

Of course this is not a problem until it is a problem.  If a driver gets injured or killed by flying shrapnel from the airbag, the liability for even one case would be rather huge.  I happily drove the car before I knew.  But now I know.  I will take the rental and drive the Honda after the repair.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Stockmom on May 04, 2016, 02:15:04 PM
I was just contacted by the Honda dealership. The part to fix my Honda Fit is now in stock. I had called when I received the recall letter and asked how to disable the airbag and they had immediately offered me a rental, which I took. In order to get the rental they had me sign a waiver saying I would not drive the Fit for any reason until they had a chance to fix it. Interestingly, they told me to drive the car in for the fix. When I reminded them of their waiver I had to sign, they said they'd have an employee come pick it up. This seems to be a very mismanaged process. They must be so thankful that VW is taking all the recall coverage.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on May 04, 2016, 02:49:42 PM
I was just contacted by the Honda dealership. The part to fix my Honda Fit is now in stock. I had called when I received the recall letter and asked how to disable the airbag and they had immediately offered me a rental, which I took. In order to get the rental they had me sign a waiver saying I would not drive the Fit for any reason until they had a chance to fix it. Interestingly, they told me to drive the car in for the fix. When I reminded them of their waiver I had to sign, they said they'd have an employee come pick it up. This seems to be a very mismanaged process. They must be so thankful that VW is taking all the recall coverage.

Would you mind sharing where you are, regionally? I think they're distributing them geographically.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Stockmom on May 04, 2016, 04:03:44 PM
Northern California.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on May 11, 2016, 04:49:05 PM
I'm in SoCal and received a message that the parts are in for my Honda Fit and I have three days to get the car in or they will begin charging me for the rental....when I called in, I just got an answering machine. After trying to get through for hours, I left a message with a customer service rep. Someone finally called me back, saying,"It's all going to be ok, nobody is going to charge you, don't worry about the three days." Today I got an appointment for this Saturday. Looking forward to driving my Fit again.


Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: protostache on May 11, 2016, 04:55:28 PM
We got a call this morning at 9am that the part was in. Towing company picked the car up around noon. Got a call from the dealer that the car was done at 2pm. Swapped the rental for our Fit at the dealer at 4pm. Done and done.

Hopefully the rest of you have as pleasant experience as we did!
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ditheca on May 12, 2016, 03:00:11 PM
Our Fit is fixed!  SW Ohio.

Funny story, I got there right before closing time, and when they went to get my car they just left it running out front and told me to go away.  Fortunately, I recognized that although it was a black 2012 honda fit, it was not MY black 2012 honda fit.

Pounded on the door until they unlocked it and made a nuisance of myself until they had someone go find my car.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: shusherstache on May 12, 2016, 03:03:16 PM
We got a call this morning at 9am that the part was in. Towing company picked the car up around noon. Got a call from the dealer that the car was done at 2pm. Swapped the rental for our Fit at the dealer at 4pm. Done and done.

Hopefully the rest of you have as pleasant experience as we did!

Just got mine back this morning after driving a rental for a month and a half. I look forward to a summer of projects in prep for some major house updates.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on May 26, 2016, 08:13:42 AM
Mine got fixed yesterday. Now the problem is having gotten used to the features in newer cars and concerns about the 2010 Fit's crash ratings...
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: DeepEllumStache on May 26, 2016, 09:23:44 AM
Glad I saw this thread, I tossed the recall notice off to the side. Called the dealership this morning and the guy mentioned they would get me a rental car.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on May 27, 2016, 12:50:32 PM
I see today that 2010 Honda Fits are now about to be recalled for their passenger side airbag. Less than a week after I got it back. %$&^#!!
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: CLB on May 27, 2016, 01:00:42 PM
We picked our rental yesterday after waiting a month or so for a rental to become available. Our local Honda dealer said that they should be able to fix it by late June. We're hoping that it goes a little longer, for we've got a road trip in late June and would rather use the rental for it.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on September 07, 2016, 07:17:39 PM
A few weeks after my driver's side airbag got replaced,(and several weeks with car rental) I received notice that the passenger side airbag of my Honda Fit was under recall as well. I've been waiting, waiting and months later, no parts are available yet. I was told this time rentals would be on a case-by-case-basis and would need to be approved by American Honda. It's getting really inconvenient and frustrating to not be able to have passengers in my car.

Anyone else still waiting? I'm in SoCal.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: scrubbyfish on September 07, 2016, 09:40:05 PM
Canada, still waiting. I gave them notice that I'll be taking a free rental from them before the roads get slick. They said okay.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on September 08, 2016, 04:40:11 AM
I ended up selling my Fit because of this. We're about to become a family of five, and "just don't use the passenger seat" won't work.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: MoonLiteNite on September 08, 2016, 05:54:34 AM
I have a 2010 fit, i have been getting letters for 3 different recalls for years now.
I am too lazy to give them my car, too much hassle. I hate being "out"

The dealer actually called me too, said there would be a free car rental and all. I just really hate going out...
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: ShoulderThingThatGoesUp on September 08, 2016, 11:14:26 AM
I have a 2010 fit, i have been getting letters for 3 different recalls for years now.
I am too lazy to give them my car, too much hassle. I hate being "out"

The dealer actually called me too, said there would be a free car rental and all. I just really hate going out...

You should do it. The danger increases with time. Dealerships are annoying as hell, I know, but it's not worth dying over.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Jet9 on September 08, 2016, 05:18:47 PM
Moonlite, ask them to come get your car since it is considered too dangerous to drive. That might solve your problem! But do get it fixed. Stay safe!

I do like the FIT and don't want to sell it, but it is getting frustrating and would consider selling it if I had kids. I just really don't won't the hassle or the expenditure of shopping for a new-to-me car right now. My 2009 managed to skate through most other recalls (but did get poor driver's side crash ratings), and it needs to last another 8 years at least.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: hops on October 26, 2016, 01:14:35 PM
My dealership was told that delivery of their recall kits had been expedited and that a shipment should arrive by mid-to-late April rather than mid-summer. We'll see if that happens! I drive my 2010 Fit infrequently and will be able to make do without requesting a rental if that's the case.

The dealership finally called in mid-October to say my recall kit had arrived. So much for that expedited shipment! They performed the repair immediately and threw in a complimentary car wash.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: scrubbyfish on October 26, 2016, 02:46:07 PM
The dealership finally called in mid-October to say my recall kit had arrived. So much for that expedited shipment! They performed the repair immediately and threw in a complimentary car wash.

I learned a pro and con to this...

The pro? One day they might all actually be fixed.
The con? If we accept their loaner (i.e., rental paid by them), we must return the loaner the day the part arrives, or we will be charged the full rental fee from then onward. This means that people have been returning from vacations early, because they were away when the part came in and couldn't afford the additional "vacation" cost. What a really shitty policy, Honda!

I get to decide whether to drive the car as-is through highest crash season or risk paying the difference on rental days if the part comes even one day into my 2-3 week trip. Bah.
Title: Re: Honda Fit Recall - any experience?
Post by: Monocle Money Mouth on October 26, 2016, 02:48:39 PM
I had my Fit's airbag recall done about a month ago. It took less than an hour to complete. It did take like 6 months for them to get the part though.