Critical and persistent issue with my Honda WRV IDTEC Diesel

I am writing to bring to your attention critical & persistent issue with my Honda WRV IDTEC Diesel which has recently come to light as I was preparing to sell the vehicle that has remained unresolved despite regular servicing and maintenance at Honda Authorised Service Station (H.A.S.S.) since 2017. A prospective buyer approached me, requiring a detailed service history of my car, including all repairs and replacements carried out at Honda Authorized Service Centers (H.A.S.S.) since April 2017. I reached out to Honda Customer Care for this information to facilitate the sale, but I received a very delayed response from all 3 H.A.S.S. particularly Kolkata H.A.S.S. although this detailed history could have been easily provided by Honda Cars India themself instead of asking from 3 service centers separately. Unfortunately, while I was unable to obtain this complete detailed history for many days from all 3 H.A.S.S, that potential buyer brought along a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. To my shock, the mechanic identified a significant engine back compression problem & low engine oil levels. It was particularly alarming to witness black smoke emitted from the dipstick insertion slot when the accelerator was pressed, confirming what I had reported multiple times to your service centers. This discovery is particularly alarming given that I have consistently reported excessive black smoke emissions from the exhaust during multiple visits to the H.A.S.S., yet this major issue was never diagnosed or addressed. He advised me to be very careful as the engine might seize abruptly & made me refill the engine with 2 liters of Idemitsu 5W-30 engine oil on an immediate basis to prevent further damage and advised me to keep a check on the engine oil levels at least once every week. Throughout my ownership, I have consistently reported excessive black smoke from the exhaust, which I believe is indicative of an engine back compression problem. Unfortunately, this concern has been routinely overlooked during my visits to authorized service stations. Instead of conducting a thorough diagnosis and repair of the diesel engine, the service team of the H.A.S.S. had repeatedly opted for temporary fixes, such as cleaning the silencer on a chargeable basis. The current state of my engine and the impending risk of seizure can be attributed to what I perceive as significant negligence on the part of H.A.S.S. specially Kolkata H.A.S.S.. Despite my repeated attempts to address concerns about excessive black smoke, low mileage and other warning signs, the necessary diagnostics and repairs were consistently overlooked. It is particularly troubling that there were no engine oil or coolant malfunction indicator lamps activated on the dashboard. As a typical car owner, I do not have the expertise to regularly inspect the engine bay. If there are no warning lights displayed on the instrument cluster, I reasonably assume that all is well with my vehicle. It is the duty of H.A.S.S. to perform these checks and ensure that any unseen upcoming issues are also properly promptly identified and addressed. It is concerning that a vehicle regularly serviced by H.A.S.S. would exhibit such a severe problem without warning. The oil pressure sensor should have triggered alerts when the engine was running low on engine oil, but there were no warning lights on the dashboard. This raises questions about the thoroughness of the inspections performed by the H.A.S.S. Additionally, I also purchased the Any Time Extended Warranty (Registration # SER-ATW-DD054-2223-22) for my vehicle, valid until May 1, 2023. I had also communicated my intention to renew the warranty for another year, as confirmed by Acknowledgment Communication ID 1-30734385973. However, the renewal was not processed as expected when I attempted to have my vehicle inspected at Shree Honda Workshop shortly after the warranty expired. I have noticed a concerning trend wherein I was not proactively contacted by the dealership for the warranty renewal before its expiry, which is typically the standard practice. This lack of communication raises concerns that the engine issue may have been internally acknowledged, leading to an intentional delay in the renewal process. I had informed Honda Customer Care of my situation, yet the response indicated that a review was necessary before extending the warranty, which was not possible due to unforeseen medical emergencies and health concerns, I was unable to have my vehicle reviewed for warranty renewal then. To provide some context, my vehicle has experienced two accidents since its purchase in 2017—one on the front right side and another on the left rear side in 2018. While I cannot definitively state that these incidents caused damage to the engine, I am concerned that the impacts may have weakened the engine structure or affected its performance. Both accidental repairs were carried out in the H.A.S.S. in Kolkata itself. Throughout my ownership, I have driven the vehicle sedately, typically within city limits at speeds no greater than 60 km/h. Given the traffic conditions in central Kolkata, my driving habits have not subjected the vehicle to extreme acceleration or harsh conditions. This consistent care and responsible driving only further underscore my disappointment in the apparent decline in Honda's reliability. Recently, I have noticed a significant drop in the mileage of my Honda WRV. My vehicle’s fuel efficiency has plummeted to 7-8 kmpl, down from an earlier average of 10-12 kmpl. This is particularly alarming for a diesel engine, especially given reports from other users who have easily achieved 15 kmpl even in bumper-to-bumper city traffic. I suspect that this drop in mileage may be related to an engine back compression issue, which raises significant concerns about the overall build quality and workmanship associated with Honda Cars India and malpractices in its authorized service centres. It is disheartening to witness what seems to be a steep decline in the standards of reliability and quality that Honda Japan has long been known for seem to be diminishing year after year specially in India This concern has been communicated to Honda Cars India and various authorized service centers on multiple occasions, specifically on the following dates: 1. 03rd March 2021 – VOC Service RO No. Order ID: SER-RO-DD054-2021-23516 2. 06th August 2020 – VOC Service RO No. Order ID: SER-RO-DD054-2021-4558 3. 02nd July 2018 – VOC Service RO No. Order ID: SER-RO-DD054-1819-8401 4. 08th April 2019 – VOC Service RO No. Order ID: SER-RO-DD054-1920-733 Despite these reports, the issue remains unresolved, and the significant drop in mileage of 7-8 kmpl continues to affect my driving experience and overall satisfaction with the vehicle. I kindly request your urgent attention to this matter, as I believe a thorough investigation and appropriate corrective action are necessary. The series of repairs I have undertaken from H.A.S.S. have become an expensive ordeal. Despite consistently reporting excessive black smoke from the exhaust during my regular visits to the Honda A.S.S. who should have properly addressed it from its source at the outset, but the necessary diagnostics and repairs were not performed. Instead, I feel I was continuously upsold services for clutch and brakes replacements with interior and exterior cleaning. This situation raises serious questions about the competence of the H.A.S.S. technicians. Preventive maintenance could have identified these issues early on, thus avoiding the current predicament. Such engine oil disappearance leaks develop over time, and it is unacceptable that they went unnoticed during my multiple visits over the past 6-7 years. Furthermore, I had previously sent emails on December 24, 2022, and January 6, 2023, addressing the black smoke issue, yet there had been little to no effective follow-up from Kolkata H.A.S.S.. Their deliberate delay in providing job sheets, invoices, and diagnostic reports on time is indicative of a lack of transparency and accountability, leaving car owners like myself feeling neglected and exploited mentally & financially each and every time. Furthermore, the repeated opening and cleaning of the silencer pipe by authorized service centers have resulted in an unwelcome loud droning sound whenever the car accelerates. The Select/Reset Knob of the information display on the instrument cluster has suddenly fallen inside, and we are unable to retrieve it. This seems to be a build quality issue, as it happened without any external force or tampering. Now, with this new issue regarding the instrument cluster, I am quite concerned about the overall quality and reliability of the vehicle. I kindly request that you arrange to have the Select/Reset Knob fixed on the information display of the instrument cluster at your earliest convenience. Despite regular servicing at Honda Authorised Service Centres, I have noticed that water is not being dispensed from the rear wiper onto the rear windscreen. This issue has persisted for some time, and it is affecting visibility during inclement weather. I would additionally draw your attention an urgent issue with the left headlight module of my Honda vehicle. The back half black plastic housing has developed significant cracking and warping from the inside, with no external damage at all or any impact at all to the clear plastic lens on the front of the headlight unit. This defect appears to be a result of poor-quality control during manufacturing, leading to a loss of structural integrity. Consequently, the left indicator bulb keeps falling out, and moisture often enters the front clear plastic lens, resulting in condensation and fogging. This not only damages the headlight but it has also compromised its watertight integrity. Additionally, driving with a defective or hazy headlight or non-working headlight can attract traffic fines, which is detrimental to my financial well-being. Regular maintenance and inspections by Honda Authorized Service Stations (H.A.S.S.) could have potentially identified these issues, but unfortunately, no preventive measures were taken. This situation has made me question the integrity of Honda Cars India and the quality of service and maintenance practices adopted by your authorized service centers. It appears that consumers are being exploited with substandard products and services, leading to serious life risk and safety concerns, including the risk of abrupt engine seizure and unforeseen repair costs. It has become increasingly clear to me that this issue is rooted in a manufacturing defect and quality control oversight, and I believe that the service center will attempt to cover this up, placing undue financial responsibility on me as the customer. My experience with Kolkata H.A.S.S. has been extremely frustrating, particularly given the lack of accountability for ongoing issues that I have raised repeatedly in the past. It is essential that Honda A.S.S. be proactive in their diagnostics and maintenance checks. Regular inspections of engine oil and coolant levels should be a standard practice, as they are crucial in preventing severe engine damage. It is the responsibility of Honda Authorized Service Stations to perform comprehensive checks and ensure that all issues are promptly identified and addressed proactively. Unfortunately, I have found that this has not been in our case. The lack of proper diagnostics and the subsequent negligence I have experienced leave me feeling mistrustful of the H.A.S.S. I cannot accept that the consequences of substandard manufacturing and inadequate service should fall on me as a loyal Honda customer. There is a concerning history regarding the IDTEC engine, particularly with reports of holes, cracks, and leakages in Honda IDTEC engine’ & its aluminium components. Many Honda owners, have experienced leakages of engine oil, coolant, and gear oil. My vehicle continues to run but emits significant black smoke upon acceleration, which raises serious concerns regarding performance and environmental compliance. The persistent black smoke not only compromises the vehicle's performance but also places me at risk of incurring a fine of ₹10,000 every time pollution authorities conduct random checks. This financial burden is untenable and adds to the distress caused by the vehicle's condition. Additionally, it is important to note that 2 H.A.S.S. have themselves acknowledged our reporting of excessive black smoke issue multiple times since September 2019, as documented in the following service records: • VOC Service RO No. SER-RO-DD054-1920-15418 (September 20, 2019) • VOC Service RO No. SER-RO-DD054-2122-5570 (July 7, 2021) • VOC Service RO No. SER-RO-DD054-2223-25028 (December 20, 2022) • VOC Service RO No. SER-RO-DD194-2324-5213 (September 9, 2023) Invoice No. SR19423-5291 Given the history of reporting this issue, I am left questioning why I am writing to express my concerns regarding the handling of multiple issues with my vehicle, particularly considering the history of reporting these problems while it was still under warranty. Despite my vehicle being covered by a 5-year manufacturer warranty, including an additional 2 years purchased upfront. This raises concerns about the accountability of both H.A.S.S. and Honda Cars India in addressing such severe problems. This has compelled me to seek legal advice regarding my rights and safety as a consumer. I believe that a thorough investigation into my vehicle’s performance is warranted for which I seek a joint probe involving The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India, The Ministry Of Consumer Affairs of India and other Car Manufacturers manufacturing in India who could jointly or individually provide valuable insights into the quality and safety standards of the vehicles produced by Honda Cars India and also provide insights on H.A.S.S. for their potential negligence, malicious intents & for prioritizing their financial interests over passenger’ life & safety as this engine could seize anytime & anywhere on a busy road without any warning. It is crucial to understand how such a critical & persistent problem has been knowingly and routinely overlooked, as it poses significant safety concerns and financial implications for both my ownership experience and of any potential buyers of this car. Despite our vehicle having clocked only 79,250 kms, it is experiencing significant performance issues that are concerning, especially given Honda's reputation for reliability. It is well-known that Honda Cars are reported to easily clock up to 3,00,000 kms in their lifetime, provided they are properly maintained. I have ensured that my WRV has been serviced exclusively at Honda Authorized Service Centres, yet it appears that the standards of reliability and performance that Honda is renowned for have diminished in my case. I would appreciate your insights into why these issues are occurring and what steps can be taken to restore the expected performance and reliability of my vehicle. I trust that Honda values its customers and would like to see a resolution that reflects the brand’s commitment to quality. Your attention to this issue will greatly influence my perception of Honda’s commitment to customer satisfaction and vehicle integrity unlike the H.A.S.S.’ questionable integrity. I believe that it is imperative for Honda Cars India to acknowledge these failures and ensure that we are not held liable for the consequences of what appears to be a systemic issue within your organization. It is also imperative that Honda Cars India prioritizes consumer safety and satisfaction over protecting the malicious intents & financial interests of its service centers. Given these factors, I kindly request your immediate attention & assistance to address all these issues along with a thorough investigation internally within your organization. Given the circumstances, I request that Honda Cars India repair or replace the faulty engine and all components related to the back compression and continuous low engine oil under brand warranty without charging anything from us. As a loyal Honda customer, I expect a level of service and vehicle performance that reflects the brand's reputation world over. It is concerning and a matter of proper investigation that my Honda Any Time Warranty was not renewed before expiry, likely due to prior knowledge of these underlying issues. It is evident consequentially that the failure to renew my Honda Anytime Warranty before its expiration may have been a strategic decision by the H.A.S.S & Honda Cars India based on prior knowledge of these underlying issues, leaving me vulnerable to potentially exorbitant costs on purpose. The failure to renew my Honda Anytime Warranty before its expiration raises significant concerns about the intentions of H.A.S.S. and Honda Cars India. Given the history of my vehicle and the excessive black smoke emissions, I am increasingly alarmed by the fact that the engine could seize at any moment without warning, especially as there were no engine oil or coolant malfunction indicator lamps activated on the dashboard. As a typical car owner, I lack the expertise to regularly inspect the engine bay, and I reasonably assume that if no warning lights are displayed, all is well with my vehicle. The apparent negligence in resolving this matter raises concerns about the prioritization of financial interests over customer safety & well-being by H.A.S.S. & Honda Cars India. Given the severity of the situation, I am seeking financial compensation in addition to coverage for all repairs and replacements. This compensation reflects the potential risks to life and safety resulting from turning a blind eye knowingly to the ongoing issues, as well as the emotional and financial distress caused by this experience. Additionally, I request reimbursement for all expenses incurred related to legal fees should this case need to be filed in court. It is unacceptable that Honda car owners should have to bear the consequences of what seems to be a systematic oversight & consequential damage accrued thorough negligence with the potential risks associated with substandard vehicle production and corrupt maintenance practices adopted by H.A.S.S. I urge you to investigate this matter with the seriousness it deserves and provide me with a resolution to address the engine issues by taking immediate action to address this situation. The continued inaction on this serious malfunction is unacceptable, and I hope for a prompt and satisfactory response. I urge you to take this matter seriously and investigate the issues related to both the vehicle production standards and the operational maintenance practices of the authorized service centers. Prompt action is necessary to ensure the safety of your customers, third parties and restore faith in Honda’s commitment to quality and customer service. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue, for your understanding and support. I look forward to your prompt response.