2005 Honda Civic Hybrid w/62,861 miles. Check Engine light went on yesterday and this morning Honda dealer says it's the PRIMARY O2 sensor and the recall only covers secondary sensors. I've asked that the manager contact corporate. Have never received any packet and have been sole owner and always serviced by dealer. Love all the previous posts; most helpful...and the Prius dealership was right next door in 2005 but alas, bottom line cost ruled the day...then. Any further suggestions welcomed?

 

The packet I received only mentioned the secondary and third oxygen sensors so the dealer wasn't lying.

That's fairly low mileage though so you should check your warranty book for coverages. I checked mine (2003 model year) and it doesn't mention the sensors, just the catalytic converters are covered for 8/80K. That's in NY, maybe Hawaii is different.

If it's not covered hopefully you can talk the dealer into a good will replacement as the primary O2 sensor is one of the pricier items on the car.

Good luck!

 

I have a 06 civic hybrid and experience the check engine light coming on around 130,000 miles (2009)...Went to a dealer and they told me it was a computer software issue...they did the update and the light went off (i passed inspection)...they light came back on a few days later...the car was running fine but the light was on...after another 6 months with check engine light on I took it into a Honda Dealer (2010) and they said it was the catalytic converter and it needed to be replace. I did not get the work done and was able to get through inspection 6 months later after honda turned my check engine light off for another issue...at the dealer today running another test to see why the light is not going out? Since my hybrid is an '06 what will happen? Some advice if they say it's the catalytic converter? Thanks.

 

I have 05 hch with 69000 miles (got it 5 months ago with 53000) and I drive a lot, thank God without major problems so far....it doesnt seem ilke its been taken in for any recall work because I get easily 45-55 mpg, so....having read all of these posts i don't want to take it in...any advice? Should I do it before the clock hits 80k? or just leave it be and have it possibly fail smog and have expensive catalytic converter repairs? PLEASE ADVISE

 

It is my understanding that HCH's in California are exempt from smog checks. I have a 2003 which I bought new and have never had it smog checked. I have only had the software update done and am on the original catalytic converters and O2 sensors. I'm on my second IMA battery which was replaced under warranty. I'd wait and see.

 

I can't be the only here who has received a reimbursement check. Anybody else get theirs yet?

 

HI Hiram,

I bought a used 04 HCH about 2 yrs ago, and had to replace the oxygen sensor. Do you think Honda will reimburse me as a used car buyer? I never got any communication from honda.

 

From what Honda's letter said, yes, you are covered even if you bought your car used.
Try having your VIN number entered into the service adviser's computer at a Honda dealership; they should be able to tell you if your car is covered. Or you could call Honda like Karina did in one of the earlier pages on this thread. The phone number listed on my letter was 800-999-1099, option 4.

If you need the numbers for the software update and warranty extension, here they are:
11-043 is the current software update for the cat. sensors
11-044 is the warranty extension for the secondary and third heated oxygen sensors. Warranty is extended to 8 years from the original date of purchase or 80,000 miles whichever comes first. If you already paid for a replacement on one of these parts, Honda should be able to get you the proper reimbursement papers you need to send in.

 

I took my 2004 HCH to the dealership shortly after receiving this letter a few months ago. Check Engine light came right back on. Like it has been since about 500 miles after I bought the car used in 2009 with 60K. I did however get my reimbursement check for the O2 sensors.

Took it back again yesterday, the P0420 code for the Cat Converter is still there. I can't pass emissions due to my never ending check engine light, and with all the bs about this, I don't even know if the **** thing is actually bad or not. I am attempting to contact Honda of America to convince them to cover this crap.

On top of all that, P0A80 came up and though I've had no problem with it, they say my IMA battery which was already replaced under warranty 35K and 2 years ago, is degrading and needs to be replaced.

This is a real WTF situation. I can't even register my car, and I'd have to pay $4K+ to get it fixed. I have never driven anything but Honda's, but I am seriously pissed at the issues with this car. I'll update here when I hear from HOA to see what they say.

Did anyone else who got the software update have the light come right back on? Did the update fix the problem for anyone??

 

Just to update for anyone who is curious, I heard back from Honda of America finally.

After a little strong arming on my part, they have agreed to cover the IMA & Cat Converter repairs at about 87.5% so all I have to pay is $500. Great relief to know Honda would come through on the customer service end even if its not 100%.

They did initially try to weasle out of covering the Cat Converter at all but I gave them hell when they said that. I suggest anyone else still experiencing problems with the Cat and CEL be sure to be persistent with them. They will try to get out of it but if you pressure them enough, they will give in because they know they made a mistake in this car. My suggestion would be to ask them "What percentage of owners of this car have experienced this problem?" and they clam up real quick.

All in all I'm sad my experience with this car hasn't been great, and even with the repairs being done, I am most likely still trading in this car because honestly I see it continuing to give me problems one way or the other. Good luck to all those who keep the car, may it treat you better than it has me.