Saw this today on my local newscast.
http://www.azcentral.com/video/596392507001
Looks like the media are turning up the heat on Honda!!

 

I saw it too. I contacted channel 12 and sent them some more info that might help.

I have significant battery issues here in Phoenix when driving in the afternoon, even with a new battery (Had mine replaced in March). I have no battery available until the AC cools down the car.

It's OK in the morning, and after the sun goes down though. Pretty much any time I don't have to use the AC, the battery performs very well...

The question is how much wear and tear will I see on the battery when summer is over. I've already had one battery replaced after less than one year. Am I going to need a new battery every year living in Phoenix?

I have many friends that drive a Toyota Prius. While they see reduced performance in the hot AZ summer, none of them had had issues like we have seen with the HCH II. Not one of them has had to replace a battery. Some of them have gone as many as 6 years and are still on the original battery.

Maybe I should go to Toyota and trade my HCH II in for a Prius before the value drops....

 

I'm wondering if heat-related problems are limited to pre-'09 models.

 

Steven,

I have an '09 HCH II, so I guess the answer is "no" to your question....

 

I took my 06 in three weeks ago to Tempe Honda for the recall software and so far every thing is good. I was getting 2 regen's a day and now maybe one a week even in the 112 degree oven. I run the air and radio all the time. The mpg has stayed at about 45 for city and highway and I don't do the hyper mileage thing.

 

Tom, could you check the link. Maybe the station recycles links, at any rate the current video is unrelated.

 

You have to scroll through the video's to find it.

 

I saw the video. The software update gets a mention but the message got a bit messed up. The key thing to string together is that this driver took the update and then his dealer tried to help out and Honda said no, this is now the normal operating condition of the car.

Look out....

 

Test:

http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/New...1/596355252001

Ok, that's the hybrid news story.

 

interesting, Honda took a page from Apple's iPhone 4 antennae debacle..."All hybrid batteries can be affected by severe heat and severe cold". Wonder if toyota will respond?