Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
My Letter to Honda about my problems with my Rubicon


Richard *****
555 Rubicon Drv..
Gastonia NC, 28051
(555) 555-5555


American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 2220
Torrance, CA  90509-2220
310-532-9811

September 5, 2001

Honda of America,

 “The Power of Dreams.”  I too had a dream, a dream that I could depend on the manufacturer of my 2001 Rubicon. I have never thought twice about investing in a second Honda product, until now.  After investing thousands of dollars into a Rubicon, I was expecting nothing short of high quality and excellent customer service.  I, like several others, have been experiencing quite the opposite: poor quality and poor customer service.
     On November 7, 2000, I had purchased a 2001 Rubicon.  As early as April 19, 2001, I experienced my first major problem: a defective water pump.  With an optimistic attitude, I arranged to repair the problem at my local Honda shop.  Within three weeks, the pump was repaired and I had planned a riding trip.  Much to my surprise, I was presented with my second problem on May 13, 2001: a defective transmission.  The transmission would not gear down from fifth gear. On May 14, 2001, I once again arranged my Rubicon for repair.  About mid June I contacted Honda’s service department because of the length of time it was taking for the repairs.  I was informed that the repairs would be completed by July 5, 2001.  Regrettably, it took the local shop nearly seven weeks to finish the repairs.  Not until July 4, 2001, I received a call informing me that the repairs were finished.  Although my local shop was closed on July 4, 2001, they opened for a short time so I could pick up my Rubicon.  They claimed that they were doing me a favor, due to the fact that it took them so long to finish the repairs.  On July 5, 2001, I proceeded on my trip, rode nearly fifty miles, and had no problems.  On July 8, 2001, roughly a half an hour into a ride I noticed a grinding noise coming from the front gear casing.  Admittedly, I checked the oil level, which was fine, and continued with the ride.  On July 8, 2001, I took my Rubicon in for repairs for the third time.  On July 12, 2001, I received a phone call from the Honda dealer informing me that it was ready to be picked up.  The dealer informed me that the grinding was “normal” and that there were “no other problems found.”  From July 12, 2001 until July 31, 2001 I rode my Rubicon with this ear piercing grinding sound.  With the advice of my father and others, I once again took my Rubicon in for repairs on July 31, 2001.  On August 18, 2001, I received a call from the shop and proceeded to pick it up.  When I arrived at the shop, I was told that “some type of a flush washer was not inserted properly from when the rebuilt the sub-transmission” on May 13, 2001.  They also informed me that they replaced some gears while it was apart.  Once again, with an optimistic attitude, I proceeded to ride my Rubicon in hopes that the problem was finally fixed.  Within one hour the grinding noise was back and within three hours the noise grew throughout the entire engine.  Frustrated with Honda, I called Honda’s service department for suggestions on what to do.  I was told to take it in for repairs.  Unsatisfied with the quality of my Rubicon, I requested a new machine.  On August 25, 2001, I took it to the shop for repairs for the fifth time. On September  12, 2001 I recived a call from the shop that my trannsmission had come in and that it would be installed the next day, On September 14 I proceeded to picked it up and was not quite sure that I wanted to try to ride it again for the fear of getting stuck miles from home or the nearest road.
      With all of the problems I am experiencing, I am beginning to wonder if Honda really is the “Best on Earth.”
 Repairing my Rubicon takes a lot of time and effort.  The time, I have, but the effort is exhausted.  With the motor’s aluminum housing I realize that tearing the engine down several times may result in premature failure of several components.  Not only will I routinely experience the present problems but also several others will arise due to the five repairs made.   This is not what I want nor expect from a company that has been respected for several years.
     Legal action has been taken on my part.  I have contacted my lawyer to see what can be done to resolve this situation as soon as possible.  I had purchased my Rubicon with my Honda Card and on the back of the card it states, “If you have a problem with the quality of goods or services that you purchased with a credit card, and you have tried in good faith to correct the problem with the merchant, you may not have to pay the remaining amount due on the goods or services.”  I believe that Honda will stand behind its name and reputation to resolve this situation in a timely manner.
     I, a loyal customer, expect a reply from Honda, with Honda's intended actions with regards to the above-mentioned problem.  I have enjoyed nothing but excellent products from Honda and wish to do so in the future.
 
 

Regards,
 
 
 

Richard *****
VIN Number:  ##################
Dealer Number:  ####-#####-#
    Honda of ******, NC