When buying a car, many people prefer to buy new for the peace of mind that comes with having a full warranty.
But even drivers with warranty on their cars can have their coverage denied.
Duran Miller owns a 2014 Honda Accord coupe. He says the car’s engine unexpectedly seized up in August.
“I was doing about 60 (kph) and the next thing you know I hear a loud grinding sound,” he said. “The car, electrically, would fire up, but the motor is seized.”
Even though Miller bought the vehicle brand new with a factory and extended warranty, the dealership said the engine repairs would not be covered.
“I was shocked,” Miller said. “I thought they were pulling my leg.”
Following an investigation, Honda claims the engine had been revved to the point of abuse.
“They’re basically saying they have some error code system or something that’s in the car’s computer that judges how far your RPM gauge goes, what conditions you’re driving in,” Miller said.
Honda Canada told Miller in a letter that “the damage is not due to a manufacturing defect.”
“The engine,” the letter added, “had registered an ‘over-rev code’ during operation. No warranty shall cover any repair required as a result of a collision, accident, neglect, racing, or misuse.”
In many cases when a damaged engine is not covered under warranty, it has to do with the driver failing to check or change the oil.
But there are reasons a claim can be denied, such as improper maintenance, racing, off-road driving or adding after-market modifications.
Honda has agreed to pay part of the repairs, but Miller may still have to pay up to $5,000 for the work.
With a Consumer Alert from CTV Toronto's Pat Foran
