first of all, i am not bitchin', i love this car. but the paint sucks!! two layers of paint and one layer of clear coat, i think that's what a neon has. my question is what steps can we, as consumers, take to get the ball rolling on a recall. it's been done before, this guy from dallas who is on this forum but i can't remember his forum name, had a paint recall on his old camaro, all new paint job. does anybody agree with this, any suggestions?

------------------
'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

 

I agree, I think we all need to stand up before they continue to sell these cars with shitty paint jobs.



------------------
Mustang Killa

 

Recalls can happen only if there is a hazard for someone's life or danger for injury. Your friend is lying if he says there is a recall for paint.



------------------
Gabriel
CL Type S

 

Why do I always get into the controversial topics? I think I am going to have to agree with Gab, it must be safety related and officially [Government] santioned and/or registered.

If a manufacturer wants to cover up bad workmanship and/or poor performance under the guise of a "recall", that's misleading to the public. If Acura wants to say "the CL needs a new paint job because the OEM coat contains higher than normal levels of DXPT, a mild lead-based toxic chemical that has been known to cause cancer in the female, three-legged, two-tone speckled Australian outback fruit bat" and that it is harmful to humans, that's a recall.

------------------
* 2001 Acura CL Type S * Blk/Blk * Navigator * Spoiler * Moonroof Visor * V1 *
* Since 3/31/2000 *
* Road Warrior *

 

hahahaha. funny shit

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fog Lights
Aftermarket Black Wood Trim Kit
Valentine 1

 

HEY! My Mother was a three-legged, two-tone speckled Australian outback fruit bat. Who died of cancer. A little PC would be nice.

------------------
- As long as people will accept crap, it will be financially profitable to dispense it.

01 Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
Dunlop SP5000 215/50/17
Navigation-Spoiler-Muds-Wheel locks-35% Tint-PIAA wedges-V1 and remote

 

it may not fall under a recall, but it should at least fall under as a warranty problem...if they fix rattles, they should fix paint...especially on a $30k car.

 

so let me get this straight, if a car company produces 20000 cars at about $33000 sticker and sells them all, in one month the paint on 15000 of the cars comes off, there is not a recall? help me out with this logic.

------------------
'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

[This message has been edited by davematthews-CL-S (edited 04-29-2001).]

 

Actually, Ford has sent out mass notices (for lack of a better term) to fix bad paint in the past (for some reason the Tempo sticks in my head), so it can be done. It's not a safety recall, but surely a product defect.

 

If this were a recall, then there were be about a million similar recalls a year. Think of it this way: recall=potential liability.

If Acura wants to send out 15,000 notices to customers with bad paint, they can if they want to. It wouldn't be mandatory like a recall or product safety notice would be. But it's still not a recall in the government sense of the word.

Lots of company's would rather risk liability or their company's reputation rather than fix a known problem which will cost them a lot of money. That's fine as long as the Uncle Sam doesn't think there's a safety problem. If it is a hazard, a mandatory recall is forced upon the manufacturer and they must comply. If not a recall, you can read all about it in the files of your local BBB or consumer reports.

I would suspect that if Acura asks everyone to come back for a paint job, even if free, they would be facing a number of lawsuits. Some people just feel like they were ripped off or somehow harmed because of it and will seek damages.


------------------
* 2001 Acura CL Type S * Blk/Blk * Navigator * Spoiler * Moonroof Visor * V1 *
* Since 3/31/2000 *
* Road Warrior *

 

that makes sense. but do you think that there are any steps that we can take to make acura aware of this? they sure won't do anything on their own good will, owners have to complain, alot, to the point that it is hurting their sales. i'm not trying to be mean but the other week i was wiping off my car with a charisma towel, the softest supima cotton towel made, and the label got the paint at a perfect angles that it took off the paint, not that big of a scratch but still, that is extremely poor craftsmenship.

------------------
'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

 

I wonder how much it would cost to add another coat or two of clear coat to make it stronger?? Or is it better to go with the x-pel / stone guard 3M stuff???

------------------
2001 Silver 3.2CLS
Muds, Spoiler, Hardwire 8500, Polarg M-6 lamps, K&N filter #33-2178,
Comptech Headers, Sways, mufflers
Planning: SSR 17X8 Competition Wheels, Brembo Brakes.

 

There you go again, talking out your f-in' ass! So, I guess you're calling me a liar.
You better get your facts straight before you start to flame someone. Grow up!

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

[This message has been edited by MikeN (edited 04-29-2001).]

 

Chill bro...smoke an bowl

 

They, the manufacturer, can call it whatever they wish, but they called it a "recall" for my defective paint. I agree that safety items are usually the only things issued via a "recall", but please don't go calling someone a liar, etc if they have the facts to back up their claim... which I do. My 89 Camaro RS was "recalled" by GM to cover defective paint. I have no clue as to the cause of the defect, but it was certainly defective and the car was way out of warranty when it was repainted by a dealer body shop in Aug 1994. I paid zero dollars for this repaint, and they did an excellent job!



------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

 

Nah, not with "gavriil". He has a bad habit of speaking before getting the facts straight.



------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

 

your awesome mike n, and it's not 'smoke an bowl' it's 'smoke a bowl'.

------------------
'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

 

ROFL!!! You guys are nuts.


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2001 SAAB 9-3SE HOT

I couln't think of anything clever to say.

 

I am not really going to make any friends with this, but most of you guys are fairly ignorant. Most of you do talk out of your ass. There are recalls for quality issues such as exfoliating paint. If you want action, why dont you try a class action lawsuit against Acura? I am sure you would find some lawyer who would represent you. As fair as the guy who made the reference to only two layers of paint and then a clearcoat, how do you think they paint cars? How many layers do you think they put on? Obviously, you have no idea. That is industry standard. Here is a lesson for you. You have e-coat, then adhesion promoter, then two basecoats (depending on color), then clearcoat. The only difference between a chevy paint job and acura paintjob is probably color matching and thickness of layers. If you bought an Acura when they first came out with the new body style, well then what do you expect? Of course they are going to have quality problems associated with the startup of a new product.


------------------
-Phin
www.generationinformation.com
AOL IM - paullanz01
CHECK IT OUT!!

 

bmw has a 6-8 layer process and lexus has about a 6 layer process. this car should not have the industry minimum, it is not a dodge neon or an intrepid, it is acura, a higher class of honda, my old 97 honda accord had better quality paint job. plus what does the paint job have to do with the time the car has been in production? they've painted similar cars before, legend, tl, old cl, rl, the paint job should not be experiamental.

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'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

[This message has been edited by davematthews-CL-S (edited 04-29-2001).]

 

I agree. My best friend just bought a 2001 740i. I was at the dealer with him when he picked it up. They showed us a booklet describing many of the unique features on BMWs, one of them being the "highest quality paint" in the industry. The service manager said there was 8 layers with 5 bakes on the 740i. I am by no means an expert, but that's what he said an the booklet said similar. I have heard (on this board) that the Acuras have 2 layers and one bake.


------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

[This message has been edited by MikeN (edited 04-29-2001).]

 

Okay, I do not mean to sound condescending but it is obvious, you have never started up a line or paint booth before. There are always problems with start-up of any new car line. You cannot just plug it in and walk away. Honda is going to have problems with bake-time, angle of the spray nozzles, flow-rates, rpm of the bell applicator, current of electrostatic spray, composition of e-coat tub and so on. I know they have painted cars before but it is a new process, so it is somewhat of a new ball game. The line they used to make the 97 accord is certainly not the same line they use now. With your "they have painted cars before" logic, that means that there should be absolutely no problems with any new product made today. It is common knowledge that quality is lower with products that have just come from earlier stages in process. Engineers need time to work out the bugs. Meanwhile they are working against deadlines that assholes in marketing and sales have set. When BMW says they have a 6-8 layer paint process they are probably stretching the truth. I seriously doubt BMW has a two layer clearcoat. Their clear may be thicker though. I am sure BMW is counting all of their steps. While whoever quoted Acura as only have two basecoats then a clear is not counting all of the steps. I am not saying the quality of the two paintjobs are the same. I am just saying, if you want a 6-8 layer process, go buy a BMW.



------------------
-Phin
www.generationinformation.com
AOL IM - paullanz01
CHECK IT OUT!!

 

it really sounds like you have studied your painting process before. do you have a cl? if you do, do you think that the current quality of the paint job is acceptable? i understand this is a new car but when the new generation of honda accords came out, there paint was fine, same with the new gen of camry's, bmw 3's, A6, benz C. so that is no excuse, my original question, and it was kind of answered with the class action lawsuit idea, was what should we, as consumers, do? the basics are that we gave an X amount of dollars, for car X, and this trade (money for car) included many assumptions, one being that the paint quality was good if not very good.

------------------
'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

 

Yeh, but to get our car into the $30k bracket, wouldn't they HAVE to make sacrifices somewhere? The answer is, yes. They first sacrifice was to start building them in the USA. As for the rest, we've been compaining about them on this board since January.

I, for one, would love to see the lawsuit materialize. The fit and finish on these cars isn't up to standard IMO.


------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

 

anyone have a lawyer relative or friend to discuss this with? i have a lawyer but he's not that kind of lawyer!! =0

------------------
'01 CL-S black bone stock
with the best radar in the world, Valentine One

 

I'm out of this one, guys, after this post. I don't know anything about paint or paint jobs. And I never called anyone a liar either (I wouldn't do that). I only suggested that a manufacturer may have fixed a car for free without being obligated to fix anyone else's.

Ok, let's settle the recall thing. Go here: http://www.notice.com/recalls/auto.html

Somebody find an auto recall that doesn't involve safety. I could be wrong but I doubt it. (I'm going to leave myself an out since I didn't check the entire database. ) My point is, if you are looking for an official notice in your mailbox from Acura asking you to bring your car back for a paint job recall, it ain't going to happen.

So can someone clue us in on whatever those notices are that ask you to bring your car back to get something fixed? I know it happens..... You might see one of these from Acura that says bring your vehicle back to the dealership so that they can inspect it and determine if you can get repainted, free of charge of course.

I'm not making a play on words; it's important to distinguish between a recall and otherwise. There are legal as well as financial implications. My paint job is fine. If this is a recall, I get a new paint job regardless. If Acura has to notify and repaint all CLs, the loss is treated differently on the books and for tax purposes. I may have to eat my words, but there won't be any recall on the paint job. Sorry, just my opinion.

------------------
* 2001 Acura CL Type S * Blk/Blk * Navigator * Spoiler * Moonroof Visor * V1 *
* Since 3/31/2000 *
* Road Warrior *

 

I can only comment about "recalls" WE have received in the past with various cars. They were only "safefty related". Fuel filler, fuel lines, shocks, etc.

The very last one I got was for a "fuel filler" on my Maxima. It said, "... you probably won't have a problem. .... We have only found problems in cold areas...."

When I went in to the dealer, he entered the VIN into the computer, and said, "We also need to inspect your filler and may need to change it..." They changed the part, even though it was fine.

I don't know what the law is, but they also replaced my wife's Altima shocks with new ones. They had a "notice" that they were failiing and just replaced them.

Hard to know, what gets the nod *and* what doesn't.

This is just my opinion -- but there is a fine line between a "manufacturing defect" and "wear and tear" issues. Then there is the specter of the Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle. If enough people die or if enough comments get out to the press, a company will finally do a cost analysis, and decide to fix stuff IN ITS OWN INTEREST!!!

BTW -- someone mentioned that Ford paint recall. I have a neighbor who got that paint *or* similar junk paint. Her Mustang's blue paint and other cars with this same ugly blue color, had paint that came peeling off in under 2 years. I asked my neighbor, why she didn't go back to the dealer or Ford rep. to get the paint fixed, and she said they wouldn't fix it. I then heard from her husband -- he got so tired of the run around that they finally just got a new cheep-O paint job. THIS OEM PAINT WAS FLAKING OFF THE CAR!!! From what I understand, the paint manufacturer, made some rather crummy paint and a number of different car makers used that same color paint. This was quite a few years ago, and there were a number of these American cars, with the same color, that had large paint flakes coming off the car. (It looked like old lead house paint when it has been in the sun and weather too long).

So, good luck!

------------------
Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines w/Brembos?
• Comptech headers & sways
• Silver AEM CAI
• 9 coats of Zaino magic

[This message has been edited by EricL (edited 04-30-2001).]

 

Okay, here's the story behind how I got my Camaro repainted for free. I got a recall notice in the mail concerning the seatbelt latches. When I took the car in to have them replaced, the service manager was noticing that my clearcoat was flaking in several areas. He said, "did you know there was a recall on these cars for the paint?" I said, "no, the only notice I received was about the seatbelt latches." So, we went inside and he showed me the official notice from GM concerning the paint. He asked me if I wanted them to go ahead and repaint the car for me while they had it in for the seatbelt issue. I said, "is it free?" He responded, "oh yeh, GM will pay for it."

At the time of the repaint, the car was 5 years old, had approx 72k miles on it and all warranties were expired. This may have been a special case, but I never heard anyone at the dealership call it anything other than a "recall".

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

 

What you are describing is closer to the definition of a recall. No matter where you say I am talking out of, recalls that auto manufacturers have to abide by the Federal law are always safety related. My facts are way strighter than yours and you can refer to the URLs that the guys gave above. There is a definition there about what a recall is. Unless poor paint is hazardous to your life, it cannot be recalled under the definition of a recall.


------------------
Gabriel
CL Type S

 

Can't a manfacturer publish a recall without a government mandate? I believe they have done this many times in the past.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S
Satin Silver/Ebony
No Navi/No Spoiler
Competch springs
35% tint
PIAA 19169 bulbs
K&N 33-2178 air filter

The Aviation Zone

 

Not trying to [re]start any sh*t, but I ran across this website and I thought I'd help make everyone a little bit smarter, including my old friend Mr. Coyote.

 

The crappy paint on the CLS was the first thing that I pointed out when doing homework prior to my purchase. I found almost all the CLS's I looked at all had orange peel type paint jobs. Even with the poor paint I still purchased my CLS. But I did write a letter to the VP of Acura Canada complaining about the poor paint quality and how "thin" the clear coat felt. Prior to sending my letter to Acura Canada, I had a autobody shop (dealer recommended shop) fix a few defects in the paint and the shop manager also found the paint orange peely. I did get a call from Acura Canada advising me they rec'd my letter & a Acura Rep will be in touch to view my car. ** Also...when looking down the side of the car, in a certain light, I can see a fine stress line that runs down the rear quarter windows to the fender on both sides...am I seeing things?? I will let u know how this turns out with the Acura Rep...

 

Yes.. It is called a class action lawsuit where evryone that ones a CL-S is included and you have to prove that the paint job is inferior..

IMO

 

LOL. Honestly I don't think a class action lawsuit will work so well in this case.

 

Welcome to the CL world..

My 98 3.0 has bad paint too..so this is something that has been in the CL line for I believe all of the models.

 

Maybe a class action lawsuit will not work for the paint jobs, but i am really interested in getting one started for the damn transmissions going out. I am calling my uncle, who is a lawyer, today to see what I can do about this. I will keep you posted, whoever is interested.

 

Does anyone know the process of a repaint job? I was wondering if auto repair body shops do it any differently to respray a car than what Acura would do? Ie. Would the paint have to dry longer before clearcoating and then waxing?

 

i say we all drive out to Marysville and demand our cars b put back on the line for at least 2 more paint/bake cycles

 

i think the reason there isn't an acura "recall" or whatever you want to call it for the the paint and tranny is because the warranty takes care of it.

it's funny and so true that people are sue-happy. IF you suffered a significant loss, and acura says they won't cover the tranny, then yeah, go ahead and sue because you suffered a significant loss.

BUT acura will fix the tranny under warranty!!! you were slightly inconvenienced, but enough complaining will take care of that too! so why threaten to sue?!!?

as for the call-back (don't want to use "recall"), i've had my car for 17 months (one of the early ones), i don't have bad paint, i don't have a bad tranny, and MOST people with tl's and cl's (same paint, some tranny) don't either. why would we want to bring our cars in for a repaint and tranny fix if we dont' have a problem?! WE DON'T!!

acura would be doing more of a disservice to MOST of it's customers if they did issue a call-back because MOST of us don't need it! it would be more of a hassle as well as UNNECESSARILY costly to them too.

so think about what part of all the tl's and cl's these forums represent...it's a very small representation, and not even a uniform one at that.

 

Look at some late 80's early 90's GM makes. Their paint is blistering and comming off all over the place. They didn't do a recall. Acura won't either.