Acura quality slipping?
I may be fat but I'm slow
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 534
Likes: 43
From: Arlington Heights, IL
I remember early Acura where 'precision engineering' was the mantra. There were commercials where a ball bearing rolled down panel gaps to highlight the tight fit. Calipers morphed into the Acura 'A'.
After examining new Acura's at the auto show, I'd say those days are gone. I saw misaligned panels either interior or exterior on every Acura model on display. I very much hate to say it but in this price point the Hyundai Genesis had tighter panel fit (interior and exterior), looked and felt well screwed together. Interior door cards did not flex, kick plates were more substantial, and the infotainment was fast, simple to use and attractive. Driving dynamics and efficiencies aside, I was impressed in the details.
Not an excuse, but Acura has now revised the entire model line up in under 3 years including shifts of assembly plants. Still, I expect more from the brand of late.
After examining new Acura's at the auto show, I'd say those days are gone. I saw misaligned panels either interior or exterior on every Acura model on display. I very much hate to say it but in this price point the Hyundai Genesis had tighter panel fit (interior and exterior), looked and felt well screwed together. Interior door cards did not flex, kick plates were more substantial, and the infotainment was fast, simple to use and attractive. Driving dynamics and efficiencies aside, I was impressed in the details.
Not an excuse, but Acura has now revised the entire model line up in under 3 years including shifts of assembly plants. Still, I expect more from the brand of late.
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,729
Likes: 1,807
From: Tampa, Florida
I remember that campaign as well. But Acura did similar in the mid - late 80s when Acura first launched. It included the calipers. At that time Acura was often considered on par with of even higher than Lexus (as Acura was the initial Japanese 'Luxury' brand.)
And Lexus not only mimicked Acura's mantra but surpassed in cache. This campaign was followed up with the 'Relentless Pursuit of Perfection' to today's 'Pursuit of Perfection'.
Acura lost the precision engineering for whatever it is we have now.
And Lexus not only mimicked Acura's mantra but surpassed in cache. This campaign was followed up with the 'Relentless Pursuit of Perfection' to today's 'Pursuit of Perfection'.
Acura lost the precision engineering for whatever it is we have now.
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
I'm sure I can argue with them about it...the owners manual clearly says its not covered under normal wear/tear...but will be if a defect in material/workmanship...At 6k miles...actually under 6k miles, I would like to believe its a defect in material. I would like to think "normal wear" would occur at a higher mileage.
At this point, i'll deal with it...we dont drive it that much anyway, and when time comes to change it, i'll diy with better equip.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 7
From: So Cal
I was always taught that incorrect tightening/torque specs on the lug nuts is what causes warped rotors.If that's true,and you never took off the wheels since 6k is just when you do the first rotation,you'd think it would be warranty from either the dealer prep or factory.
Do they have an explanation as to why something that you as the driver has caused the problem,rather than a warranty defect?
Mine has only 6400 miles so it's got me worried,although the brakes feel great.
Do they have an explanation as to why something that you as the driver has caused the problem,rather than a warranty defect?
Mine has only 6400 miles so it's got me worried,although the brakes feel great.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 580
Likes: 56
From: Charlotte, NC
Thanks for the suggestion...I've tried the selling dealer, they said since its a year already, its not covered...they also said I might have had a chance if it was 6mos or less but this far into it, its not.
I'm sure I can argue with them about it...the owners manual clearly says its not covered under normal wear/tear...but will be if a defect in material/workmanship...At 6k miles...actually under 6k miles, I would like to believe its a defect in material. I would like to think "normal wear" would occur at a higher mileage.
At this point, i'll deal with it...we dont drive it that much anyway, and when time comes to change it, i'll diy with better equip.
I'm sure I can argue with them about it...the owners manual clearly says its not covered under normal wear/tear...but will be if a defect in material/workmanship...At 6k miles...actually under 6k miles, I would like to believe its a defect in material. I would like to think "normal wear" would occur at a higher mileage.
At this point, i'll deal with it...we dont drive it that much anyway, and when time comes to change it, i'll diy with better equip.
I've had pretty good luck sending letters in situations like these.
Cruisin'
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
I was always taught that incorrect tightening/torque specs on the lug nuts is what causes warped rotors.If that's true,and you never took off the wheels since 6k is just when you do the first rotation,you'd think it would be warranty from either the dealer prep or factory.
Do they have an explanation as to why something that you as the driver has caused the problem,rather than a warranty defect?
Mine has only 6400 miles so it's got me worried,although the brakes feel great.
Do they have an explanation as to why something that you as the driver has caused the problem,rather than a warranty defect?
Mine has only 6400 miles so it's got me worried,although the brakes feel great.
You raise a good point here! Actually, the wheels have never been removed since I've purchased it. I will definitely get in-touch with corporate and see what my options are. There are no flat-spots on the tires which indicates any hard or abnormal braking, tires actually still look pretty new.
I would love to hear what the explanation if for this to happen!
Suzuka Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,478
Likes: 1,279
What many people call "warped rotors" is often just pad deposits on the rotors that mimic a warped rotor.
Truth be told, it is pretty difficult to warp a rotor in daily driving, so virtually all warped rotors have external causes - a very badly torqued wheel or pad deposits.
Cleaning pad deposits off the rotor and re-bedding the pads is the easiest, cheapest and most likely solution.
Is that considered a defect under warranty? Probably not but I suspect that you'll get some relief if you contact Acura since you have virtually no miles on the car and this is a cheap fix for them.
Truth be told, it is pretty difficult to warp a rotor in daily driving, so virtually all warped rotors have external causes - a very badly torqued wheel or pad deposits.
Cleaning pad deposits off the rotor and re-bedding the pads is the easiest, cheapest and most likely solution.
Is that considered a defect under warranty? Probably not but I suspect that you'll get some relief if you contact Acura since you have virtually no miles on the car and this is a cheap fix for them.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 117
Likes: 17
From: Canada
Has anyone noticed any quality issues with new Acura vehicles?
I just purchased a 2015 RDX and noticed that the hood fit is uneven. On one side, the hood floats ~0.25 inches above the headlight.
On the other side, the hood hits the headlight.
I took the car back to the dealer but they didn't seem to be able to do much adjustment to it. Has anyone had similar issues? Any suggestions on how to handle something like this?
Thanks for any suggestions.
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