Nothing but praises have been attached with your name and dealership. I know that other members only regret is that you are not in a city near each of us!

If you would not mind, please address the paint quality issue that so many of the members are having problems with (refer to "paint issues" and "paint is peeling like a banana" post). Obviously there is a problem and it would be most helpful if someone from Acura could provide some insight and suggestions on this issue.

Thanks!

 

Guys (and Gals)- I wish I had the answers you are looking for. Yes, we are seeing some paint problems, but- most of them seem to be caused by outside influence. Black cars with etch marks from dried dirt or bird droppings, scratches from being rubbed against things. I personally have only seen one car that had an actual paint defect- and that was dirt under the paint- an obvious warranty issue. Maybe we're just lucky in this area!

It is a fact that all vehicles produced in the US now have a different type of paint on them. The government outlawed the use of chemical solvents that were the base of the paint that was used and now mandates the use of water based paints. This applies to not just Acura, but all cars made in the USA. I have spoken to some of my fellow managers with other car lines and they too are seeing an increase in paint complaints. It seems to be universal across the board with US built cars and trucks. Maybe the water based paint is not as hard or resistant- I really don't know. I do know that if there is a problem, it is not because of the Manufacturers because they were told they had to change. Maybe thats the cost of breathing a little easier. I don't have an answer, we take paint problems on a case by case basis.

My advice- keep it clean and really well waxed. If something does happen- approach your dealer in a nice way and seek some assistance- ask- don't demand. If there some goodwill to be had, its easier to get with honey than vinegar!

I really wish I had a better answer, but that is what I know to be true.

 

Wayne,

I appreciate your candid answer, especially when not having a definitive one Anyhow, I know from personal experience, that we all baby our cars and keep them clean. As soon as I see bird crap or sap, I'm right on it with a cotton rag and detail mist. Or I will even stop at a gas station and use a cotton rag and water...anything to get it off the paint. I think it is easy to differentiate between road/wear and tear conditions and something that is just not holding up. I was totally unaware of the new U.S. mandates with painting vehicles.

I have seen some similiar quality work on a truck of myne. ANYTHING would chip or scratch the paint. Come to find out, a paint and body shop told me that the prep work wasn't done right and the paint wasn't adhering to the vehicle as it should. Any chance Acura did not follow through on the prep work or curing time? I don't know, I'm clueless at this topic, but just trying to make heads or tails of this situation. I guess if it is just all due to the U.S. regulations, maybe after about 4 years or so, all car manufacturers will have a resolution to make a good durable paint that conforms to the environmental regulations.

In any event, thanks for addressing this question!

 

I've got a couple of runs and one spec of dirt under the paint but I'm reluctant to take it to the dealer to fix it because I'm afraid that, in trying to fix the issue, they'll just make it worse. But I've definitely noticed the paint doesn't seem to be holding onto the car very well (two inch long scratches that came away like putty and one tear in the paint on the air dam from a rock chip). The paint just seems a little "soft".

I got the estimate on the scratches today... Ack!... $600-$800 to start. And! the autobody shop said that they'd have to repaint the entire panel to fix them. The recommended just doing the touch up paint for now. ... that just breaks my heart!!!

 

It would not hurt to at least take it into the dealership and see what they comment and what offers they might make. Be sure to show them the estimate also. Did the body shop have any ideas on why the paint is not holding up? If they did, it would be good to get them to write it on the estimate as well. That might strengthen your issue when talking to Acura.

It might be time for us to give Acura Corporate a call about this!