Wow man that look absolutely horrible install. I hope it doesn't fly off on the way to dealer. Hope they'll fit it right for you.

 

I just called them and will be taking the car in a couple of hours back to them. It looks like the service guy was not much surprised when I explained what the issue was but just said to bring it in.
I was trying to find diagram/install instructions for the spoiler but all links are broken on the forum here - I am now suspecting if he even used screws/clips and drilled holes because the whole thing just feels like a BAD 3m tape mounted spoiler... I am going to try to put some masking 3M tape (blue painter tape) and take local roads w a slower speed limits so it does not fly off... urgh... how would we else get our blood pressure sky high if there were no dealers ...

 

The bad thing about if it flies off on the hwy is it might take 3-6 months or more for a replacement because of covid shipping delays if not in stock in North America.

 

Yes, I totally see that as another issue as most places where I reached out to buy one was out of stock with no ETA. Luckily found one locally and ordered it online.
I took the car back for them to re-install it properly and also emailed General Manager directly with all pictures showing installation fail/issue. At this point, I am ensuring documentation is all there if it were to happen to fall off at some point in the future.

 

wow, definitely need to re-install the spoiler. Water and dirt will definitely get into that gap. Where did you have this installed?

 

Paul L.

Your spoiler is buckled and distorted like that because the paper template that they have in the installation kit was not precisely applied and centered up on the trunk lid before they used the rotabroach drill bit to cut the holes.

The dimensions are all off fir where those holes and their embedded plastic retainers are placed in those four holes so that when they applied and snapped in the spoiler …..it deformed due to dimensional mismatch.

This whole trunk will now have to be replaced!!!!!

I installed one on my own car and took every opportunity to learn every detail required to get it right the first time. It looked and looks great after two years of everyday use.

So sorry but this is a dealership disaster.

 

Yeah, the dealer service mgr called back to let me know they are ordering a new spoiler to ensure it is installed properly - my hunch tells me the first installer at the dealership jacked up something on the spoiler, or did not prepare correctly 3m tape.
What I am also suspecting is if he drilled the wholes out of proportion, no brand new spoiler will solve that issue - if there is a gap again, trunk replacement will be the next step ... oh well.

Dealer is located in Highland Park, and so far I am pleased with the Service Manager's response and a follow-up call. I do have to say this dealer I serviced both TL and RL for many years there, and we have NEVER experienced any issues - this is now the first problem we ran into they are addressing... makes me wonder if the holes were different... I would not be surprised if they replace trunk and spoiler all together before they call me to pick it up lol

 

One thing that I did check was alignment - spoiler was super centered and I am not sure if drilled holes would give that up - so from the rear around acura emblem, spoiler was very nicely centered - hope drilled holes are not fuked up? i guess...

 

Rlx

You can center the emblem and force the spoiler ends guide pins into the trunks plastic retaining grommets and the holes not be in the right spots. I centered mine up with the emblem before pushing down on the spoiler to snap it in place. If they had the holes drilled in the wrong place and forced the center to bond first….then pressed the ends down into the grommet holes…..then pulled the tape off the intermediate lengthens on either side of the emblem…..you’ll get buckling on either side.

 

That makes sense - I guess they will then have issues installing the brand new spoiler too if that is the case with the drilled holes and will end up replacing the whole thing (trunk + spoiler) - because no matter how good they install this, it will peel off / separate from the trunk

 

RLX015

With any curved surface.

If you have an item that is custom cut, bent, moulded etc., that will be matched to any other left hand/right hand negative/positive surface. There must be an exact match without resistance or and necessary applied force to achieve the match. If there is force required, then there will be deformation. This will cause distortion and gaps and/or spring/torsion forces that cause buckling and detachment.

I had the dealer service manager replace the bottom rear molding on my always covered 2019 Honda Odyssey’s rear door glass. The trim would not stay attached at the terminating ends near the adjacent molding of the rear of the fenders. The molding was not curved correctly to match the glass curvature. Honda is going on the cheap with molding getting them str8 out of China. They couldn’t understand why it kept popping off the retainers on the glass edge till i showed them that it didn’t lay on the glass without gaps before installed just above the installation area. It was causing it to bend and be under constant stress. No retainer for trim is designed for that kind of tension.

 

Having installed quite a few of Honda OEM trunk lid spoilers over the years, I wouldn't give up on the trunk lid just yet if the holes were off. There's some leeway in the size of the holes that should allow them to be adjusted (i.e. enlarged) slightly to get a good pressure-free fit. Just make sure the holes (once dry-fit to make sure they're properly placed) are sealed on the edges so you don't get rust. You could also put some 3M tape around the holes to act as a weather seal just to be sure. The key is to make sure that, after drilling the holes, simply place the spoiler on the trunk with the 3m tape still covered and see if it lays flat with little to no pressure required for a good fit. If that is true, it means that the 3M tape will hold much better (meaning it's not struggling to hold the spoiler to the trunk lid - just acting as a sealing agent). The key is taking your time and making sure the fit is "natural" vs "forced"....

 

Andy

This generation RLX has no leeway for bolts. Bolts are not used. They have a plastic insert female retaining insert. The male counterpart is on the uninstalled spoiler. If there is any dimensional conflict it will deform the flimsy thin plastic these are extruded into shape from. It’s not like the old Honda stuff. You need to have actual hands on knowledge to know. Take a look at one.

 

So I see what you're saying (page from install .pdf attached here). It appears as though the mounting points for the spoiler have no access on the underside of the trunk since they're so close to the edges. which means you have to drill the exact size holes in the exact location for this to work - no room for error. The infamous "measure multiple times, drill once - by a competent tech that will take their time". This means that any irregularities in the spoiler itself can't be accounted for - and no way to "dry fit". Frankly, this would really shy me away from attempting this on the wife's '18 RLX SH - because if I mess up she'd never forgive me..... At first I though you could replace the pins with a thin bolt/washer and put a washer/nut on the underside of the trunklid (to emulate the old way of mounting) - but there probably isn't any access from the underside of the trunk to put any bolt in there (I haven't looked, though...). Thanks for sharing the odd design here.....

 

Andy

If you’re mechanically inclined, have a zeal for precision/detail, can read understand directions, have a rotabroach drill bit set in the 8mm size…..you can do it. Just get some paint for the cut. Tape your drill hole areas. Precisely apply the template and adhere it. Place the spoiler and mark over the paper template with a pencil. Compare the marking with the lines on the paper from the factory kit. Deliberate and study, confirm and drill.

 

Update: after taking the car back for spoiler issues, happy to report they have tackled this very promptly. They ordered the new spoiler and installed it yesterday. The car sat overnight to ensure adhesive (3m tape) cured well on the newly installed spoiler. I asked Service Manager if they found any issues with drilled holes, and he confirmed that was the first thing they checked and it was by specs. What they found was the reason for spoiler peeling off was upon installing car was washed after the install and water prevented 3m tape to get adhesion well in place.
I definitely can tell it is a brand new spoiler and it is now installed well and feels solid from what I was able to tell. Now, I will certainly keep my eye on this as it ages to ensure it does not start peeling off again.
I have to say, I am pleased with the dealer's prompt attention and resolution to the issue with the spoiler, not that I ever had issues with them, but you know how it can be prolonged, etc., etc. - they really jumped on this quick.

 

RLX

So glad you avoided the drama.

I bought a whole separate extra spoiler kit given how flimsy these kind are made. 10-15 years from now or with any mishaps you’ll have holes in the trunk and no spoiler. Acura USA will stop with these accessory kits for these RLXs by 2023. If not already. Took three weeks to get a new steering wheel when the leather dye wore off after just 18,000 miles.

 

I noticed last night that bottom of the spoiler has peeled off primarily in the right side. While the top is still solid as shown in above pictures, bottom has peeled off, which now points to possible conclusion of - drilled holes ARE wrong/screwed up... By enforcing adhesive on top part, back had no other way but to peel off... What do you think?
I plan to get this in tomorrow and request resolution. Not really sure how will they glue the bottom part without taking the spoiler off, but as it all points too, drill holes are screwed, and can I at this point insist on trunk+spoiler replacement? I just do not have trust or confidence they will be able to fix this...

 

Hey man, here are pics of my spoiler from the bottom. It does have small gap, but nothing like yours. Mine are maybe 1/32" - 1/16" gap and pressing on it it does flex just a tiny bit. No way I could stick my finger lifting it like yours. I say you go demand dealer order you new trunk-lid and spoiler and then go to different dealer to get it installed. They majorly screwed up the drilled holes. You will have leakage problems if left like that. I'd escalate this to Acura HQ if dealer doesn't resolve it to your satisfaction.

 

Thank you for the pics again!!!
I picked my RLX and now it is really close to what your looks like so seems like they just needed three times to get it right (initial + 2 addtl trips) ☺️ ...

Indeed, mudguards + spoiler really complete the look of this car - love it...

 

What did they do? How do you know if it won't leak in the future due to bad drilled holes?

 

On the paperwork they just stated "secured rear spoiler bottom", but as far as that spoiler goes, I have all documentation + all the pictures 50 different angles. Something goes wrong in the future, it is going back and they will keep fixing it until it is right (in the case of the rust, etc.). I asked them if the drilled holes were wrongly positioned which caused peeling off of the 3m tape and the service manager said they checked them and they were fine, but could not really answer why 3m tape peeled off.
At this point do I trust him, not quite, but one fact is: if it starts to peel off again, escalate to gen manager again and take that route with trunk+spoiler request: the only reason for it to peel off again is if the holes were drilled bad.

What was different this time, svc manager moved the appt and said it would work out better with the body shop schedule and their loaner... this dealer does not have a body shop, so they may have had the usual body shop they use to look at it and secure it. But, they did not say exactly what they used how they used it ... even though their warranty is 1 year, if something is off with the install and they faked the complete fix, it will show... beyond 1-year warranty - I do not care much about that, because when installed correctly, 1 year applies... when you never installed it correctly, you are responsible for it... and I... I know how to be a pest on these Lil quirks... I'll take a few photos and post what the final install (from 3 attempts) looks like

From what I can see now, it sits pretty firmly with no gaps anywhere around.

 

So the day came A LOT SOONER than I thought it will ... Bottom spoiler has peeled off completely again ... In less than two days after "they addressed the problem" ...

I will be sending email to the general manager today with all the details and formal request to make this right: replace my trunk they ruined by drilling holes incorrectly, and spoiler continually peeling off because it was apparently forced into the position that it was not manufactured to be in. Additional reasoning may be that water is getting under the spoiler somewhere and ruining 3m tape... But all in all this so far is simply the proof they ruined the trunk and they will have to make this right before I take additional steps to resolve and address this...

 

Man that sucks you're still dealing with this. Be persistent, keep the pressure on them to do you right. At the same time be polite in all your requests. Document everything in writing. I really do think if you're cordial with them, they will reciprocate in kind.
I was very upset the glass guy broke my first windshield. They didn't cop up to it, but pretty sure he broke it. I was calm and polite. Wait add'l many weeks for 2nd windshield to arrive, then politely asked Service Manager to offer me 20% discount for all the trouble. He agreed and I saved $432 off the glass. Almost enough to cover my $500 deductible. Good luck with this. I hope you don't have to wait many months like I did for parts to arrive from Japan.

Edit: forgot to mention, they also comp oil changes for both my cars. That's $200 worth right there. So at the end of the day, I got nearly $700 worth of discounts for being nice guy in a shitty situation.

 

Yes, definitely goes a long way because screaming and yelling do not really accomplish much anywhere lol ... This time in my email to gen manager I took usual pleasantry out of the email and simply stated the obvious how much of a fail this install is... we'll see what his response is but at this point they simply continued not to do much on the front of addressing the issue - other than adding / replacing 3m tape I really do not see what else did they try...

 

So there's a trick with 3M tape I've learned through trial and error over several decades. Heat. They always caution you to not run it thru a car wash for 24 hours after installing the tape, and making sure both surfaces are clean and dry. But the way you REALLY get it to stick is to go back and forth and back and forth with alternating pressure (with a microfiber cloth) and a higher-wattage hair dryer. For body side moldings, after putting them on and making sure they're not going to be adjusted, I sit there for a good 10 minutes per piece alternating heating then even and fairly strong rubbing from end to end, working the adhesive onto the surface as best you can. Best example is using this technique on the rear bumper guard on the MDX. I snip off the plastic prongs you're supposed to drill holes into the bumper for, and instead of drilling, add a second course of 3M tape next to the factory pieces, then put the piece on the bumper, then heat it up and rub it in. So far - 2 MDX's thru 5 NH winters (total), bumping the covers and everything - not a single budge or lift. Not sure it'll help you since you're at the mercy of the dealer doing this - but if t were me doing it DYI, this would be my approach.

good luck

 

Thanks! I would agree with you... where I see this issue is heading full speed is that drilled holes were definitely screwed up... and while they somehow managed to make it very firm where it sits at the top of the spoiler, that pressure they applied there and whatever tape is now 100% pushing the bottom to peel off both times. The first-time manager said they ran it through the car wash because there were traces of water under the spoiler as it peeled off... While it's not impossible, I am not sure that is the case because each and every time so far when peel-off happened there was water trace under the spoiler... so starting with this: water is getting inside on the edges where the holes were drilled ... I just made a little bit of shadow so my camera can catch the gaps on the sides of the spoiler. These two pics is what you see - not pressed, this is how the spoiler sits... their answer was "spoiler is attached on the clips and once that is installed, that is how it looks... I politely disagreed with them and made the general manager aware of the overall issues with this install... I am still waiting to hear from them on what the resolution is going to be.

At this point, if they do not have anyone to install this per specs how the spoiler should be installed by Acura specification, they can replace the trunk, give me back brand new OEM spoiler I brought pre-install, and issue a refund for the labor I paid the install...
The reason I am now asking for the trunk replacement is that it is obvious they screwed up the trunk by drilling these holes out of the specification, and everything points to that... I cannot leave the space for the option of trunk getting rusted, because where would I find the trunk to replace in a couple of years... ridiculous and frustrating... I do hope and believe that the general manager will agree to make this right the proper way... factually, they screwed up on this install...

PS On the third photo it shows the spot where they damaged the spoiler while prying it wider to put the 3M tape... I did not notice that but after I sent an email to the general manager... once I hear back from them I will ensure to mention that too...who does this!?!?!

 

Makes me not want to do a spoiler on my RLX. I’m sorry to see you are going through this. It SHOULD be a simple install, I guess not.

 

I think in general Honda/Acura spoilers and how they were designed all and how it is installed is VERY deceiving... it is not easy to install these, not one bit... sure clips and no bolts - that does not make it easy... and the fitment too, you really have to really know and practice and have the experience to match factory-installed spoiler is my very transparent opinion.

I do want to say this: I cannot envision this car without the spoiler now that is on there... such a good look with the spoiler...

Quick update on my spoiler: The dealer has confirmed they have placed the order for all the parts (trunk lid, spoiler, whatever is needed) and will call me to set up an appointment for an install once all parts are in. Some parts seem to be on back order, so not sure how long will be the wait. Once it is in: I am thinking about a suggestion to the service manager on the dealership - if they do not have anyone who can install this to match those photos of jpdata he shared above, I would rather have the trunk replaced, spoiler part returned to me and refund issued - then I will go to a serious body shop, explain the issues I had and have them install it...
I think it would be CRAZY to let the same person try to install it again after screwing up major time on the first install and going through two spoilers.

 

Good the hear they're doing right by you. Definitely don't let the same tech do the installation. Body shop sounds like a better plan. But they may not offer you warranty if it's not installed by Acura dealer. Maybe try another dealership? Good luck.. keep us updated on progress.

 

I know you're likin' the trunk spoiler - but if it were me I'd get the new trunk lid and say "bye bye" to the spoiler - at least not the drill-holes-thru-the-lid type. I'd be tempted to snip the clips off the one you have, put all new 3M tape on the current one, and stick it on and see how it does. worst thing it'd come off, but wouldn't leave you with any holes.... :-)

 

Update after dealer addressed the issue:
After all, parts arrived, the dealership has hired a local certified body shop to handle new trunk lid painting, install all including the spoiler as well. It has been about a week already since the install and spoiler is looking exactly the same as the day I picked it up about a week ago... definitely grateful to the dealer for making this initial error into a very positive, and appropriately handled install. I guess this is not a perfect world and mistakes happen, and inevitably frustration started to pile up, but fairly soon General Manager approved and took a


personal interest that this install is taken care of the right way.

 

Glad to hear your long saga have a happy ending.