Duct_Taper

So I bought my 2012 TL as a CPO back in late May with ~65k kms (~41k miles). Currently at ~71k kms (~44k miles) and I noticed what appears to me to be the crow's feet paint cracking issue in a couple of places on the car. Had one of the local Acura dealers look at it this morning and they are claiming it's acid etching from bird droppings. Here are pics of a few of the spots:

Large-ish spot on the roof, between sunroof and windshield:






Small spot on roof, midway back on driver's side, an inch or two in from the roof drip rail:




Large-ish spot on the trunk lid:






There are also a couple smaller spots on the trunk lid that I couldn't get good pictures of in the sunlight.

Any opinions on whether this is the Honda black paint issue or an environmental problem?

Thanks!

fsures

Looks like the Clear paint coat is cracking. If it is, it will require a repaint to fix.

hadokenuh

Common problem with Honda/Acura dark paint color. Search on the forum, you'll find a bunch of similar cases.

C8N

crows feet.... its a paint defect

Duct_Taper

It seems like the paint defect issue to me... I showed it to my mechanic who has a 2011 TL that has it much worse and he thought it was the paint defect issue as well.

I took it to the other local Acura dealer and their on-site body shop looked at it (two estimators and a painter) and they all seemed convinced that it was from tree sap or bird droppings.

I got them to make a note on the file in case it gets worse, but I'm not sure what else I can do. Maybe take it to a detailer to see if they can do anything? If it's really from tree sap or bird droppings it should be on the surface of the paint and at least somewhat fixable?

BDoggPrelude

It's a paint defect. Wife's 07 NBP TL has it too. It's amazing how long this has been going on and Honda/Acura can't seem to fix the issue. I would go to a couple of body shops not affiliated with Acura and ask them about it. After that, contact Acura's corporate offices and file a complaint.

fsures

This issue is not new. Wife's Touareg has it. Seems that the newer clear coated dark color paints show this defect. Touareg would need a repaint to correct this issue. I hope that my MCM TL will hang in there.

C8N

From the pictures, it looks like its covering a pretty substantial area.
I haven't seen tree saps or bird droppings that big.

BDoggPrelude

Might have been bird droppings from a freaking pterodactyl if you happened to take a leisurely stroll through Jurassic Park. Otherwise, it's crows feet and is a defect in the paint.

Duct_Taper

I went out and measured since I thought the pictures might be making the spots seem larger than they are... measurements are (roughly):

Larger spot on roof, between sunroof and windshield (pictures 1 and 2) - 3.5" x 2.5" area

Small spot on roof (picture 3) - 0.5" from top of 'circle' to end of 'tail'

Larger spot on trunklid (pictures 4 and 5) - 1.5" by 1.75" area

Smaller spots on trunklid (not pictured) - a few different sizes, generally .25" to .5"


I'm going to try taking it to an independent body shop later this week to see what they say. I did find a few places online that suggested that really bad bird dropping etchings can look something like this... see for examples:

Two Types of Bird Dropping Etchings - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

Surface Imperfections » DetailingSpot


I definitely don't remember having any bird droppings that size on the car, but I suppose I can't rule it out.

Tonyware

Its the good old crow's feet problem on black paint. Had the same on my 03 Accord. Can't do anything other than to re-paint it.

PS. I like the "acid etching from bird droppings" story these Acura guys told you... OMG!!! Look up in the sky!!! Its Dinosaurus Acurex

hadokenuh

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

known problem for CBP TL. fight with the dealer and make them repaint it under warranty. Many members here experienced the same issue and got it fix by the dealer free of charge. Obviously most dealers blame you for the problem but dont let them fool you and keep fighting

teddyo333

I have the same issue with my 2010 CBP. After going back and fourth with the dealership and Acura Corporate I am happy to say that they are repainting the car. Just keep at it and hopefully they will give in. Good luck