wrestrepo

So I tried to install an aftermarket trailer hitch (like many other on the site) and the thread on the passenger's side hole is not working. I called the dealer to bring the car today and have them re-tap the hole and the service guy tells me that they would need to charge me because "rust is not covered by warranty, and that's the only thing that could have possibly damaged the thread".

I will fight this until the end (out of principle)...I can't believe that the service guy would admit to rust in a car that has one winter season and less than 15,000 miles. Has anyone run into the same situation? Please share...

erick3

dude, for a second, i thought i was in the 3g TL thread...anyways, that's bogus

bAek-sU

damn that sucks yo..
atleast its not an engine problem.
i hope you get the dealer to fix it. if not call honda directly... peace

mau108

rust happens, but they should fix that problem for you.

Try a different dealership if u can. if not take it to Acura USA.

wrestrepo

So, I called them again today and unknowingly spoke to the same guy...still the same story that rust is the only thing in there and that it is not covered by warranty; but he also told me that re-taping the holes was part of the installation procedures for any hitch. Thanks to the DYI section I know now that it is not.
I am now awaiting a call from the supervisor/manager.

MMike1981

Is he trying to say that rust formed as a result of your attempt to install?

wrestrepo

No, rust was formed because the hole in the frame was open to the elements and dirt, salt, water, etc gets in it and forms rust. I spoke to the supervisor and he suggested the same, and said that the "repair" was definitely not covered by the warranty.
It was suggested that I may have damage the thread while inserting the bolt....He will however, since it's only one hole, and he is giving me the benefit of the doubt, that I didn't damage it (too bad at least), take the car in, and re-tap the hole at no charge....ONLY if it's an easy thing and that's the only issue going on there.
I hope that that's the only thing....

phoward_15

I had this exact same problem when I tried to install my Hidden Hitch. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depends on how you look at it, the same time I wanted to install my hitch my rear bumper got dinged (1 week to the day after I got my car). So while they fixed the bumper I mentioned to them that my hitch needed to be re-tapped and then installed. They didn't balk at doing it at all. In fact for $50 they said they would re-tap it and install the hitch while they had the bumper off and fixed it.

I figured for $50 for them to re-tap and install that's not bad. If I was just having them do the re-tap I would not have wanted to pay anything but it was also the time that I didn't have to do anything that was worth it as well.

I agree with you though. The car is brand new so the existing holes in the frame of the car should be under warranty.