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As many of us who own a 4G TL (also RL, MDX, ZDX and some Honda's) there is a known issue with the J37A engine that causes excessive oil consumption. Everyone is frustrated with this issue and ACURA (American Honda Motor Co. (AHM)), is failing to acknowledge there is an issue. Many customers are getting no where because many dealerships aren't aware because no TSB has been issued. Others are able to get to the next step which is an Oil Consumption Test (I suggest everyone demand that their dealership put them on one)! Depending on the results and the dealership pushing ACURA (AHM) you maybe lucky enough to get to the next stage, having the small blocked replaced. I was one of the lucky ones or so I thought until my "new" (2nd) engine continued consuming excessive oil.
Well I had enough of Acura (AHM) denying there is a defect, after my 3rd Oil consumption test and now on my 3rd "new" engine. I have been fighting ACURA (AHM) since May demanding they fix my TL or repurchase/replace my car. October 23, Acura (AHM) finally responded to me with the most inadequate and disappointing response.
I am paraphrasing from Acura's letters (which I've included); "While we do not feel that an unreasonable number of attempts or time out of service have been incurred to correct a substantial defect with your vehicle, we do agree that you have been inconvenienced and we would like to regain your faith in our product. AHM has agreed to provide you with a onetime cash settlement offer of $3,000 and a 5 year/120,000 Vehicle Service Contract (which I've previously purchased from my dealership when I purchased the car) in good faith and in the interest of customer satisfaction".
They then attached a 2nd page "Release Form". Again I'm paraphrasing "Consumer agrees to accept this amount in full settlement and compromise of any and all claims ... this release is not an admission of fault. This Release may be pleased as a full and complete defense to, and may be used as the basis for an injunction against any action, suit or other proceeding which may be instituted prosecuted or attempted in breach of this Release".
I love how they want a full release from any action or suit if I agree to the cash settlement, yet they acknowledge "a substantial defect with your vehicle".
Is there anyone else out there who has been offered a settlement by Acura?
Also, I am very interested in not only pursuing a personal lawsuit against Acura (AHM), but also would like to see how many other people would join a class action lawsuit against Acura. I have reached out to the attorney's who filed and won a similar class action against Honda for excessive oil.
I would love to speak with you as I am facing the same issue. I have been hopeless at finding a resolve. I have a 2016 Acura TLX, which I purchased brand new and I have gotten at least 12 Oil changes and have been told this is normal or due to my driving habits. However I have only 17k miles on the car as of today. I was desperate and found your testimonial online. Please reach out because if you are pursuing a class action lawsuit I would like to participate. Please let me know what options or resolutions you have come up with because I wasn’t even offered any of the things you were and am now at a deadlock with my car and the dealership.
So does the settlement come AFTER or before the oil consumption test? I haven't been offered anything. I just got a letter suggesting i go in for an oil consumption test.
Im getting my oil change for the consumption test done right now. I'm getting it done at Erin mills Acura in Mississauga, ON, they seem to be a honest dealership. I just wanted to answer some questions i had but i couldn't find on here. If you are running an aftermarket intake it does NOT affect the oil consumption test at this location. I did swap back to stock intake before the test. I had on the takeda intake for about a year. The service advisor told me it won't affect the test if i had it on. I did call another dealership prior to going there, and i asked them the same question they said i should swap it back to OEM. So just make sure you're dealership is ok with an aftermarket intake but i was told it won't affect the test. I asked them the average consumption rate for our cars and they told me 1L/1000KM which seems excessive they said come in every 1500-2000kms for a check. The main things they change are you're pistons, piston rings, and timing belt, and a bunch of "other stuff" they didnt get into so its basically a rebuild.
MJW
I note that these letters are dated 2015. So, my understanding here then, is that you have had 3 new engines in the same car - since 2015?!? Is Acura still offering the same settlement as they were in 2015? I don't see why Acura wouldn't just buy the car back and write it off, but I don't work for them (thank goodness). As to a class action suit, I'd say to investigate the options, but from my personal experience, typically, class action suits rarely return big money to those involved (other than the lawyers, of course). I'm in Canada so I can't join in any class action suit against American Honda.
Is it possible to get some media attention to your situation? Sometimes a local paper or TV station has a 'consumer rip-off stories' section that does a story with some details how the consumer has been treated, etc. This kind of attention can have some dramatic results.
Acura/Honda should be ashamed of the way they have stonewalled and denied, etc. these problems (among other ones) for years. I do wish you good luck.
I went to dealer in NJ for oil consumption test today. SA said to bring the card back after 1k miles and they'll check how much oil has been consumed and that's it. He said "normal" is 1 quart in 1k miles. Seems dealers still have different interpretations of the oil consumption test. Some are asking to bring car back 3 times every 1k miles.
For those that got the fix. Did they do the water pump in addition to the timing belt?
I was wondering the same thing. Wondering what else I should ask them to do while they have the engine open. Will be early for a full timing belt change by about 50k km when my engine gets worked on; however if it is only a few hundred bucks to have the full job done then it might be better to have it done now and not in a couple of years.
For those that got the fix. Did they do the water pump in addition to the timing belt?
When i spoke to them i asked if they also change the water pump they said no only the timing belt im sure you could get a kit and ask them to install a new one when they are rebuilding it.
Here is a pic of my dipstick after 1000 miles. I used Mobil Super Synthetic 5W-20.
I’m guessing this would not be a candidate for the fix by Acura. I’ll keep an eye on it over the course of my oil change. I think I’ll do oil changes every 3,000 to ensure proper levels and clean oil.
Here is a pic of my dipstick after 1000 miles. I used Mobil Super Synthetic 5W-20.
I’m guessing this would not be a candidate for the fix by Acura. I’ll keep an eye on it over the course of my oil change. I think I’ll do oil changes every 3,000 to ensure proper levels and clean oil.
Started the oil consumption test today and despite my asking the SA to make sure the tech puts 4.5 quarts of oil instead of 5 quarts, they put in 5 quarts of oil so the dipstick was overfilled. I should have checked it while still at dealership but the car was parked right in line with everybody else waiting to be serviced, so I couldn't take the time to check the oil. I sent the SA pics of the dipstick and he said I can go back to have them drain some of the oil or he can mark the test as 0.5 quarts overfilled initially. Which do you guys think is the better option? Does it make a difference?
Also, he mentioned the tech overfilled it because it's hard to measure the oil coming out of the drum of oil. I thought I read somewhere that they're supposed to use bottled oil for the oil consumption test.
When i spoke to them i asked if they also change the water pump they said no only the timing belt im sure you could get a kit and ask them to install a new one when they are rebuilding it.
According to the new TSB 19-006, the Timing Belt isn't one of the new parts required for the fix. The Timing Belt was a part stated for TSB 18-009. Are we sure they going to replace the timing belt if your car is eligible for the fix?
Here is a pic of my dipstick after 1000 miles. I used Mobil Super Synthetic 5W-20.
I’m guessing this would not be a candidate for the fix by Acura. I’ll keep an eye on it over the course of my oil change. I think I’ll do oil changes every 3,000 to ensure proper levels and clean oil.
Not even close. Count your blessings. At 1K miles, Mine is below the low level. At about the crease where the dipstick widens. I have had 2 readings so far (about halfway through my 3rd) and I came in at 1 1/2 lost at 1000.
According to the new TSB 19-006, the Timing Belt isn't one of the new parts required for the fix. The Timing Belt was a part stated for TSB 18-009. Are we sure they going to replace the timing belt if your car is eligible for the fix?
Sigh....I foretell a battle if I am eligible for the fix. I can see the dealer trying to charge me full price (I believe the going rate is above $1200) for the timing belt. When they are literally going to be right there. (I'd be fine with a couple of hours labor + parts)
I bought my TL in June 2018 with 65k miles on it. Now at 72,000. I was not aware of the oil consumption issue prior to buying it. When I found out I was kicking myself for not doing enough research. I really do enjoy the car and it is in excellent condition. I guess I won’t let the little bit of oil it does consume bother me too much.
I bought my 2010 in June of 2018 also. I also wish I had done more research. Love the car though. I am the second owner, and the car was always serviced at the Acura dealer I bought it from so I have all the records. It currently has 49000 miles. I contacted Acura and registered it and they said my VIN makes it eligible for the consumption test. I have not driven it too much and I have no idea if it is consuming oil. The level looks fine. I am going to bring it in anyway. I guess my biggest fear is that it’s fine now but starts to consume in another 20000 miles away or whatever. I’m not the kind of person to try to “rig” the test, but I don’t know what I should do? Any suggestions, because you of the year, I will be screwed after September 19.
I bought my 2010 in June of 2018 also. I also wish I had done more research. Love the car though. I am the second owner, and the car was always serviced at the Acura dealer I bought it from so I have all the records. It currently has 49000 miles. I contacted Acura and registered it and they said my VIN makes it eligible for the consumption test. I have not driven it too much and I have no idea if it is consuming oil. The level looks fine. I am going to bring it in anyway. I guess my biggest fear is that it’s fine now but starts to consume in another 20000 miles away or whatever. I’m not the kind of person to try to “rig” the test, but I don’t know what I should do? Any suggestions, because you of the year, I will be screwed after September 19.
Our situations sound very similar. I am also the second owner of my 2010 and it was always maintained at the same Acura dealer it was purchased at in 2010.
Mine certainly would not pass the test now, but perhaps in another 20,000 miles it will be burning more in the ballpark of 1 quart per 1000 miles or greater. At that point I’ll just sell the car of keep driving it and adding oil.
I wish they would just fix all of the 3.7 TL’s regardless of how much they are currently consuming. Oh well.
Our situations sound very similar. I am also the second owner of my 2010 and it was always maintained at the same Acura dealer it was purchased at in 2010.
Mine certainly would not pass the test now, but perhaps in another 20,000 miles it will be burning more in the ballpark of 1 quart per 1000 miles or greater. At that point I’ll just sell the car of keep driving it and adding oil.
I wish they would just fix all of the 3.7 TL’s regardless of how much they are currently consuming. Oh well.
I agree, they need to just fix any 3.7 that is consuming a significant amount of oil. This is not good for the brands reputation.
Update-2: Completed the diagnostic test today with my 3rd visit. They decided on the spot to proceed with the repairs (piston rings, timing belt, plugs, oil, no water pump but should be fine as I had the TB/WP maintenance done 15 mos ago at ~160k), they took the car in on the spot and gave me an ILX loaner - have to be impressed with that level of service! They expect it to have it back to me by Friday.
At my 2nd visit (~189k, oil life @ 60%), they topped it up with 1.2L of oil, today's 3rd visit (~190,500, oil life @ 50%) they topped it up with 0.8L for a total of 2.8L in just under 5000kms. Last 3000kms were 80% city, 20% hwy - city driving seems to burn twice as much oil.
I'll provide a, hopefully, finally update after putting 2000kms on the repaired engine.
LC
Originally Posted by lanechanger;16380571[b
]Update-1[/b]: Checked the dipstick last Friday morning and oil level was just above the minimum level line, oil life @ 80% and approx 2,000 kms (50/50 hwy/city) from the change. Dropped by the dealership for the first of three checks and oil top ups - they added 0.8L of oil to bring it up to the max level line. Previous monitoring showed that most of the excess oil consumption occurred during city driving. Hwy driving didn't seem to have as large an impact.
I'm 600 miles into the oil consumption test and the oil is already below the min mark on dipstick. I contacted the dealership and he asked I bring it in so they can record how much oil has been used and also my oil change records to provide to Acura to be eligible for replacement. Since I do my own oil changes, I'll bring him the receipts of oil and filter purchases, but I didn't start keeping track of oil changes in the maintenance journal until about 50k miles. Can't they pull up the maintenance records from the ecu in car? Is there such a function?
Hey guys. Been lurking around for awhile and my car is in the dealership getting fixed but running into issues. Just a post I put on Acura Canada's facebook page to see if I can get a response.
Coles notes
Failed oil consumption test
Internal engine damage due to oil starvation
Additional repairs not covered as subsequent damage
Blown off by Acura Client Care Specialist
$3300 for additional repairs
Excessive Oil Consumption Test Failure
Currently own a 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD. This vehicle is equipped with the 3.7 litre engine. This engine has failed the Oil Consumption Test, with a burn rate of approximately 1 litre of oil for every 1800km. The affected engines are installed in 09-14 TL SH-AWD, 10-13 MDX, 10-13 ZDX, 11-12 RL in the Canadian market. My vehicle currently has approximately 191000km. Acura Canada sent out a letter on November 15th 2018 that offers a warranty extension on the 3.7 litre engine for coverage of up to 8 years, or 200 000km, whichever occurs first, from the date of when the vehicle was purchased and registered. However, from November 15th 2018, for 6 months, there is no mileage limit, to cater to customers who own vehicles older than 8 years or have exceeded 200 000km.
I found out my engine was consuming oil back in 2017 at approximately 150 000km when I brought in my Acura TL for an abnormal engine ticking noise. The diagnosis of the ticking noise, is the result of internal damage in my engine. My camshaft lobes that make contact to the rocker arms to control the opening and closing of the intake/exhaust valves have multiple pits on the lobes, when it should be smooth. The pitting creates an uneven contact with the rocker arms which causes a loud ticking noise, which increases in noise and frequency with the engine RPM increasing. I asked the service advisor what could cause this to happen and the response was it could be due to improper lubrication or lack of oil, which I was then given a $5500 estimate for repair. I declined the repair to investigate for myself to see if other Acura owners were having the same issue as I was past any sort of warranty. I had always changed my own oil when the oil life indicator warned me to replace the oil at 15% using a filter purchased from Acura and 5w20 oil. After searching with Google, I found a thread on Acurazine where someone also had the same issue as myself and they were out of warranty. From there I could see many others were suffering from excessive oil consumption. From that point on, I started monitoring my oil, having to top up oil every 1500km. I realized that if I went ahead with the repair, it would not fix my oil consumption issue. I had planned to continue driving the vehicle until the engine fails, so I can replace it with a used engine with lower mileage.
After embarrassingly driving around since 2017, with a loud ticking engine, I received this letter in the mail Acura Canada. I was excited to hear Acura and acknowledged this motor is consuming oil. As a Service Advisor in the automotive industry, I knew that if my engine failed the oil consumption test, then I could claim the camshafts replaced as subsequent damage due to oil starvation. Subsequent damage defined in the automotive industry for warranty means that when a defect occurs that causes additional damage which would normally not occur, the additional damage will also be repaired.
Fast forward to today, my vehicle is currently in the Acura dealership as of Tuesday, with the engine disassembled, I am in a verbal battle with Acura Canada. They have approved the replacement of the piston and the rings to correct the oil consumption issue, but are declining the repair of the subsequent damage of the camshafts and the rocker arms. I have spoken with 3 Acura client care specialist and each one was unhelpful as the next. Their argument is that as per the owner’s manual, I should be checking my oil level every time I fuel up my vehicle. I agree, this is printed in the manual, and I probably should check every time I fill up my gas... If I knew this engine was going to consume as much oil as it does gasoline. When I asked them if they check their oil every time they fill up, they would avoid answering the question. They would keep telling me that my vehicle is past it’s factory warranty, which I told them that am not claiming repairs under the factory warranty, that I’m claiming under the warranty extension. I asked them to explain how subsequent damage works which they refused to explain over the phone and told me to Google the definition. I have asked to speak to a supervisor, manager, or someone who can make an authoritative decision, and was told no one will talk to me. They said they will send me an email so I can reply with an attached quote for the additional repair so they can escalate the claim which I did. However, at this point I figured I’m being blown off by Acura Canada Client Care Services. I have an estimate $3300 to get the camshafts and the rockers replaced which is a less expensive due to labor time overlap with the warranty repair. This Acura TL is my 7th Honda/Acura product I've owned. I will still continue to drive a Honda or Acura. However, I want Acura Canada to do what is right.
I just started my oil consumption test process recently as well. I'm in the same boat, engine ticks like crazy, RPM dependent, and sounds exactly like the videos others have posted where they ended up with damaged camshaft lobes. I'm sure I'll have to deal with the same cold shoulder you got, which is crazy to me since that damage is a direct result of the consumption issue. That would really
They overfilled my car as well. The tech who checked my oil after 500 miles (will get to this later) told me the engine oil expands when hot. I said I would check it the next morning and call them. It, of course, was filled over the dipstick after the oil had cooled for 12 hours. I called back and they are going to drain and fill it again to the correct amount.
About the 500 miles, this seems to be incorrect. I had read online it was every 1k miles, but this dealer asked me to come in every 500. I spoke to corporate to get the correct info and they agreed, it's every 100 miles. I'll take it in today and discuss that point while there.
For anyone having issues with dealer push back - I'd suggest (if you haven't already done so) talk to the service manager at the dealership (not the service writer or random counter person). Tell the service manager that you want the car fixed properly, and/or you want to speak with the area rep. If that fails write a letter (send it registered mail/courier) to Honda Canada or USA (which ever one applies) addressed to the most senior person you can find (i.e., president, VP, national service manager, etc.).
If none of these actions work - I'd try to contact a local TV station and see if they have consumer report segments. Explain to them the situation (be prepared to provide documentation if they ask) and see what happens. The media attention should push Honda into doing something. A you tube video could be considered - but be mindful of legal dimensions.
Hopefully those things will be helpful in dealing with Honda. I can't believe the dealers/Honda are still being resistant. Purely stupid business practices IMO.
Update-2.5ealership call mid-last week and advised that one of the camshafts needed replacement as the one of the lobes for cylinder 1 was pitted. They submitted a request to Acura to cover the cost as it was likely due to the oil consumption issue. Took them 2 days to approve the repairs saving me $1,700. Affected cylinder head was completed today. Pre-post photos attached. No ETA on when the car will be ready but shouldn't be later than end of the week.
Didn't have any loud ticking noises from the engine but there was a rattle when the engine was cold and accelerating. Won't know if the rattle is related to the damaged camshaft until I get the car back and get some mileage in.
Front Camshaft, Damaged Lobe - Cylinder 1 Reconditioned front cylinder head with new camshaft
Originally Posted by lanechanger
Update-2: Completed the diagnostic test today with my 3rd visit. They decided on the spot to proceed with the repairs (piston rings, timing belt, plugs, oil, no water pump but should be fine as I had the TB/WP maintenance done 15 mos ago at ~160k), they took the car in on the spot and gave me an ILX loaner - have to be impressed with that level of service! They expect it to have it back to me by Friday.
At my 2nd visit (~189k, oil life @ 60%), they topped it up with 1.2L of oil, today's 3rd visit (~190,500, oil life @ 50%) they topped it up with 0.8L for a total of 2.8L in just under 5000kms. Last 3000kms were 80% city, 20% hwy - city driving seems to burn twice as much oil.
I'll provide a, hopefully, finally update after putting 2000kms on the repaired engine.
600 miles into my oil consumption test, the level was below the min mark so I brought it back to the dealership, where they added 1.25 qts to top it off. I provided them my oil change history and they submitted it to the dpsm for approval of the fix. Hopefully, everything works out.
Update-2.5ealership call mid-last week and advised that one of the camshafts needed replacement as the one of the lobes for cylinder 1 was pitted. They submitted a request to Acura to cover the cost as it was likely due to the oil consumption issue. Took them 2 days to approve the repairs saving me $1,700. Affected cylinder head was completed today. Pre-post photos attached. No ETA on when the car will be ready but shouldn't be later than end of the week.
Didn't have any loud ticking noises from the engine but there was a rattle when the engine was cold and accelerating. Won't know if the rattle is related to the damaged camshaft until I get the car back and get some mileage in.
Front Camshaft, Damaged Lobe - Cylinder 1 Reconditioned front cylinder head with new camshaft
The rattle on acceleration...Damned I think i have hat SAME THING...there's a whole thread dedicated to just that!
No one can figure out why or where...this makes for the perfect culprit. God This is a nasty mess...I certainly hope my acura dealer doesnt give me any grief over this.
I've been complaining about high oil consumption for about 2 years now. and the Darn Techs keep overfilling it during the test. So Once I reach 50% on my oil life Im gonna take the leap and start the test....again.
Im so nervous and angry i feel sick.
600 miles into my oil consumption test, the level was below the min mark so I brought it back to the dealership, where they added 1.25 qts to top it off. I provided them my oil change history and they submitted it to the dpsm for approval of the fix. Hopefully, everything works out.
Failed oil consumption 1000 mile test today. Dealer said he had to order parts, but that he was 6-9 months backed up? Sounds like a line to me.
That does seem like an excessive amount of time to wait. All I can say is my dealer did say they have a TON of vehicles undergoing the oil consumption test, TL's in particular.
Don't bother going to Key Acura of Portmouth New Hampshire
We received our recall notice from Acura last week and contacted the service department at Key Acura of NH. Oil consumption test was to start today and paid $75 for an oil change only to be told they can't start the test because they found a couple of leaks that will need to be repaired at a cost of $850! On top of that they overfilled the oil level so the test would have been invalid anyway. Total scam. We are going to file a complaint with Acura of America and pursue this until they honor their warranty.
To the poster above, Bring your own oil and find another dealership! That’s dishonesty at its fullest. I bring my own oil and filter to my dealership and check everytime they complete the job. Here are some pics for example from my last oil change. I have a 3.5 V6 by the way.
This is a big thread and I can finally say I've read all of it.
I have a 4th gen TL with the 3.7L with 56k miles. In February I got the Excessive Oil Consumption - Extended Warranty letter from Acura. 2 days ago I went in for an oil change and started a consumption test after the service department head told me 1 quart used in 3k miles meets the definition of excessive, which I meet easily. I don't know if this is the case or not, or if he will change his tune after the consumption test, but I started the test anyway.
My TL's consumption is varied and much worse later in the oil change cycle and depends on driving, temps, and cold starts. I wonder how much variance we're seeing here depends on these different conditions? I took it for a 1500 mile road trip in the summer over 3 days, so minimal cold starts and most of the time the temps were 80+ and I didn't noticeably use oil. My wife drives it for a 5 mile commute plus business meetings during the day so lots of cold to cool starts when the temps are in the 30s and 40s, and over the same mileage the TL uses a lot of oil.
[QUOTE=Kinuto;16405314]To the poster above, Bring your own oil and find another dealership! That’s dishonesty at its fullest. I bring my own oil and filter to my dealership and check everytime they complete the job. Here are some pics for example from my last oil change. I have a 3.5 V6 by the way. [/QUOTE
The Dealership really truly does make all the difference in the world. The dealerships in the rich neighborhood aren't starving for money-in. So they give you lots of push back. Dealerships in areas with a lower money-in will take you eagerly without fail. Go to another dealership in a not- so affluent town.
I took my 2012 TL 3.7 in to DCH Acura of Temecula today for the oil consumption test and surprise surprise, after paying for the oil change I was told they couldn't start the test due to a rear main seal leak. My TL has 69k miles. Even if I was to believe them, shame on Honda for producing a vehicle that has bad piston rings and would produce a rear main seal leak at 69k miles. What a joke. I had a glimmer of hope after receiving the warranty extension because I've been watching my TL burn over 1 qt every 2k miles since I bought it. I'm thinking my next step is to contact corporate or something similiar, but I'm almost out of hope.
03-08-2019, 01:49 PM
ealership call mid-last week and advised that one of the camshafts needed replacement as the one of the lobes for cylinder 1 was pitted. They submitted a request to Acura to cover the cost as it was likely due to the oil consumption issue. Took them 2 days to approve the repairs saving me $1,700. Affected cylinder head was completed today. Pre-post photos attached. No ETA on when the car will be ready but shouldn't be later than end of the week.
