ComplaintsforHonda of El Cajon
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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
06/29/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
On 3 May, I traded my 2021 Honda Civic for a new 2024 Honda Civic. It was presented as brand new and in perfect condition. However, I discovered deep scratches on the passenger side and a scuff on the front bumper upon taking it home. Honda of El Cajon attempted to buff out the scratches, but they remained visible.On 10 May, the car failed to start. After borrowing a family members car, I visited Honda of El Cajon. They attempted multiple solutions, but the issue persisted. The vehicle stayed with them until 11 May, and they claimed an "update" was done, and the issue was resolved. A day later, On 12 May, the car wouldnt start again. Honda roadside assistance jumped the car and towed it, and on 13 May, Honda of El Cajon attributed the problem to prolonged lot storage.After towing the car to the dealership, they kept it until 16 May. The sales manager assured me the issues were addressed and asked for a positive review survey update. I complied. Upon returning home, I found severe damage on the driver's side with poor repair attempts. The car had spent more time in the shop than with me, so it was unclear if the damage was there before the car was sold to me or done during the service.I contacted the sales manager on 17 May, and he apologized, instructing me to return on 20 May for repairs. I dropped off the car at 10 AM, but later received a text saying the paint staff wasnt available. The car was returned in the same poor condition. The manager promised updates but has since ignored my communications.For over a month, I have faced neglect and broken promises from Honda of El Cajon. The sales manager abused his power by coercing me into changing my survey response. My issues remain unresolved, and I have received appalling customer service for a car that cost over ****** USD.Initial Complaint
05/08/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Car 1: In 2018, I purchased a Honda Civic from Honda of El Cajon and at the strong suggestion based on risk of theft, I purchased the **** **** Security System and had it installed on my Civic at the dealership as part of the sale. Due to repeated electrical issues, ****** Honda in **********, ** removed it in May of 2019. This resolved the electrical issues and I was willing to let it be. Car 2: In 2018, I purchased a Honda Odyssey Elite from Honda of El Cajon and again had the security system installed and opted for the Honda Care 100,000-mile coverage. While driving the car on a cross country move in 2018, the *** player failed on the first day. Upon inspection of the car in **, they could not find the problem as the *** player worked intermittently. There were multiple visits to ****** Honda in **********, ** to resolve the issue, but they did not fix the problem. The *** player was replaced in 2023 due to complete failure of the system. After a standard Service last month (including a battery replacement), the car experienced an electrical malfunction with multiple caution lights flashing. Upon return, they uncovered the alarm system and discovered that it was the most likely culprit due to the draw on the battery. During discussion with the Service Advisor, he stated that this type of alarm does nothing that the cars inherent systems already provided, should not have been installed as it causes problems, and is considered a bad business practice by many Dealers. It was purchased with the Honda Care plan. At no point was it communicated that it would not be covered under the additional warranty coverage, especially looking at the years of issues with the *** player and the current problems. The Service Advisor told us that the installation itself was not professionally done and used amateur equipment. Requesting ******* + ****** for repairsInitial Complaint
09/05/2023
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
I bought the car on 02Sep2023 (Saturday). After signing all sales documents, we proceeded to link my phone to the Car (HondaLink) to access additional features. After several tries, it failed. I told them maybe I just need to give it some time. 03Sep2023 (Sunday), after more attempts still failed. I also noticed that the car screen says "Dealer Demo Mode". Drove back to the dealership to ask for assistance, still failed. 05Sep2023 (Tuesday) I called HondaLink Support and they mentioned the car is not sending communication signal and it needs further investigation. I drove it back to the dealership again to get in checked. After 2 hours they got back to me and said, they cannot figure out what is the issue. They confirmed to me that the car is not communicating to their systems too. Now I have a $50K brand new car that is having electronics issue. They were nice enough to lend me a ***** loaner car but the car smells like cigarette and it shakes when you drive it on a freeway. It also consumes alot of gas, hence why I bought a hybrid in the first place. Please correct this issue immediately or replace the car. The reason why I bought this car is to save money on gas and for a stress free drive and comfort. So far, its giving me the opposite!Initial Complaint
12/17/2022
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
Nov. 6th after getting gas, my Ridgeline wouldn't start, no power. After trying several times, started.Nov. 18th, same issue, no power and can't start truck. This happen as I was leaving Honda of El Cajon. Went to the service center told them what was going on and left the truck for repair. ******* center called me and said I needed a new starter, $774.66 total.Dec. 12 exact same problem with the truck, Dec. 13 called the service center and had the truck towed back to Honda of El Cajon. ******* center called and said there was a bad electrical connection, and I needed a new wiring harness. After discussing the issue, they replaced the harness at a reduced part cost and no labor cost, was charged $160.00 for the tow, total $303.80 I requested the return of the replaced harness and when asked what was wrong with it, they said it was a loose battery terminal.In total, I paid $1,078.46 for a problem that could have been fixed by tightening the connection, worst case, replacing the battery terminal connector with a new one that you can buy in any auto parts store for less than $10.00 - for a pair!
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Customer Complaints Summary
4 total complaints in the last 3 years.
2 complaints closed in the last 12 months.