Hard for me to stay objective on this... life-long GM guy ... in 2005 decided to let my money do the talking and switched from GM's lousy product lineup and horrible residual values to buy a 2005 EX coupe MT. Early returns on the vehicle were pleasing as it was fun to drive and gave me solid economy.

After I crossed 18,000 miles everything has changed. This thing has been easily the worst car, mechanically, that I've ever owned.

It took 4 tries at the dealer to replicate a steady rubbing sound coming from the timing area ... eventually it got much worse and the dealer ended up putting almost $2500 into the motor replacing the tensioner, re-decking, valves, seals and more. The sound wasn't completely removed but they convinced me that it was within normal range by running several Accords with V6 motors for me and I have to say it was nearly impossible to differentiate. I took them at their word.

Low and behold, a few months later a new annoying sound starts to come from the engine - only this sounds like it's coming from right in the middle on top. Take it to the dealer - "sorry, couldn't replicate claim". Of course I try it right there for them, and I can't hear it either. Take it again, "sorry couldn't replicate claim. Whatever... turned out that if the engine warmed up the sound disappeared.

Just took it back to the dealer and left it on their lot overnight to make sure I could start it up cold. Sure enough, easily replicate the sound and they go off to investigate.

I get a call back later and they say I have piston slapping. They claim it's due to regular wear and tear - I say BS! 75,000 miles on a Honda 3.0 and I've got piston slapping?

I ask what the fix is - of course, rebuild the engine or drop in a whole new (used) motor. "Well, whatever... I guess whatever the extended powertrain warranty covers that you guys sold me, just do that."

"Oh... uh... well I'll have to call you back."

... Still waiting to hear back. I guess the warranty company is questioning the claim and may not pay up. Classic.

Anyone else ever hear of piston slapping in a motor this young? This is crazy in my opinion.

Thanks... sorry for the rant.

 

sadly honda quality has been on the down in recent years, my K24 accord started burning oil at 80k and i went through 3 transmissions...

 

News from the dealer is the extended warranty has finally agreed to cover replacing the engine. So I'll have a 75000 mile car with a 49000 mile engine in it.

Hopefully, though, this alleviates all of the problems that I've had with the car. Everything's been on or in the engine other than the 6-speed 3rd gear shift catch.