Letter from congresswoman giffords on behalf of constituent regarding problems with her Honda 2004 CRV (attachments not imaged) the consumer experienced problems with the air condition unit freezing, the engine blew spark plugs into the cylinder head, the propeller protection shaft was installed incorrectly, the vehicle would accelerate at times and the hood release latch failed while the consumer was driving.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

Air conditioning compressor failed, no noise, no indication of any problem. Replaced the compressor and inspected the system for debris. The system would only cool to about 75% of what it was before the failure.replaced the second compressor under parts warranty, with this compressor it blows cold (42 deg.) about 80 % of the time, the other 20% it will only get to 50deg. No further repair attempts were made.

- Arleta, CA, USA

Driving down the highway, there was a loud pop that you could feel throughout the vehicle. It sound like a gun had been fired at close range. The engine died immediately and the car was difficult to keep under control because of the loss of power steering and brakes. The car would not restart until the defroster was turned off. If the heater, A/C, or defroster was turned back on the vehicle would immediately stall again. The dealership found the A/C compressor suffered catastrophic failure and littered the entire air conditioning system with metal debris. We were quoted a repair cost of $3500. Our extended warranty covered the compressor (although aftermarket) but were stuck with the bill for the high pressure lines and other small parts that still totaled nearly $1000. A search of the problem proves this is extremely common for this generation of CR-V, with thousands of complaints in online forums, chats, message boards, enthusiast clubs, and even dot NHTSA complaints. There are no similar complaints on other Honda A/C compressors that are this widespread. The fact that this particular compressors part number is not used on other Honda vehicle indicates that there is: A) problem with the design, B) a problem with the manufacturing process, C) a problem with the initial install or maintenance of the compressor, or D) some combination of the previous stated possibilities. These systems are failing at high rates for such low mileages, they last much longer on other vehicles (even other Honda). In addition to the problem there is also the fact that many owners get varying responses from the dealerships and from Honda corporate as to how the situation is handled. Some owners are covered 100% by a "good faith" warranty as the representative acknowledges the problem is common. Some owners, such as me, are on our own or have to rely on a limited extended warranty that covers the failure but not the parts that the failure took out with it. Please help us!

- Sherwood, AR, USA

Heard a "pop" sound while driving. A/C stopped working, warm air, heater only. After being checked by midas, a replacement cost of the compressor/condenser (same part) was quoted for over $2,000. I have been without ac since (happened in 2007). Honda quote is over $2,000 as well.

- Columbia, SC, USA

1. in April, 2004, I took my new 2004 Honda CRV to a Honda dealership for its 5,000 mile scheduled service. 2. the engine caught fire about ten minutes after leaving. I pulled off the road and almost immediately an off duty fire fighter pulled over and rendered help. Thus, the only major damage was to the manifold, electrical harness, hood assembly and windshield. 3. the dealer accepted responsibility for the faulty oil change (they showed me the double O-ring that caused the incident) and paid for repair and related expenses. I would like to commend tampa hondaland for their integrity, concern and professionalism. 4. I received an official notification of the defect today from Honda and am glad to see the system works.

- Lutz, FL, USA

The consumer would like to know what is Honda doing about the vehicle fires in 2003-04 Honda CRV's.

- Fair Oaks, CA, USA

After my first oil change of my 2004 Honda CR-V I noticed the oil light come on while driving the CR-V home, because I had asked the asst. Service manager about the oil change fires and he said that was no longer a problem, I thought there was something else wrong with my CR-V. about a block away from the dealership I noticed a white smoke coming out of the dashboard vents, I quickly pulled the vehicle into the checkered flag service entrance and exited the vehicle. Calling the asst. Service manager over to show him the vehicle smoke was commons out of the engine compartment. The complete underside of the vehicle was covered in oil. I asked to watch as the service technicians put it on the lift (after they had replaced 4 quarts of oil in the engine). The service tech. Then showed me the double oil ring gaskets on the oil filter. I asked how this could happen" I had researched this vehicle and the only negative remarks I could find were about the first oil change. I had purposely not had my children in the vehicle for this reason. I don't know how many failsafes a system needs, but this vehicle needs way to many. To add further insult I received an alert from Honda requesting that I give the service tech a notice to return the old oil gasket to the customer, does Honda even track that this already happened to me"

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Notice of 2004 Honda CR-V with oil leaks catching on fire after first oil change. With letter of warning in hand from Honda, I took my CR-V to my Honda dealership for its first oil change. I asked to see the gasket and the service tech showed it to me. I drove the car home and when I left for work the next morning there was a large (size of a sheet of paper) spill of oil on the garage floor. The car was purchased in Aug 04 and the oil change happened in Jan 17, 05. There was no previous oil leakage before the oil change. I called the dealer and they said it was a typical leak after the change and to bring it in. The car is still leaking oil on Jan 19. My appointment to fix the oil leak is after 5pm on Jan 19.

- Lenexa, KS, USA

Concern regarding safety of vehicle after oil change. Significant oil leaked, recurred problem. The consumer read and article which indicated that after the first and subsequent oil changes some CR-V's have caught on fire. The consumer explained this article to the technician when the vehicle was taken for it's first oil change. After each of the vehicle's three oil changes a puddle was observed in the consumer's garage. The consumer is concerned that the vehicle may catch on fire.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

Significant oil leak after first (10,000 mile) service at dealership. I was aware from media reports of the danger of engine fire following first oil change. So I took the car to the dealership thinking that if anyone could handle this issue safely and properly, they should. I specifically asked the service manager if they were aware of the known safety issues relating to the 2004 Honda CR-V. they said they aware. Still, after the oil change, I had a significant oil leak (about a quart in 24 hours and 10 miles of driving).

- Fremont, CA, USA

On July 22, I had an oil change performed on my 2004 Honda CR-V at the texaco xpress lube in norway, Maine. Everything was fine until Sunday, September 19, when I noticed an oil leak on the garage floor. (it may have been leaking prior to this date, but I usually park outside on the gravel, and the oil spill might not have been apparent.) I checked the oil level, and it was still reading full. The next day, on September 20, I was driving to work that morning and had to make a stop halfway there. I noticed at this time that the car smelled a little strange. No indicator lights were on, so I assumed the car was safe to drive. As such, I continued my trip down to westbrook, Maine, planning to drive directly to the Honda dealership to have it checked out. When I exited the turnpike and slowed the car, all of a sudden smoke and steam came pouring out from under the hood and flooded the interior of the car through all the vents. I immediately stopped and called aaa, who towed the vehicle to the Honda dealership (Maine mall motors in South portland, Maine). After inspecting the car, they told me the oil filter was not put on correctly during the last oil change and had worked loose, ultimately resulting in burning the entire wiring harness. The technician told me he was amazed the car didnT go up in flamesthatS how badly it was burned. My car ended up being in the shop for three days. The damage done to my car totaled $782.71. In addition, I had to rent a car for three days, which totaled $115.50.

- Norway, ME, USA

Oil leak in 2004 Honda CR-V. I have brought vehicle to dealer 3 times. First, the dealer changed the oil filter and gasket. Second time, said nothing was leaking. Third time they found aleak in the engine block. It is still being repaired. I am afraid to drive because of reported fires caused by oil leaks in this model.

- Livingston, NJ, USA

The consumer's vehicle leaked oil onto the engine manifold. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was determined that during a previous oil change the technician failed to remove the original rubber gasket before installing the new one. See ODI 10095399 also.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

Complaint received via E-mail."while driving, a passing driver alerted me to the fact that my car was on fire. By the time I pulled to the side of the road, the front undercarriage of my car was in flames. I jerked my son out of the burning car and ran away from it. As I ran away, I saw flames coming out the sides and top of the hood. The entire car was eventually engulfed in flames. We barely escaped with our lives."

- Conroe, TX, USA

While driving, smoke appeared from under the hood. The consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. The consumer was informed that the problem was pertaining to a oil filter leak.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

I have a 2004 Honda CR-V. after 300 mile trip oil was found leaking from engine compartment. Oil drain plug was loose (about halfway out) and ~ 2 quarts of oil had sprayed over undercarriage of vehicle during preceding highway travel. Prior oil change was performed by Honda dealership in danvers MA (Honda North). I thought this information may have applicability to the ongoing investigation into Honda CR-V engine compartment fires. Thanks.

- Portsmouth, NH, USA

2004 Honda CRV developed an oil leak after the 1st oil change. Dealer said it was probably related to the sticky gasket issue (NHTSA investigation) after 2nd oil change it is still leaking and took it to another Honda dealer today who said it was leaking from the vtec solenoid which was replaced. They also said they cleaned under the vehicle but it was still covered with the leak detection powder. Seems to be leaking still. There was an even larger puddle under the vehicle after I drove it home. Its back at kirkland Honda now.

- Kirkland , WA, USA

Purchased 2004 Honda CR-V January 2004 from Continental Honda in anchorage Alaska. We took it in for its first oil change (5,000 miles) on June 16th. After driving the 15 miles home, the engine started billowing smoke, and spuing oil (the trail of oil can still be seen on the street). The dealer had it towed to dealership, they explained it as a faulty oil gasket, and offered a free oil change. After driving for a few weeks, I noticed a clacking sound coming from the engine. I had the techintians check it out during the second oil change on August 16. After two weeks of looking for the problem, they deduced there was some "scoring" inside the pistons and that they had to replace the shortblock. They told me that this was a fluke (a first time incident) and that the engine will be sent to Honda usa for further inspection. I finally got the call yesterday (September 9) that the car was ready to be picked up. In all fairness, the employees at the dealership were very professional and courteous.

- Eagle River, AK, USA

While driving 50 mph, the consumer noticed smoke coming from the rear. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle caught on fire and the fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The insurance company informed the consumer that the double gasket caused the vehicle to catch on fire.

- Manassas, VA, USA

While driving, the vehicle caught fire. The driver was able to pull over. The fire department and police was called. No injuries. The driver called the tow company, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the oil filter started the fire inside of the engine compartment. The vehicle was first taken in for maintenance on 8/17/04 and was picked up on 8/19/04, the vehicle was driven for 20 minutes, then the fire occurred.

- Southold, NY, USA