Paint problem, what's the big deal?

That's the normal response to this problem, that is unless you're a Honda owner plagued by this ever-growing trend! The best way to describe it: it looks like someone taped steel wool to a monkey's feet and then your covered your car in bananas. Or, alternatively, you could just describe it as giant swatches of paint that are peeling away from your car all the way down to the metal.

What the Problem Looks Like

1. Bad Quality Paint
2. Paint Peeling on the Accord
3. Clear Coat Issues

Honda owners claim that the problem begins as a few patches of slight discoloration, where the paint appears lighter or duller than the surrounding area. Eventually the clear coat starts to pull back from the car and chip the paint. This continues to grow into a full-fledged peel-a-thon until your car's paint job starts to resemble swiss cheese.

According to owner testimonials the most susceptible areas are the hood, fenders, around the gas tank, the trunk and the roof.

What many Honda dealer's are shrugging off as "normal wear and tear" is actually a widespread trend. There's even an entire Flickr group highlighting the problem. The 1998 Honda Accord alone has almost 100 complaints about clear coat peeling on CarComplaints.com.

What Causes This Peeling Paint Problem

While there's no definitive answer to what causes this problem, it is often attributed to the quality of primer and paint that Honda used. Many are calling it a shortcut to save money, others are just saying the paint doesn't hold up well to the conditions.

Most complaints come from those with a dark paint job, with colors like blue, black and red.

What is Honda Doing to Fix the Problem?

There was a paint warranty extension for Dark Blue 2003-2005 Odyssey's back in May of 2008. Honda issued a TSB to its dealers who were told to inspect the minivan forpeeling, flaking or, in some cases on the hood and the roof, paint "coming off in sheets". Odyssey owners were sent the following note from Honda:

On certain 2003–05 Odysseys with dark blue (midnight blue pearl) paint, the paint could peel off from one or more horizontal (flat) surfaces and in recessed areas around the glass or the sliding doors. Because of this possible problem, the following areas of exterior paint on your vehicle are now covered for 7 years from its original purchase or lease date, with no mileage limit:

• Roof (including under the tailgate, under the top edge of the sliding doors, and the top panel on the sliding doors)
• Hood
• Top half of the left and right quarter panels
• Top half of the front fenders

If the paint on your vehicle is peeling or flaking in one or more of the areas listed above, take it to any Honda dealer for an inspection. If the dealer confirms the paint problem, and your vehicle is within the warranty time limit, they will arrange to have ALL possibly affected areas on your vehicle repainted, free of charge.

The warranty extension inexplicably does not cover the bumpers, front doors, bottom half of quarter panels, or the bottom half of fenders.

So what about those who don't own a 03-05 Odyssey, but are still having paint problems? Many are reporting bringing their car to an authorized dealer and being told it's normal wear and tear on the vehicle. Don't fall for it! While most modern OEM paint jobs, especially with darker colors like red, tend to oxidize and fade faster, this oxidation can typically be buffed and polished up. The flaking or paint "coming off in sheets", as Honda described it, is a much bigger problem. Here's the 4 top excuses given by Honda dealers:

• Keep the car out of the sun
• Don't wash the car as often
• Don't use harsh waxes
• Avoid Bird Poop

Actions You Can Take & Possible Recourse

This step is crucial. Don't just complain on forums; The sites below actually manage your complaint in ways that allow useful statistics and they report dangerous trends to the authorities. Law firms often contact these sites for help with Class Action lawsuits. Make sure to file your complaint on all three sites, we can't stress that enough.

1. Step 1: File Your Complaint at CarComplaints.com

   CarComplaints.com is a free resource dedicated to uncovering car problem trends and informing the consumer. File Your Complaint

2. Step 2: Notify the Center for Auto Safety

   The Center for Auto Safety is an organization that informs consumers about auto safety issues. Notify the CAS

3. Step 3: Report a Safety Concern to the NHTSA

   The NHTSA directs highway safety and has the authority to force recalls to be issued following investigations. Report Your Concern

Have Your Say

Let us know if you've experienced this problem, know of a potential fix or just want to voice how frustrated you are: