Warning Light On problems of the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

The contact owns a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the front end of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.

The srs (supplemental restraint system) warning light came on my dashboard. This is a known design/quality defect. Honda provided extended warranty coverage for this item for 150,000 miles/10 years. I took the car in for service on 7/16/2013, 3 months and 5 days beyond 10 years. Given the mileage of the vehicle and the fact that the car was just beyond warranty, I expected that it would be fixed as a warranty item. Instead I was billed $65. 14 for reading a code from the diagnostic log. This was a required check by Honda because it could have been a seat belt sensor issue which would have been covered for no charge. Since this error code (15-3 ods unit failure) appears typically after several sensor errors, it is probable that the errors were occurring even during the extended warranty period. I also asked for a complete listing of the diagnostic codes since I paid for it, but I was refused and told it wasn't available. The dealership, frontier Honda of longmont, colorado and Honda corporation were unwilling to perform any service without me paying for it. The estimate for the additional work was $403. 40 plus tax. I was the hardware product manager for several worldwide printer products of a fortune 100 corporation. I find it inconceivable that Honda would sacrifice their reputation, customer good will, and potential future liability exposure over this item. I would strongly encourage a mandatory recall of all affected vehicles given the approach Honda is taking.