I2 rubber roof strip comes loose after touchless car wash!

[frenchtowner]

I love my Insight in every way. It is a fine car. I love the styling, the performance, the navigation/Bluetooth system, and the 50 miles the gallon I get. Mine is a 2010 Insight EX with Navigation. It is a great car. I only have one problem, these darn roof strips. They come off every single time I go to the car wash. The last time I went, one of the strips came off in the machine and they had to go find it. When we put it back on, the end of the strip was broken off even though it went back in.

I went to my dealership yesterday and I was told that they would fix it this time but that next time, the car wash would have to pay for the repairs. The service rep told me that there was nothing in the Honda service database about this being a problem.

As soon as I got home yesterday, I researched the problem on Google and found this site with 8 pages of complaints about this issue. I do not understand how Honda would not have anything about this issue in their database. Some of you have mentioned the fact that your dealer found a service bulletin:

After the right side came off a few times I took it to the dealer and they did some research. Honda is aware of the problem and has released a service bulletin. My dealer said there is still not firm fix from Honda but he used an rubbery type of glue that holds the trim in place yet can still be removed with some work if neccessary. It was all done under warranty. Now I just have to go back and get the left side done since it is coming off now too.

I think it is ludicrous that a well meaning car owner can't take his or her car to the car wash without parts flying off the car.

I hate to say it guys but this sounds like the type of hiding of problems that got the big 3 American automakers in trouble.

FT

[Jayemtee]

If you read the first 8 pages, you'll see nobody disagrees with you. You'll also find out what your options are.

[egads]

Well boys and girls, it's in their data base now. I just got a letter from Honda
dated February 2012:

Dear Insight owner:

This letter is to notify you of a potential problem with your vehicle and what you should do to resolve it.

What is the problem?
On some 2010-2011 Insights, a manufacturing problemwith the roof molding may allow the roof molding to come loose.

What should I do?
Call any authorized Honda dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle inspected. The dealer will repair or replace the roof molding. This work will be done free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle for a full day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling.

Lessor Information
If you are the vehicle lessor receiving this product update notice, please forward a copy of this notice to the lessee.

If you have questions
If you have any questions about this notice, or need assistance with locating a Honda dealer, please call Honda Automotive Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4. You can also locate a dealer online at Hondacars.com

We apologize for any inconvenience this product update may cause you. Our goal is to assure that your vehicle continues to be as reliable and enjoyable as possible.

Sincerely,
American Honda Motor Co. Inc
Honda Automobile Division

FOR DEALER USE ONLY:REFERENCE SVC BULLETIN #12-001


The top of the letter has the VIN and a bar code. Sounds like they want us happy. If one has a crappy dealer, this letter (once it arrives for you) should get you what you want. If anyone paid to have the moldings replaced, I'd call and ask for a reimbursement.

[numbness4sound]

Glad they finally acknowledged it! Though surprisingly my craft low heat glue gun fix (just put it at the connecting hooks). Is still going strong!

[firsthonda]

With the amount of complaints Honda Received, I don't see how they ignored this issue this long. That being said, as was discussed, the fix is very easy. You could bring it to the dealer and waste time or just apply some silicone. I applied generous amounts of black silicone the whole underside length of the strip and it hasn't buged since.

[egads]

One of ours is missing completely, so Honda will buy us a new pair.

[isoErnie]

We're in the process of buying a used 2011 Insight - is there any way to tell if the roof strips are part of the "some" for 2011? Visual inspection, giving a tug at them in a specific spot, or maybe the manufacture date???

I'm guessing that if a letter is sent, it will go to the previous owner and they're likely to just pitch it (I know I would.)

TIA!

[Zwolfe]

I don't know how to be for sure on whether an I2 is susceptible to the problem or not.

I seem to have dodged the bullet. My 2011 has not had a problem in its 30k miles.

[firsthonda]

I think the roof strip issue is mostly a 2010 problem.

[reb01501]

It is - I've had to stuff mine back in a couple times. I have a 2010 EX. When I bring it in for the next service, I will have them apply their fix to this problem.