At no time Airport Marina Honda have been apologetic for their accidental mistakes but always tried finding fault with me or the car.
I moved from FL to CA about two years ago. Since Airport Marina Honda was close to my new work place, I started servicing there at 42k miles. All times I have been there, I had to go back for a re-do.
On one service it was oil change but no tire rotation, in spite of being charged for both. Later, on a major service, all the fluids were noted as checked and topped when necessary, the power steering fluid was replaced too. Within 10 days, the engine light came on, I opened the hood to see the coolant level below the "MIN" mark. I went back and was told that the coolant can evaporate in 10 days and the problem will need a diagnosis on the radiator ($98), and most of the time replacing the cap would work ($15). Common-sense told me to refill the coolant myself and for the last 8 months or more it has not "evaporated".
Few months later, a good samaritan cab-driver warned me that my brake lights were not working. As it was a matter of emergency, I went to get it fixed at Airport Marina Honda. They said the brake pads on the front were worn out, but the back were good another 10-15k miles. The agent doing the initial visual fluids inspection said the power steering fluid has to be changed. I reminded that it was done the last time, to which he said - 'oh, then it is not required'. On asking why would he not go by the visual inspection, he said the oil color can change when warm and be different once put into the car. Without my consent, they claimed to have resurfaced the brake discs as part of "regular" maintenance procedure of Honda. Later I found that disc resurfacing is not required either unless they are warped or if they are misaligned. Neither was the case with my car.
After three months and 3k miles, once while normally braking on the interstate at 70 mph (yes in LA it will a while before you reach those speeds), there was serious wobble and shaking of the steering. I called Airport Marina Honda, over the phone they verified the service record and said it is the back brakes that could be wobbly. This wobble started to deteriorate and occur on lower speeds.
This time I went to Honda of Pasadena for an oil change. They said front pads were fine, it was the front brake discs that were not okay, and back brakes were still good. On calling back Airport Marina Honda, they said the discs could be bad and needs replacing if resurfaced already. The reasons could be that I might be breaking too hard or that someone else is driving the car. They were not ready to cover this under the 12 month/12k mile warranty, which is on both parts and workmanship per Honda's authorized service contract.
I read in the warranty manual and called Honda Motor customer care, waited over a month, did not hear back from either parties. With the problem worsening and fearing other consequences, I went to the Airport Marina honda. I was told brake drums/ discs have been replaced every 15,000 miles on some cars and that my braking habit was bad and there was clear indication of it on the discs. I have been driving this car for four years plus and only thing that has changed are the brakes, neither my driving habits nor the driver. I was told resurfacing will cost $98 and replacing the discs will be too expensive. After much arguing, insisting to speak to the manager, to let the credit card company know of poor service and the past fluids related incidences, they agreed to do it for free.
There is this famous quote - Life is too short to learn from one's own mistakes. Hopefully, this review helps both other Honda owners and as well Airport Marina Honda in bettering their customer care.
Pros: None
Cons: Read the review
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