My 2008 S2000 (Canadian model) at just 24,000 kms (that's less than 15,000 miles) and four months out of warranty had a convertible top frame failure. The frame failed to fold down properly, in the process causing extreme stretching of the top material across the latches that attach the top frame. The driver's side latch pierced through the convertible top material. I took it to a dealer in Richmond, British Columbia to give me a reason the top frame did this, and was told "you need a new top". Not very satisfactory, but why did this happen....what was the root cause? They also told me my car was out of warranty and they could do nothing for me, but charge for a new top and installation. I was advised to call Honda Canada Customer Relations. Customer Relations told me to return to that dealer in Richmond, British Columbia where my top assembly would be carefully inspected. Again, the dealership told me I needed a new convertible top (they said nothing of the top frame assembly), but failed to even guess the root cause of the failure. I went back to Customer Relations who told me they would replace the convertible top (again, no mention of the frame assembly) via good will warranty, but $1100.00 labor was my responsibility. Protesting this, I wrote a letter to the president of Honda Canada. In the mean time, I took my car to a Honda dealer in Abbotsford, British Columbia. They seemed to always have lots of new S2000's for sale during their production run and since production stopped, they always have used units for sale. The service department at the dealer in Abbotsford allowed me to discuss the top failure with their tech who has replaced many convertible tops on the S2000. He was the one who advised that the convertible top frame got 'bound up' when trying to lower the top, and it caused the soft top material to stretch across the latches and pierce the material. Honda Canada agreed to supply the parts to the Abbotsford dealer to change the complete top assembly, but I was still waiting to hear back re my letter to the president of Honda Canada. I paid the $1100.00 labor bill for the installation and reasonably thought that Honda Canada would at least contribute a portion of the labor since the mileage was so low. Over two months have passed and there has been no reply to my letter to the president of Honda Canada. Not even an acknowledgement from a delegate. Following up with Purolator Courier by whom the letter was sent, indicates my letter was received at Honda Canada head office the day after I sent it. Today, I have learned that they have no record of my letter being received. Additionally, I have been advised that they only pay for parts- not labor- on 'out of warranty good will claims' regardless of the circumstances.
I am very interested in learning if any S2K members have had their convertible top replaced under the Honda good will (regardless of the country you may live) policy and if Honda covered the cost of parts and if they covered the cost of installation labor. I know there have been a lot of documented top issues here and elsewhere on the internet. I'm looking specifically for 'good will' outside of warranty replacements.
Up until recently, I was a loyal Honda customer- since October 1984 there have been 6 Honda automobiles and 2 Honda lawn mowers purchased.
Thanks. I look forward to your comments-
Henry Christoff
2008 S2000 Purchased new January 2009
VIN # JHMAP21478S800029
Vancouver, British Columbia