I got this email today can anyone tell me if there is any truth in this? cause my batt when at 153,000 it looks to me it might extended to 157,000 miles.

Subject: Honda Hybrid IMA Warranties
Replacement battery pack
As of June 2008 in the U.S., according to Honda, there are fewer than 200 battery failures beyond warranty coverage out of more than 100,000 hybrids sold.
Honda has extended the US warranties on the hybrid battery pack and controlling computers from the original 8 years or 80,000 miles (130,000 km) to 10 years from the in-service date or 150,000 miles (240,000 km). In addition, as of May 2008, as part of a class-action suit settlement, Honda had extended the warranty of the batteries on 2002–2006 cars to 157,500 miles (253,500 km). On June 1, 2008, Honda dropped the cost of replacement battery for Insight from US$3,400 to US$1,968. There is an additional installation charge by dealers of around US$900 at that time. As of February 2010, out of warranty battery replacement for 2000-2006 Honda Insights requires updates to the BCM (battery charge computer) and the MCM (electric motor control computer) unless they have the current versions. The MCM can be reprogrammed in 2002–2006 cars, but must be replaced on 2000–2001 cars. The BCM is not reprogrammable and must be replaced. This increases the cost of the battery replacement by approximately US$800 for 2002–2006 vehicles and US$1700 for 2000–2001 Insights. Reported price quotes from dealers range from a low of US$3600 (2002–2006) or US$4500 (2000–2001) to a high of US$5900.
As of 2008, independent mechanics have been known to replace Insight batteries with either Prius sub-packs or Civic Hybrid subpacks. 2003–2005 Civic Hybrid subpacks are direct replacements for 2000–2006 Insight subpacks. A US$400 used NiMH battery from another more mass produced HEV (2003–2005 Honda Civic Hybrid) can be used to build a replacement Insight battery pack. Other independent mechanics have been reconditioning their old Insight battery packs to correct wear and tear issues. Reconditioning allows correction of some issues at lower cost than rebuilding a replacement pack from other used packs.

 

Hi Walter,

What was the source of the e-mail? It sure doesn't sound like Honda.

I have heard of some of those details, but the e-mail sounds like a conglomeration of a whole bunch of things that have been posted randomly on the internet, maybe missing a lot of detail, and making a lot of assumptions.

I have read where the mileage limits on some of Honda's vehicles were increased as a result of a class-action suit regarding inaccurate odometer readings. I sent you a PM regarding that.

Some of the other stuff I have doubts about unless Honda sends an actual e-mail about it.

 

iI don't know where the email first came fron personaly. it was sent to me form someone who said he works for the NYC Dept Of Sanitation Vehicle Maint Dept. and he said that was sent to him by one of the local Honda serviace dept. How much is true? I dont know. thats why i posted it here. Looking at the PM you sent it does not look like my HCH is included in the 157,000 mile extension just the Insight. so it either looks like a used batt for around 400, or a rebuilt for about 1500, or one from honda for 2000.

 

Virtually the same wording is used on the Wikipedia Web site about the Honda Insight:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Insight

However, there is no citation to a source listed. So, the best way to verify it is with a Honda dealer.

 

Read the link in the PM again; I think you might be covered for 157,500 miles if you live in a in a CA-CARB state. The chart you are looking at that refers to the Insight deals with service bulletins, in other words, something that had a recognized problem. The smaller chart deals with warranties, which applied to all the cars, not just ones with a specifically recognized problem with a certain component (let's say for example the CVT judder problem listed for the HCH I.)
Have Honda check your VIN number to tell you what your warranty says under the odometer warranty extension.