CR-V Owner Says, “Honda Changed My Oil, Didn’t Fasten the Shield, I Hear a Loud Scraping, I Take It Back, and They Just Take It Off and Throw It In the Trunk”

"They took the metal plate off and just threw it in my trunk": A routine oil change at a Honda dealership led to a dangerous mistake—and zero accountability—for one 2025 Honda CR-V owner.

Here's Cole's incredible story. Cole N Footit on the Honda CR-V 2023-2026 Discussion Club - 6th Generation Facebook page says, 

"I got an oil change at the Honda dealership in my 2025 Honda CR-V last week.  Yesterday, I noticed a loud scraping noise under the vehicle. I took the vehicle back into the same Honda dealership today. The tech didn't bolt the plate that protects my oil pan properly." 

"Of course, they take no accountability and throw the blame on everybody else. All they did was take the metal plate off and throw it in my trunk. And they were not willing to fix it or make the situation right. So now I'm driving around without the metal plate underneath the vehicle." 

The Breakdown of Trust and Service Negligence

Cole's story is unfortunately common: a routine oil change spirals into a serious safety issue when a technician fails to properly secure the underbody protective plate, resulting in a loud scraping noise and, eventually, the complete removal of a critical component. 

The technician's initial mistake—a prime example of a 2025 Honda CR-V underbody plate improperly bolted—is concerning. The dealership's refusal to take accountability and their casual tossing of the plate into the trunk is, however, even more concerning and unacceptable.

This isn't a minor oversight; it highlights a critical lapse in procedure. 

For any driver who finds themselves in a similar bind, dealing with dealership negligence after an oil change that results in a missing protective shield requires technical attention and an organized strategy to hold the dealership accountable.

What is the Role of the Engine Splash Shield?

The plate Cole refers to is commonly known as the engine splash shield or under-cover. It is not, as some might assume, simply a piece of trim. It serves multiple, vital engineering functions:

• Direct Protection: This is the most crucial role. The shield acts as the first line of defense for the oil pan, the oil filter, and the oil drain plug. These components are made of relatively soft materials (often aluminum or thin steel) and are highly vulnerable to catastrophic failure from flying road debris, curb strikes, or even large chunks of ice and road salt kicked up at highway speeds.
• Aerodynamics and Efficiency: The 6th Generation Honda CR-V is engineered for efficiency. The under-cover creates a smooth flow of air beneath the vehicle, reducing drag and contributing slightly to the overall fuel economy and handling stability.
• Cleanliness and Longevity: It prevents excessive road grime, water, and salt spray from saturating the engine bay, which can protect belts, sensors, and electrical connectors from premature corrosion and failure.
• Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH): The plate helps dampen road noise from entering the cabin, contributing to the quiet ride Honda buyers expect.

When you're left driving the 6th-generation Honda CR-V without an engine splash shield, you are directly exposing vital mechanical parts to potential impact damage. The long-term risks of a missing undercarriage splash guard CR-V include rust development in the engine bay and, worst of all, the possibility of a direct impact rupturing the oil pan, which could lead to sudden oil loss and immediate engine failure—a far more expensive outcome than the cost of securing a few bolts.

What Needs To Happen Next

Cole needs to take control of the situation immediately. The dealer has failed him, so he should follow a two-pronged strategy: Secure the Vehicle and Secure Accountability.

1: Securing Your 2025 CR-V

The immediate priority is to get the protective plate back on the car or acquire a new one.

• Inspect the Plate and Hardware: Examine the plate the dealer left in your trunk. Is it damaged? Are the necessary mounting clips and bolts present? Often, the scraping noise occurs because the plastic clips or metal bolts are lost or damaged, preventing proper reinstallation.
• Determine Replacement Cost: Research the part number (often found molded into the plate or available via Honda parts diagrams for the 2023-2026 CR-V). Check the Honda CR-V oil pan protection plate replacement cost from a reputable online Honda parts dealer. A new plate assembly typically costs between $150 and $300, plus mounting hardware. Do not let the dealership claim it's at your expense.
• Independent Fix: If you have access to a jack and stands, or a trusted local independent mechanic, have the plate re-secured immediately with new hardware if needed. This negates the risk of a catastrophic oil pan rupture while you pursue the claim.

2: Demanding Accountability

The customer has leverage. The dealership has two managers who care about customer retention and reviews: the Service Manager and the General Manager (GM).

• Escalation: Do not deal solely with the service advisor. Write a formal, concise email detailing the timeline (date of oil change, date of scraping noise, date of plate removal) and state that you are now driving a 6th-generation Honda CR-V without an engine splash shield due to their error. Send this email to the Service Manager and CC the GM.
• Corporate Intervention: The most powerful tool you have is Honda Corporate. Explain your story, emphasizing the danger the dealership created by neglecting the issue and removing the part. They have protocols for handling Honda dealership repair accountability issues, and pressure from the manufacturer is often the only thing that moves a stubborn dealer.
• The Demand: This is a major neglect issue. You are demanding that the dealership restore your vehicle to its pre-service condition, which includes replacing the protective plate and all necessary hardware, done by a certified technician, at their expense. 

Conclusion:

Cole's situation is a clear case of negligent service followed by arrogant avoidance of responsibility. Driving your 2025 Honda CR-V without that protective shield is risking substantial damage to the heart of your powertrain. The dealer should, and must, provide the repair free of charge and an apology for the severe lack of judgment displayed by their staff.

It's Your Turn

Have you ever experienced a Honda dealership failure that put your CR-V, or another model, at risk, and if so, what was the most effective tactic you used to force them to take accountability and make the situation right? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Honda CR-V story: My Honda CR-V’s Brakes Suddenly Slammed On, and the Car Wouldn’t Move, Everyone Told Me To Get A Honda, Because They’re Great Cars, I Totally Disagree

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Cole N Footit