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Paint Is Now Peeling On Some New Honda Accord, HR-V, Fit Models, What You Should Do

Honda is having more peeling paint issues on some new 2018 Accords, HR-V, and Fit models. See what you should do if you own one.

Honda has had well-documented paint peeling problems in the past with older Civic, Accord and some Odyssey models. Now there are more problems with the 2018 Honda Accord having similar paint peeling issues. Some owners are reporting the clear coat and paint are not holding up and after three months the paint is peeling.

A recent report from ABC News says Buckly Underwood who owns a 2018 Honda Accord said just three months after buying the new Accord sedan the clear coat and paint started peeling. "It is eating there through the primer. I am scared it is going to eat through the metal, then next thing you know, it is going to start rusting," said Underwood.

2018 Honda Accord2018 Honda Accord

Underwood contacted the dealership he bought it from, and they told him to contact American Honda. A representative looked at the problem but blamed the paint peeling on tree sap, bird droppings, and the rain. Underwood says Honda wouldn't do anything about it. "It's supposed to be under a three-year bumper to bumper warranty, but they tell me this paint is not covered under it."

2018 Honda Accord

Apparently, Underwood’s paint on his 2018 Honda Accord is not an isolated issue. There are numerous complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Honda also just extended the warranty on the paint for an additional seven years for 2015-2018 model year Honda Fit owners and it also covers 2016-2018 HR-V crossover SUVs with the same peeling paint problem. These affected vehicles seem to be cars with white orchid pearl paint.

Speaking of Honda fit, watch how to change Honda Fit cabin and engine filter and click to subscribe to Torque News Youtube channel for daily Honda and automotive news analysis.

Honda HR-VHonda HR-V

What owners should do

Take your Honda Accord to the dealer immediately and report the problem and make sure you get written documentation to what they will or won’t do so you have a record in writing. Contact American Honda Customer Service and report the problem to them. Have them send you documentation in writing also. Take as many pictures as possible and take a video of the paint peeling issues with your iPhone. You should also file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at safercar.gov.

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Photo credit: Honda USA

Comments

Cecilio Ramos (not verified)    July 30, 2020 - 1:36PM

In reply to by Bob voss (not verified)

I have a Honda HR-V 2016 with only 30.000 Miles (blue) The paint is peeling on the 2 doors. I took it do the dealer they took pictures the service person told me that apparently the paint was contaminated, that someone will contact me. After 3 weeks of waiting I went back they gave me a phone number to call I left several messages After 2 weeks someone (Jason) call me and said that since the car has 30.000 Miles it has not warranty. I will appreciate some feedback perhaps somebody else is having the same problem. Thank You Cecilio

Ann Miller (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 3:57PM

I have a Black 2018 Honda Accord EX-L 2.0 that the clear coat is bubbling all over the hood, roof and trunk all the way down to the primer. Called American Honda Corp, and was told they have not received any complaints from other people who own a 2018 Honda Accord which I find hard to believe because I have been reading a ton of complaints online from other people. They gave me a case number and was told to bring it to the dealer for inspection. I brought my car to Bill Kay Honda in Bourbonnais, IL yesterday 9/13 where I was told the same thing, no complaints of any paint issues and after they inspected it, they told me it was something in the environment that caused it. I explained to them that I noticed 2 small spots the day I purchased it (brand new) after they washed the car in which they offered to let their body shop guy touch it up but explained to me that it might not match. At that time I wasn't aware there was a problem, so I never let them touch it up but now my car has approximately 20 areas on the hood bubbling up, multiple areas on the roof and trunk also. I am awaiting a call back from the General Manager at Bill Kay as he told me he would call American Honda and see what they will do. Based on everything I am reading, it doesn't sound hopeful!

Jen (not verified)    September 25, 2019 - 3:07PM

I have a 2016 Civic, Argean Blue, with paint completely peeling off. The car is just primer gray underneath. Did a quick google search to see if there were any similar issues - surprise! I have owned Honda’s pretty much exclusively for the past 20 years and used to recommend them to EVERYONE. Unfortunately, I now strongly discourage purchasing a Honda to everyone! So disappointed!

Keith (not verified)    November 21, 2019 - 3:04PM

I am having a problem with my 2014 Honda Civic. The paint on the Spoiler started having little spots show up, and then they grew bigger every time I wash it. Now my spoiler is almost completely down to the primer. My Hood has small cracks all over it. Looks like lint but a closer look shows small cracks all over it. Now the top of my car has the beginning of the small spots like the spoiler had. I am sure it is just a matter of time before it starts washing away also. Talked to Honda Corp and basically was told, "out of warranty, not their problem"

Guilbert Brotons (not verified)    January 12, 2020 - 11:40AM

2013 honda accord spoiler peeling off dealer refuse to fix it need to find out who put that spoilerbrickell when bought car they put a clear cot I paid $ 2000 for the addendum at dealer need brick ell honda in miami I told rick barraza before the three year was up iam an owner that investigates to many complaints on paint issues it is wide spread on the internet and the answers from honda that gives to owners need a resolution i paid a lot of money for this carok please reply call me at 786 351 9662 give a slutin ok i will not take a no from honda corporate or the dealer

Curtis Smith (not verified)    January 26, 2020 - 2:08AM

I have a brand new 2020 Civic Si for not even three months. And now as of today I have fixed 6 chips in the paint. I hardly drive the car, and wax it always. My wife has a 2019 Accord Sport that we got last April and it is now my new touch up project. The previous accord she had had over 300K miles, was a 2008 accord, with nary a chip to be found? I had a 2002 RSX-S that never got chipped, even when i ended up behind some rock slinging trucks. The paint now has got to not only be thinner, but softer also. We shouldn't be seeing this level of damage so soon. Especially if we had no issues with older models.

Jen (not verified)    January 28, 2020 - 4:06PM

In reply to by Curtis Smith (not verified)

I agree. I also had a 1995 Honda Accord with over 200k miles and even after a small accident on the freeway, never had even a chip of paint. I also had a 2001 Acura RSX-s until 2016 and not a chip of paint on that either. I did have a black 1999 Honda Civic that had the issue with the milky, faded paint spots but Honda did come out with a recall for that- still it was nothing even remotely similar to the peeling paint I am experiencing on my 2016 Civic. SO DISAPPOINTED! This has been the worse car purchase to date. I am a once life long Honda lover, turned 100% Toyota! My most recent civic experience has negated every past Perfect Honda experience... and I used to tell EVERYONE how Honda was superior to all other makes in its class. :(

Summer Coley-Ward (not verified)    September 25, 2020 - 9:14PM

In reply to by Curtis Smith (not verified)

I can empathize wih you and your wife, Curtis! I have a brand new 2020 Coupe Si (Pearl White). I’ve owned for less than 2 months. I drive it maybe twice a week max, wax it and keep it under a car cover when not in use. ALREADY I’ve found a rock chip (right down to the primer) on the hood (which is paper think metal, no less), another chip out of the passenger door (it has NEVER made contact with anything), as well as scuff marks, bizarre yellowing and discoloration, and a body panel alignment issue with 1 door and the bumper (which is causing the paint on both the bumper and trunk lid to wear away when closed. My dealership has been good about the body panel issue thus far (waiting for bumper replacement) but I’m on my own regarding the paint. Prior to splurging on the Si, I drove Toyota Yaris models (3 different Yaris models over 15 years) and have never—not once—seen the same paint defects on them. My yaris’s were kept outside, not waxed or covered like the Si. Not a mark or chip on them. I’ve become almost paranoid about taking my Si anywhere out of fear of rock chips or the car scratching if someone so much as brushes their body against it. What one God’s green earth is up with Honda paint? I paid the extra $300 for Pearl White and, at this rate, I will need to have the car vinyl wrapped or repainted in less than 5 years.

sarah melton (not verified)    May 15, 2020 - 11:53PM

I bought a 2016 HRV in White Orchid Pearl in June of 2015. Sometime within the first couple years of ownership I noticed a spot that was peeling on the roof. That spot has grown rather largely and additional areas have peeled since. It is also peeling near my door handles. One of the times I took my car in for service I inquired about getting it fixed and all the dealership told me was they don't do auto paint & body. Eventually, I got notice in the mail of the extended warranty. I will be going Tuesday to have them look at it. They said they will take pictures and submit them for approval. My car looks awful. I hope I don't have any troubles with them.

Noemi (not verified)    June 22, 2020 - 3:35PM

In reply to by sarah melton (not verified)

So you purchased the extended warranty in order for them to redo the paint .. I have that exact hrv it Bought it August 2015 - 2016 model it has started to peel off by the window and handles ..what happened did they do it at no cost or eventually there was some out of pocket ?

Sarah Melton (not verified)    June 22, 2020 - 11:45PM

In reply to by Noemi (not verified)

No, I didn't purchase a warranty. They sent out a recall/extended warranty notice on the paint color white orchard pearl. I called my nearest Honda dealer & was told to bring it in so they can submit pictures for approval. Then, I had to schedule another appointment to drop off my vehicle & pick up a loaner. They said they transport the car to another place & that place has to run their own tests (such as making sure you didn't already have it painted over or that isn't being caused by tree sap/bird droppings) & submit their findings for approval. I was told it would take 2 to 3 weeks. They've had my car for about 10 days and I haven't gotten any calls about it.

The service guy also said only the parts that have been effected get repainted & if it expands to other areas then I would need to bring it back as long as it falls before the expiration of the extended warranty. He said he hasn't ever seen it peel from the handles/windows & it's usually just the roof.

Katherine (not verified)    June 16, 2021 - 4:52PM

In reply to by Sarah Melton (not verified)

I have the same year and model. The paint of one door and one door handle are peeling. The dealer just told me they will repaint the door but not the door handle. It will take 3-4 days and they won't give me a loaner. Sara, how do you resolve your problem? Did they give you a loaner? Thanks.

guilbert brotons (not verified)    June 23, 2020 - 2:35PM

my 2013 honda accord when i bought my car the dealer put s seal coat now the spoiler is peeling off and also is extending onthe hall spoiler now

Lisa Rapczinski (not verified)    July 17, 2020 - 3:50PM

My 2019 Honda HRV LX tailgate is melting. My vehicle is still under warranty and Honda refuses to repair my vehicle and make me whole. Honda told me it's an environmental issue and I need to be more careful where I park my vehicle. I've purchased 3 new and I used Honda at the same dealership since 2004 and will never purchase another honda ever again. This is my third problem with this vehicle and the dealership fixed the other two problems and handed me an estimate to fix the melting tailgate. The other problems were plastic protective label coming off around wheel well and defective key.

Cecilio Ramos (not verified)    July 30, 2020 - 2:53PM

I have a HR-V 2016 (Blue) Paint is peeling on the 2 doors. I took it to the Honda dealer I was told that they used a contaminated paint. Unfortunately I did not get a written report . I really appreciate some advice since Honda does not what to take any responsibility because the car has 30.000 Miles Thank You, Cecilio

Brenda Zumbro (not verified)    August 11, 2020 - 1:45PM

I have a 2017 Honda HRV White with 11,600 miles and they said they can only paint the damaged spots and I asked what if it happens again somewhere else on car and I was told only 1claim

Carlos Danilo (not verified)    August 30, 2020 - 5:18PM

I have an Honda Fit 2016 manufactured in Mexico that was bought on 2017. About two months ago the paint peeled off on doors, hatchback, roof and other parts. So I got a phone call from Honda dealer to inform me that there is a recall for white pearl Honda Fit because there was a problem with this car paint and primers that cause paint peel off.

Robert Edwin o… (not verified)    September 4, 2020 - 5:17PM

I have a 08 Accord with paint peeling on both sides of the rear window.its been not an issue till early this year when I noticed it.also I replaced my center console lid and door arm rest due to premature wear.i bought both replacement parts on Ebay for a very reasonable price.doesent seem to be a warranty on this as far as I can see please advise if so.Ted OSULLIVAN.

Isaac Algaze (not verified)    November 1, 2020 - 9:19AM

For those of you with late model Honda's that have paint peeling issues, do like me and please don't ever buy a Honda. I have a 2007 Blue Honda Odyssey and due to the paint peeling issues looks awful. Honda covered only 50% of the cost of repainting and only certain areas. I also had to take the vehicle to the body shop of their choice. Now I wish I hadn't taken the deal because car is peeling very badly in same areas again and the body shop they made me take the vehicle to is out of business. I could probably go out and get the vehicle painted again but decided not to as other drivers on the road can see how bad my Honda looks and maybe think twice about buying a vehicle from them.

Isaac Algaze (not verified)    November 1, 2020 - 9:21AM

For those of you with late model Honda's that have paint peeling issues, do like me and please don't ever buy a Honda. I have a 2007 Blue Honda Odyssey and due to the paint peeling issues looks awful. Honda covered only 50% of the cost of repainting and only certain areas. I also had to take the vehicle to the body shop of their choice. Now I wish I hadn't taken the deal because car is peeling very badly in same areas again and the body shop they made me take the vehicle to is out of business. I could probably go out and get the vehicle painted again but decided not to as other drivers on the road can see how bad my Honda looks and maybe think twice about buying a vehicle from them.

Robin Hufton (not verified)    November 5, 2020 - 3:19PM

I have a 2011 Honda Odyssey (white) and the paint has been peeling off for several years now. I have also noticed that tons of white cars/vans/trucks around the country have paint issues. From reading these posts, it is other colors as well; however, I really notice white paint being a big issue. Honda sent a letter last year to have only the top (roof) and tailback painted. They will not cover the hood nor the doors. They have been trying to get out of painting the car for months (due to Covid), but are finally going to paint the car (top and tailback). If I want to shell out $5000 they are willing to paint the hood and doors. I am beyond mad. It is not an environmental issue. I have two other cars (not Hondas) that are old and do not have paint issues. So MAD!

Andrew C (not verified)    December 12, 2020 - 2:45AM

This is so ridiculous the way Honda is handling this. Just completely disrespectful towards the customer. I have a 2018 accord in black, I noticed the paint defects within the 1st week of ownership and I was given the runaround this entire time. Honda never even responded to my warranty claim, they only claim someone will get back to me. 2 Years later I haven't heard anything despite multiple follow-ups by phone, email and USPS.

Bryan (not verified)    July 14, 2021 - 12:24PM

I purchased my 2018 brand new back in March of 2018. With in a few months I noticed a few chips on front of hood and just blamed it on rocks flying up and chipping the paint. Recently something caught my eye on top of my car in the rain channel and upon closer look paint just peeled/flaked off in chucks leaving 4-6 inches of down to the metal. I quickly purchased some Honda OEM paint for my color just to get something on the bare metal. Upon searching on web I see where this is a known problem. I contacted dealership they told me I needed to contact American Honda.. I emailed American Honda over a week ago and the only response so far was an automated email assigning me a case number. Really ticks me off the paint just flaking off after 3.5 years I have owned many cars many years as I tend to keep them as long as I can and have never had problems with paint just flaking/peeling off and would never expect it to happened to a 3.5 year old car.

Dennis Wessel (not verified)    July 27, 2021 - 8:24AM

I own a gray 2017 Acura RDX with 26,000 miles on it. Peeling started after 4 & 1/2 years and now I see small rust spots in the second coat. I have owned or leased 4 other Honda’s or Acura’s and have never had this issue. They tell me it’s beyond the 4 year warranty period and not covered. What about the 5 year rust warranty? I find it hard to believe that a $36,000 car with it’s reputation for quality, would rust this early due to the environment. By the way, it sits next to a 2001 Toyota Sienna with 212,000 miles in my driveway that has no peeling problems. Unbelievable!

Robin Serino (not verified)    October 2, 2021 - 2:30PM

I have a white Honda HRv 2018 the paint is peeling on the top of my roof near the sunroof who do I contact I took it to be looked at at an auto body shop near me and believes they used the wrong primer.I am not paying a dime out of pocket so who do I contact?