Honda - Well known issues with hybrid battery

nissarm

Very true Richard, most of the users on this forum seem to be missing this point!

tykesi

No they're not - they're being realistic in that you can't expect batteries to last for ever. Well, any normal person can't - apparently you can though!

Marktheshark

When you decide to "be green" you also need to make sure you know, it does not come cheap.

mattyprice4004

nissarm wrote: »

Very true Richard, most of the users on this forum seem to be missing this point!

They're not, that's just the expected life span of a battery.

I had to change my 8 year old car battery last week - it happens. Some are more expensive than others, as you've found out.

cootuk

It would be interesting to know how this ends and whether used packs are available as there must be quite a few owners reaching this stage.
I imagine a lot end up at wbac or auction.

Richard53

nissarm wrote: »

Very true Richard, most of the users on this forum seem to be missing this point!

What I meant was, if Honda will only warranty a battery for 8 years, it is likely to last longer than that, but not much longer. Honda will have done a lot of research into the MTBF (mean time between failures) of the battery technology, and based their warranty offer on that - as long as possible for marketing reasons, but not so long that they get involved in lots of expensive claims. That gives the savvy buyer a clue as to the likely lifespan.

gfagbemi2

I have a similar problem. My Honda Civic is a 2007 model which I bought in 2010. So I have had 5 good years out of it. I don't deny that I've got my money's worth in fuel saving and tax, but to replace the battery in one go for £1500 is quite an undertaking.

I would just like to ask if there is any suggestion out there on how to minimise the cost.

forgotmyname

Sell it and buy one thats had a new battery fitted?

Instead of paying for fuel put money in a jar to cover the battery cost. when there is enough for a new battery your in profit.

Seems you kept it too long, Sell before the battery starts to lose capacity.

WellKnownSid

If it's anything like the Prius, and you're competent to work on 200+vdc systems, then replacing a single cell for $80 or so is a well documented fix.

Chances are it's one or a couple of cells that have gone bad - the Prius only operates the HV battery strictly within 60-80% SoC hence the amazing battery longevity and the fact that even then a couple of cells could get you another 100,000 miles without difficulty.

The biggest risk is where the car has been used intermittently and the HV battery has been able to drop outside of the design SoC on regular occasions, possible with a second car usage. You want to choose a hybrid that's been used as a taxi

If you are not competent working on DC systems - very few people understand what that even means in terms of safety - then you shouldn't go near it.

almillar

it had good reviews at the time

Yes, and they would have boasted about the 8 year warranty - that's 8 years into the future.

most of the users on this forum seem to be missing this point

Nope, you are. Batteries don't last forever. An 8 year warranty seems excellent. How long do you think their warranty should be? 20 years? Would you complain if it failed at 22 years?