Vehicle: 2003 Honda CRV with 5 speed manual transimission. On January 23, 2007 during normal driving the manual transmission on the vehicle failed. The symptom of the problem was that the vehicle popped out of the gear that it was engaged in without any warning. The car was brought to a complete stop, and the operator was able get the car into 2 gear only. The vehicle was towed to a Honda dealership where it remained for two months while the problem was diagnosed and repaired. The followingwas a list of parts that were replaced which did not resolve the problem: Manual clutch, manual transmission, pressure plate and clutch cables. Th owner was informed that the problem had to do with the thrust bearings and thrust washers being worn and it would require the short block to be replaced. All work was completed at a Honda dealer. Honda had to engage a Honda certified tech to review the vechicle to determine the cause of the problem.

- Shrewsbury, MA, USA

2003 Honda CR-V 44,200 miles: Bad bearing or pump noise starting coming from engine compartment, stopped and checked (noise varied with engine speed). Narrowed noise to area around ac compressor/alternator/belt tensioner. Operated vehicle less than 30 minutes from first appearance of noise, then there was a thud, and a clunk looked out the passenger side rearview mirror and saw a something rolling down the street. Noise went away, and ac stopped cooling. Went back to see what had fallen off, and found part of the clutch assembly. No apparent damage, vehicle operates minus ac. Took vehicle to dealer, was told that he has seen this a four or five times recently, and that he would contact Honda, to see what can be done. Was later told that Honda would cover the repairs.

- Norman, OK, USA