The engine failed while I was driving in rush-hour traffic on the D.C. beltway. There were no warnings or alerts as to a problem with the car. The Honda service manager could not explain what happened; the engine "seized", and there were no apparent flaws (all fluids, etc. o.k.).

I was advised to replace the engine with a used one (half the price of a new one). On reporting the incident to the Honda dealership where I bought this car (and 3 other Hondas), I was accused of not maintaining the required service, especially oil changes, even though I provided all records that demonstrated appropriate service. Other than the salesman, they offered no help, suggestions, apologies, sympathy, etc.

I contacted American Honda to report the incident and request some remuneration. My case changed hands a few times, but eventually I was told that Honda could/would do nothing for me, because the 60K miles warranty had expired. They said they might have helped if I had replaced the engine with a new one, which the Honda service manager did not offer. Honda did not acknowledge my loyalty, treated me coldly and a few times unprofessionally and, therefore, lost a customer.