In a recent Consumer Affairs article, an Illinois resident is suing Honda Motor Company for an alleged design flaw that has caused his and several other 2003-2005 CR-V crossovers and Elements SUVs to catch on fire. He is asking the courts to issue a recall and award damages to owners for their damaged vehicles.
The fires seemed to have been caused by the oil filter that is close to the exhaust manifold. The filters are attached at such an angle that, if they were to leak, they would do so on the manifold. This could be a potential hazard due to the extreme heat given off by the manifold.
Honda has not denied that it know about these engine fires and stand behind the engine designs. The automaker blames the mechanics for not properly installing the oil filters.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reopened an investigation regarding the oil filter and manifold design.
Via: Consumer Affairs