Pandemic-related supply chain issues have unfortunately become a familiar part of our lives. While some shortages are easing, the automotive industry is still facing significant delays, particularly when it comes to car parts. Factory shutdowns and persistent labor shortages are further compounding these issues, leaving many car owners in a frustrating waiting game.
Dayna Welch, a Honda HR-V owner, experienced this firsthand. After a car accident, she leased a new 2024 Honda HR-V in November, only to discover a radiator leak shortly after. “I hadn’t made the third payment,” Welch explained, highlighting the early stage of the issue with her new vehicle. She took her car to Coconut Point Honda, the dealership where she leased it, and received a concerning diagnosis.
“The radiator went on me,” Welch stated. Adding to her predicament, she was informed by the dealership that loaner vehicles were unavailable, and more critically, the necessary radiator was on “critical backorder.” This term, as Welch learned, meant there were simply no radiators to be found.
Deborah Robinson, Executive Director of the National Auto Body Council, confirms that car parts supply chain is still struggling to recover post-COVID. “There have been shortages in parts, both mechanical parts and collision repair parts,” Robinson explained. She also pointed to ongoing labor issues as a contributing factor to these delays. This situation leaves countless drivers needing repairs facing extended waits to get back on the road.
“It’s unfortunate that if somebody has a car issue and can’t get a solution from their local service provider,” Robinson empathized, acknowledging the difficult position many car owners are in. Despite these challenges, she added a hopeful note, “All in all, the people in the industry are great, and they want to take care of people.”
American Honda acknowledged these industry-wide challenges in a statement:
“During this period of unprecedented global supply chain challenges affecting multiple automakers and industries, American Honda is working to resolve all replacement part backorders as soon as possible, and we regret any inconvenience that our customers may experience due to these externally-caused delays. Since each delayed replacement part may face different supply challenges, we recommend working directly with local authorized Acura and Honda dealers to ensure that appropriate priority is placed on critical part orders. If a customer has concerns beyond the dealer’s immediate ability to respond, then customers are encouraged to contact Acura Client Relations (for Acura owners) or Honda Automobile Customer Service (for Honda owners) to determine if any additional assistance is possible. Each customer inquiry will be addressed by our customer service professionals on a case-by-case basis appropriate to the circumstances.”
Welch’s experience highlights the financial strain these backorders can create. The inspection report estimated the radiator replacement cost at nearly $1,600, but the dealership couldn’t provide any timeline for when the part might become available. This left Welch facing the prospect of ongoing rental car expenses on top of her lease payments for a vehicle she couldn’t drive.
Compounding Welch’s frustration, Coconut Point Honda stated that because the damage was deemed non-warranty related, they would not provide a rental vehicle. “I was devastated,” Welch recounted, expressing her distress at the lack of support and the financial burden.
Fortunately, Welch’s employer at Naples Motorsport intervened, contacting Honda of Fort Myers on her behalf. In a remarkable turn of events, Honda of Fort Myers offered immediate assistance. “Honda of Fort Myers stepped up. They did not charge me a dime,” Welch gratefully shared. Demonstrating exceptional customer service, they even removed a radiator from a used 2023 HR-V on their lot to repair Welch’s car within 48 hours. This quick thinking got Welch back on the road and deeply appreciative of their help.
What Can You Do If You’re Facing Car Part Backorders?
If you find yourself in a similar situation, the National Auto Body Council advises exploring your options. Don’t assume that one dealership’s lack of a part means it’s universally unavailable. “Shop around,” they recommend, suggesting you ask dealers and repair shops if they can find creative solutions like Honda of Fort Myers did.
Here are some further steps to consider to protect yourself:
- Review your car’s warranty: Understand what repairs are covered and if rental car assistance is included during warranty repairs.
- Consider rental car coverage: If your current auto insurance policy doesn’t include rental car coverage, adding it can be a wise precaution against unexpected repair delays.
- Ensure roadside assistance: Verify that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance to help with towing and breakdowns.
- Develop a breakdown plan: Think ahead about what you would do if you were in an accident or experienced a breakdown, including having trusted auto body shop information readily available.
By being proactive and informed, you can navigate the challenges of car part backorders and minimize disruption to your life.
