Clubjazz - Honda Jazz & HR-V Forums
Honda Jazz Forums => Honda Jazz Mk4 2020 - => Topic started by: Teatime on February 25, 2024, 05:30:13 AM
-
Hello, 4 weeks since collecting my new Crosstar the terrible smell hasn't worn off. It's been back twice, valeted and checked over and the dealership now says it's just new car smell. It's not pumping out of the AC, I'm wondering if it's VOCs from the waterproof upholstery or other finishes. It's musty and stomach turning. My 30 day return window closes in a couple of days, I'm in a dilemma not knowing whether it's going to wear off. I've done 350 miles in 4 weeks, it's been in almost daily use. Any thoughts very welcome. My sister bought a new Jazz from another dealer the same week, not a Crosstar, and hers doesn't smell, so I'm worried there's something amiss somewhere. Thanks for reading.
-
I didn’t notice any smell apart from the normal new car smell in my Crosstar. Maybe the dealer used some type of cleaner that might cause it? My dealer uses Waxoil on all new cars, so maybe something similar (you might be able to check it in their showroom on other new cars). Or they could have glued the plates on?
Is your ventilation system on recirculation? That might keep the smell in for longer, so fresh air is recommended.
-
Have you got rubber mats on the floors or in the boot ? These can be quite smelly. Even if you have quite posh carpet ones you could try removing them for a while to see if there is any improvement.
If it is the carpets/mats they may improve if you hang them up on a washing line and allow a bit of sun and fresh air to circulate for a couple of days.
Bear in mind that if your car is almost new it will have spent most of its days since manufacture in winter conditions in Japan, under cover on board ship, and in the UK . Newly manufactured rubber and plastics ,waterproofing /protective treatments etc can retain solvents that can take a while to fully evaporate. Which will happen much more quickly once the weather warms up.
-
Many thanks to you both for your helpful suggestions. The AC isn't recirculating, although the dealer said it should always be on the auto function, which seems to help clear it once I'm driving. They sat me in another new car and there was a similar smell so it may be solvents etc they use or the storage conditions as you mention. I have no car mats as yet - they're on order. The dealer also claimed I wasn't driving it enough to clear the smell! I'll try leaving the doors open for an extended period to ventilate it. Masking it with less unpleasant smells has only been a temporary fix.
-
This doesn’t sound right to me. Had my Crosstar from new and never had any issues with unpleasant smells. Most new cars have that “new car smell “ which is fine and disappears after a few weeks.
Maybe get the opinion of a professional valeting company? You need to be certain that the smell can be eliminated, otherwise you will need to reject the car.
-
When I bought my Crosstar 7 months ago, the weather was warm and every time I went into the car, there was an unpleasant new car smell in it. That time the sunshine and heat probably made the smells evaporate from the car's interior materials. My car is parked outside. I'd suggest leaving all doors open for a minute before driving, to replace the smelly air inside the car with fresh air, so you don't have to breathe the smells as much.
Now 7 months later the weather is cold, and I don't notice any smell when I go into the car.
Heat and ventilation should help clear the smell quicker. If you have a warm garage, park the car there and leave the doors (or at least a window) open.
-
I'd be going round the car trying to determine where it's coming from
Seating, heating, dash, carpets, etc
-
I'll try leaving the doors open for an extended period to ventilate it.
Watch out! - Leaving the car unlocked for a prolonged time will deplete the 12 V battery because the many control systems don't completely shut down if the car is unlocked.
This will slowly drain the 12 V battery and eventually leave you stranded.
-
I'll try leaving the doors open for an extended period to ventilate it.
Watch out! - Leaving the car unlocked for a prolonged time will deplete the 12 V battery
Instead of the doors, you can of course leave all the windows open...
-
These are all really helpful comments, I'm really grateful. I've sniffed all over and haven't identified a specific source. I'll ventilate via open windows, not doors. I don't have a warm garage. Realistically I'm in the territory of working on eliminating the smell rather than returning the vehicle, as the dealer refused to accept there's a substantial issue, having gone over the car checking for possible sources. Any return would have to be by legal proceedings. Right now I'm wishing we'd bought a used Jazz, instead of treating ourselves to a new one!
-
That’s frustrating to have an odd new car smell !! My New jazz didn’t keep its new smell for long -maybe a couple of weeks and it wasn’t an unacceptable smell as it didn’t affect my asthma !! I would check out another dealers showroom jazz to see if they have same smell ! Could be your dealer internally cleaning with something ?
-
I’ve had 2 Mk4 Jazz cars, from new, both EX models and found no unacceptable smell with either of them.
As I understand it the only difference with the interior of the Crosstar is the material of the seat covering, which I understand is waterproof, could it be from these?
On other hand, with respect, this post has been viewed, over 3600 times and nobody else has agreed with your concerns. Could it be that you are particularly susceptible to this smell?
-
Maybe an air freshener for a while. You can get 'new car smell ' Fragrance. Ironic isnt it ;D
-
If it was the seats I'd use Febreeze spray, but as we don't know .....
-
Teatime,
Go to Halfords and buy one of those canisters that is used to rid old AC systems of bad smells. Although its primary purpose to to clean up AC systems it actually circulates through the whole car and sanitises the seats, carpets and all the interior. It won't do any harm and may be helpful.
-
FWIW sounds like the interior waterproof application. Had something similar with leather interior. Applied Autoglym protection, which had separated in the bottle, and when it dried smelt pretty bad of chemicals. Autoglym replaced the bottle FOC. I bought some new car mats in October and they smelt pretty bad for a few days. Maybe the interior cabin filter needs changing?
-
Thanks - such helpful insights and suggestions here. I drove to another Honda dealership this afternoon and they let me smell various new and demo interiors. The person who helped me had a sniff in my car and wondered if it was a coolant leak smell. Certainly their new cars didn't have that smell, but that might be because they didn't have waterproofed upholstery. I do have an acute sense of smell and am slightly sensitive to certain chemicals. I'll try some options put forward here for removing/masking the odour. A last resort would be trading it in for a new/used alternative. I'd always check out the interior before handing over cash in future. Thanks again, I'm really grateful to everyone who's taken the time to comment.
-
FWIW sounds like the interior waterproof application. Had something similar with leather interior. Applied Autoglym protection, which had separated in the bottle, and when it dried smelt pretty bad of chemicals. Autoglym replaced the bottle FOC. I bought some new car mats in October and they smelt pretty bad for a few days. Maybe the interior cabin filter needs changing?
The dealership showed me the filters were clean, with no smell. I think the waterproofing chemicals may be the cause.
-
It’s not clear whether you’re the only person who can detect this. If it is, then you having a sensitive nose might be a significant factor. But you said your original dealer arranged two valet cleanings, and the second one suggested a fluid leak, so that suggests they could smell it as well: if so, it’s not you, there is something wrong. You shouldn’t have to put up with something that’s “musty and stomach turning” and seems to make it unpleasant to use the car, that’s not what you paid for. If you’re contemplating rejection, your case would be strengthened by getting an independent report to confirm the odour exists and is sufficiently unpleasant as to make it difficult for you to use the car.
-
It’s not clear whether you’re the only person who can detect this. If it is, then you having a sensitive nose might be a significant factor. But you said your original dealer arranged two valet cleanings, and the second one suggested a fluid leak, so that suggests they could smell it as well: if so, it’s not you, there is something wrong. You shouldn’t have to put up with something that’s “musty and stomach turning” and seems to make it unpleasant to use the car, that’s not what you paid for. If you’re contemplating rejection, your case would be strengthened by getting an independent report to confirm the odour exists and is sufficiently unpleasant as to make it difficult for you to use the car.
I agree entirely. I have a Crosstar with waterproof upholstery and it has never smelled unpleasant, whether new or as it is now, and I do have a sensitive sense of smell. There is something wrong with your car and the Dealer should sort it.
-
Did anyone check the exhaust system?
Friends of mine in student days had a trick of wiring a kipper to the middle exhaust pipe of cars. The smell of gradually burning and decomposing kipper over the next few months was appalling.. And finding it - if you did not know - was near impossible.
A visual inspection of the outside of the system might show something lodged on it..
-
Another thing you can try is buy a 500g of soda crystals, or something similar, usually a few quid from the pound store and sprinkle liberally over the seats and mats and leave over night and hover the next day. It SHOULD pull most of the smell out of the fabric. It won't affect the fabric protection
-
Friends of mine in student days had a trick of wiring a kipper to the middle exhaust pipe of cars. The smell of gradually burning and decomposing kipper over the next few months was appalling..
Aha... so that's how you got your nickname... ;D
-
It’s not clear whether you’re the only person who can detect this. If it is, then you having a sensitive nose might be a significant factor. But you said your original dealer arranged two valet cleanings, and the second one suggested a fluid leak, so that suggests they could smell it as well: if so, it’s not you, there is something wrong. You shouldn’t have to put up with something that’s “musty and stomach turning” and seems to make it unpleasant to use the car, that’s not what you paid for. If you’re contemplating rejection, your case would be strengthened by getting an independent report to confirm the odour exists and is sufficiently unpleasant as to make it difficult for you to use the car.
It's just me driving it, but others do smell it, I've asked a few people. Musty and stomach turning were others' descriptions. I did purport to reject and return it 10 days ago and the dealer refused the return, it got pretty heated. The dealer sat me in another of their new Hondas and it had a similar smell profile, which reassured me that it could be coming off the upholstery rather than due to a mechanical issue. The dealer shifted from initially acknowledging the issue and valeting, checking door seals, filters, taking us for a test drive to check the AC, to becoming adamant it's "new car smell" and refusing any further engagement. We had quite a stand off. That's why I know it would take legal action to get a return. I should have asked this highly knowledgeable forum's advice sooner! Now the 30 days are up.
It's definitely not a kipper - thanks for the ;D
Reading up on what coolant smells like , it's not that I don't think. it's most noticeable when you first open the door/boot and does then ventilate away during the drive. I'll try ventilating , soda crystals and febreze type sprays, to see if that helps tone it down.
-
Sounds as if you’re coming round to continuing with the car and hoping it’ll get better.
However, just in case you’re sufficiently motivated to take this further, this is a handy guide to your rights:
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights-aAnMC5b0ZzJb
For example, within the 30 days you have a RIGHT to reject for a full refund: the dealer can’t simply say they’re not going to play, that would not be legal. But you do need to prove there’s a fault (the dealer’s original acknowledgement of an issue and subsequent actions would be a point in your favour) but, if he disagrees, that’s where you need to get the independent report to back you up.
After the 30 days you still have rights; you lose the right to reject but can still require the dealer to repair or replace, and if he can’t or won’t then you should ask for a refund (he’s entitled to deduct depreciation). Again having the independent report would be essential.
-
Just in case of confusion it's baking soda and not washing soda that should help with smelly items.
-
Sorry to hear of this. Takes the shine off of your new car experience.
The trade rely on odor bombs to get rid of nasty smells such as wet dogs or tobacco etc. I'm surprised the dealer hasn't offered you one already. Have a look at the link, loads similar on Amazon ebay etc...
HTH
https://a1detailing.co.uk/dakota-odor-bomb/?attribute_pa_fragrances=wild-cherry-2&utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=Google%20Merchant%20Centre&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=5855&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0IHarPPOhAMV2pRQBh0h5wAMEAQYAyABEgKHkfD_BwE
-
Just in case of confusion it's baking soda and not washing soda that should help with smelly items.
And not to get confused with your Username.
As (most) on here, of advanced years, (as I am), will recognise a non bio washing powder called ACDO.
It’s still sold today apparently.
-
Sounds as if you’re coming round to continuing with the car and hoping it’ll get better.
However, just in case you’re sufficiently motivated to take this further, this is a handy guide to your rights:
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights-aAnMC5b0ZzJb
For example, within the 30 days you have a RIGHT to reject for a full refund: the dealer can’t simply say they’re not going to play, that would not be legal. But you do need to prove there’s a fault (the dealer’s original acknowledgement of an issue and subsequent actions would be a point in your favour) but, if he disagrees, that’s where you need to get the independent report to back you up.
After the 30 days you still have rights; you lose the right to reject but can still require the dealer to repair or replace, and if he can’t or won’t then you should ask for a refund (he’s entitled to deduct depreciation). Again having the independent report would be essential.
Thanks Colin B, returning it has proved challenging because there's nothing to see, it's not measurable, and the dealer claimed in the end not to smell anything untoward. I'm trying a few of the suggestions made in this thread to reduce the smell, and I'm also talking to a more helpful dealer about a trade-in and (literally!) a fresh start. I'd rather pay out for a resolution than spend money instructing experts and lawyers for an uncertain outcome. I hadn't bought a new car since 2006, so I'm learning as I go along.
-
Wow...what a terrible experience with a new car. I have a Crosstar from 2021 and a sensitive nose, and its never given me any problems at all in the odour department. Very strange situation. Hope you get things sorted out :(
-
Thanks - I went to a different dealership to check their new cars' smell (as suggested above) and they offered me a trade in of the Crosstar for a new Jazz, which I'm very happy with. A drastic but effective solution. Thanks again for all the helpful comments and suggestions.
-
Glad to hear you found a solution and that you are happy with the new car! This sounds like a dealership to keep.
I'm a bit puzzled about the trade-in and your forum signature:
Is the trade-in a "normal" Jazz or is it again a (better smelling) Crosstar?
-
Glad to hear you found a solution and that you are happy with the new car! This sounds like a dealership to keep.
I'm a bit puzzled about the trade-in and your forum signature:
Is the trade-in a "normal" Jazz or is it again a (better smelling) Crosstar?
Thanks - too right about the dealership, it's a keeper! I went for a plain new Jazz second time around, although the smell was nothing to do with the model. It was like a really curdled new car smell, to do with how it was kept pre sale I would guess. Someone with a less sensitive sense of smell wouldn't notice it, I'm sure. All's well that ends well...