Q.

I am a frequent reader of your Q&A column and it is always interesting to read about your advice, and for the first time, I have a question of my own.  I own a 2016 Honda Pilot with roughly 45,000 miles.  Yesterday, when I was driving, the check engine light came on with a message that read, “Emissions Systems Problem.”  I went to the parts store to get it scanned and it gave an error code P0430, which noted “the most likely solution is: Replace Fuel Rail and Fuel Injectors.”  My original warranty was 3 years/36,000 miles (expired), but the powertrain warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles, which I am still within the range of.  If that is indeed the fix, do you think I could make a case to have that resolved under the powertrain or emissions warranty?

A.

The most common reason for this message is fuel injector contamination caused by what appears to be a manufacturing defect. The fuel injectors according to Honda are part of the emissions system and will be covered under the warranty. Doing a bit more research and calling several dealers, the injectors seem to be on a national backorder - so be patient. 

Q.

My wife and I love our Honda CRVs, a 2008 and 2014. We would like to purchase a new 2021 but I am concerned about all the car reviews and problems with the vibrations with the CVT transmission. Has this problem been resolved?

A.

This vibration issue with the continually variable transmission (CVT) on the Honda CR-V seemed to be more of an issue in the first year of using this style transmission. Over the past year I have driven/evaluated the traditional CR-V and the hybrid model and found both vehicles to perform as they should. My suggestion is if you like the CR-V buy it. 

Q.

I learn quite a bit from your column and enjoy reading it. My questions pertain to my 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL. I purchased the car in January 2018. I get the oil changed every 6,000 miles with full synthetic oil. A quick lube place has performed all the oil changes. I checked the Nissan manual and could not find the recommended interval for oil changes. I want to know if changing every 6,000 miles is correct or not. Also, how do I know that the shop is adhering to the recommendation pertaining to genuine Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3? Is this a fluid that only a Nissan dealership would have in its maintenance department? Should I be concerned if the shop has not being using that type of fluid?

A.

According to the technical databases that I use (AllData and Mitchell1) as well as the recommendation from Nissan, the oil change recommendation is every 5000 miles or six months whichever comes first. The recommendation does not change with oil type. Regarding transmission fluid it is crucial to use only Nissan fluid. Using a conventional fluid will cause transmission issues. If you dohave the fluid changed or topped off, I would ask to see that the shop is using only Nissan transmission fluid. 

Q.

I have a 2010 Jeep Patriot with 85,000 miles. The anti-lock brake light, stability control and 4WD lights are illuminated. The local shop found the right rear hub, bearing and ABS sensor failed. Does this mean I do not have four-wheel-drive? Should I not drive this car?

A.

These systems, ABS, stability control, traction/all-wheel-drive are all interconnected systems. The antilock brake system measures wheel spin and when the ABS sensor fails it will disable all of the related system. At this point you can drive the vehicle but to have these systems work, especially as we approach winter it would be sensible to replace the components and verify the repair worked.