Honda Del sol problems

Common Honda Del sol problems

The Honda Del Sol is a two-seater, front-engined, FWD, targa top vehicle based on the Honda Civic, produced in Japan between 1992 and 1997. Despite its potential as a fun and relatively cheap sports car, the Del Sol has faced several common problems that have affected its reputation and sales.

• Targa Roof Quality Issues: One of the most significant problems with the Del Sol is its complicated targa roof, which is prone to leaks and noise. These issues have been reported since the first two model years, leading to rumors about the car's demise in 1996. The leaks and noise have been attributed to the targa roof's design and materials, which have not aged well over time.

• Faulty Auxiliary Lighting: Another common problem with the Del Sol is faulty auxiliary lighting. This issue, combined with the targa roof's leaks and noise, has contributed to the car's poor quality reputation, which has affected its sales and customer satisfaction.

• Rear Quarter Panel Rust: The Del Sol's rear quarter panel is also prone to rust, which is a common problem in many 92-00 Civics and Del Sols. This issue is often caused by wear and neglect, such as clogged air filters and tune-up items, and can lead to more significant problems if not addressed promptly.

• Worn Seat Bolsters: The Del Sol's seat bolsters are also commonly worn to bits due to irresponsible ownership. This issue is particularly common in the driver's seat, where the large bolsters are subjected to more wear and tear.

• Metal Breaking Around Door Latch: The Del Sol's door latch is also prone to metal breaking, which is attributed to the door's long length and the body's flexing. This issue can lead to the door not closing properly or falling off, which can be dangerous while driving.

• Leaking Weather Seals: The Del Sol is also famous for leaking weather seals, which can lead to water ingress and damage to the car's interior. This issue is often caused by wear and tear and can be challenging to fix without replacing the weather seals entirely.

• Arm Rest Adhesive Failure: The Del Sol's armrest adhesive can also fail, causing the leather to no longer hold down. This issue is often caused by wear and tear and can be challenging to fix without replacing the armrest entirely.

• Rear Window Garnish Fading/Cracking: The Del Sol's rear window garnish is also prone to fading and cracking, which can affect the car's appearance and value. This issue is often caused by exposure to the sun and can be challenging to fix without replacing the garnish entirely.

• Trunk Shocks: The Del Sol's trunk shocks are not designed to assist in opening the trunk, but only to hold it open. This issue can lead to difficulty in opening the trunk and can be challenging to fix without replacing the shocks entirely.

• Rear Fender Well Rust: The Del Sol's rear fender well is also prone to rust, which can eventually spread to the rocker panels if not addressed promptly. This issue is often caused by exposure to water and salt and can be challenging to fix without replacing the fender well entirely.

• Main Relay Cold Solder Joints: The Del Sol's main relay can also develop cold solder joints, which can lead to electrical issues and reduced performance. This issue is often caused by wear and tear and can be challenging to fix without replacing the relay entirely.

• Trailing Arm Bushings: The Del Sol's trailing arm bushings are also prone to wear and tear, which can lead to reduced performance and handling. This issue is often caused by wear and tear and can be challenging to fix without replacing the bushings entirely.

• Drivers Side Seat Ripped/Worn Away: The Del Sol's drivers side seat is also prone to ripping and wearing away, exposing and deteriorating the foam padding. This issue is often caused by wear and tear and can be challenging to fix without replacing the seat entirely.

In summary, the Honda Del Sol has faced several common problems that have affected its reputation and sales. These issues include targa roof quality issues, faulty auxiliary lighting, rear quarter panel rust, worn seat bolsters, metal breaking around the door latch, leaking weather seals, arm rest adhesive failure, rear window garnish fading/cracking, trunk shocks, rear fender well rust, main relay cold solder joints, trailing arm bushings, and drivers side seat ripping/wearing away. These issues are often caused by wear and tear, exposure to the elements, and irresponsible ownership, and can be challenging to fix without replacing the affected parts entirely. However, with proper maintenance and care, the Del Sol can still be a reliable and fun sports car for enthusiasts.

Why did Honda discontinue the Del Sol?

Why Did Honda Stop Making the Del Sol? Although it was a unique vehicle, the Del Sol sought to take on the Mazda Miata, which had a devout following . In its first two years, the Del Sol sold very well (even beating the Miata in its inaugural year), but rumors of leaky targa tops soon began to circulate.

Does the Del Sol handle well?

Up until the time I drove a Miata, I thought the del Sol was simply fantastic in terms of handling. It wasn't. Don't get me wrong, it handled nicely enough. But really, it wasn't much better than a Honda Civic.

How many miles per gallon does a Honda Del Sol get?

Mileage: 35 mpg city, 41 mpg highway.

Is Del Sol FWD or RWD?

front-wheel-drive