My battery has been flat twice in last 3 months on Honda HR-V. On second Hondacare Assistance callout AA engineer said this is a common problem with vehicles of this type (because 12v battery capacity is too small to save weight) and not confined to Honda. He insisted the vehicle be taken to dealership. Dealership very reluctant to accept vehicle.
Dealership tested battery / charging and said it met Honda spec. Of course it does, it's just that the spec is not fit for purpose. Dealership highly combative. Suggested that I was alone in having this problem and blamed me - too many short journeys. Not much research needed to find that neither is true. Dealership suggested I should buy a trickle charger! Really? And how about owners who can't garage their cars?
Strong letter of complaint to dealership. Result: car immediately taken back for software update to BXB multiplex control unit authorised by Honda UK. Time will tell.
I believe some makes now come with "emergency start" button that allows charge to be drawn from HV batteries.
This could be expensive for some manufacturers who appear not to want to recognise the problem.
Insist on your rights as a consumer. The least you should expect a car to do is start!
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