I called Honda 800 999-1009 after reading reports of CRVs burning and
exploding; I recently purchased a 2004 model. I was told by Honda
customer service that nothing is wrong with the vehicle and no recall
is planned. The fires are due to improperly installed oil filters.
Am I wrong to think that this is not good enough?

Another post in this newsgroup states that the oil filter is closer to
the CRV's hot engine manifold than in other cars. Would not a simple
splash guard prevent oil from leaking onto hot engine parts to prevent
fires and explosions in the case of improperly installed or leaking
oil filters?

I have owned enough vehicles to realize oil may sometimes leak from a
filter during or after installation, but this leak doesn't result in
catastrophe, except in the CRV. While looking up Honda's contact
information on the Web, I saw much information touting Honda safety
records and standards and awards, yet they are completely ignoring
this problem. Since safety is a main concern in choosing a car for me
and my family, I really feel that I probably will not buy a car again
from Honda in the future. Maybe I am overreacting to this. Andre