Honda not willing to fix Factor defect

Bought a Honda Accord from Honda (Boksburg branch) in 2017 with 19000km, from receiving the vehicle I noticed that on cold start the engine would have a 2 sec rattle but thought it was an auto choke system as I wasn’t fami**** with the new Honda engines. I recently found out that the rattle is cause by a faulty VTC actuator of which Honda issues some recalls on the accords. I contacted Honda and was told my car was not one on the recall list so I would be liable to the repair cost. So the car is sold to be with a faulty VTC and now is my issue to repair which I feel is not fair as this was a factory defect. I have been a Honda client for almost 15 years and quiet disappointed with the level of service / quality. Just thought I would post to warn future Honda clients, the Honda of old is long gone I’m afraid.