Honda Loses in Court

met-head · 02-02-2012, 10:26 AM

You guys remember that lady that was going to file a class action lawsuit agains Honda because her Civic Hybrid didn't get the fuel ecomony that was advertised. I figured she didn't stand a chance because Honda even states "actually fuel mileage may vary" and we all know that how you drive is everything. However, she pulled out of the class action lawsuit, and sued Honda instead in small claims court.... and won. She was awared $9800. It seems to me this kinda opens the flood gates. Why couldn't someone sue Honda in small claims court for their replacement IMA battery not lasting as long as the original.

Eli · 02-02-2012, 10:40 AM

She won? FFS.

I'm going to sue Honda because I can't get 51mpg on my 2 mile commute to work in winter.

I can't believe she won.

**UK_MJN** · 02-02-2012, 11:46 AM

Truly amazing:

AP News

Sounds more like a victory for lawyers, a likely increase in Honda's prices and another reason for any manufacturer looking to sell Hybrids (or any efficient car) in future to think again, at least in the US.

The thing that strikes me is that the court viewed an "up to 50 MPG" as a guarantee, rather than a statement of fact, and that Honda were fraudulent in making such a statement. There is no indication of what Honda could have said that would have avoided this judgement.

One question to the judge then: "What exactly can a car company say about performance (of any kind) that would be acceptable?"

Top speed? 0-60 time? Braking distance? MPG?

Willie Williford · 02-02-2012, 01:11 PM

We can only assume how she won, till the court decision is available so we can read the whole decision it's all up in the air.
Honda could appeal, but the cost would be higher than the payment is now.

Willie

diamondlarry · 02-02-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Williford

We can only assume how she won, till the court decision is available so we can read the whole decision it's all up in the air.
Honda could appeal, but the cost would be higher than the payment is now.

Willie

True. However, future cost savings by appealing it could be huge.

Willie Williford · 02-02-2012, 02:27 PM

True, but how many people are going to go to the trouble to file claims in the court system. She is an unemployed, ex lawyer trying to make a name for herself.
It is not going to take presidence in court as difference states, counties, etc. have their own guide lines, and it's a civil matter, not a criminal. It will have to be done individually, with no reference to the "class action suit"...........I would still like to read the judges decision in its completeness.

Willie

**jime** · 02-02-2012, 03:00 PM

What a crock! Lawyers are gonna drive out everything decent in this country. Evening television is full of lawyer ads. Folks are going to either stop doing business in this country or start carrying expensive insurance to protect themselves. What a crock!

bigjim56 · 02-02-2012, 03:17 PM

Why should it just be limited to Honda? EVERY car maker is now suspect. I look for similar suits against all of them.

bigjim56

samwichse · 02-02-2012, 03:48 PM

Indeed, the headline should be "idiot judge opens floodgates to massive lawsuit money waste throughout the automotive industry."

So Honda gives cars to the EPA to test, the EPA puts out its MANDATED mileage estimates, and Honda is supposed to "go over the head" of the government department and change what they said? To fit an absolute worst-case driver apparently?

Yuck... I hope they appeal and the higher court tosses this award with prejudice.

Eli · 02-02-2012, 03:53 PM

The article I read said she's had over 500 people contact her asking for litigation help, and that she's going to try and get her license back in order to persue these claims.. ugh.