Unfair Class Action Settlement Affects 2006-2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Owners
In July 2010, Honda announced new software for the IMA batteries in the 2006-2008 Civic hybrids. The purpose of the update was to prevent the batteries from deteriorating. Since the batteries are under 10 or 15 year warranties, Honda would have to pay for replacements. The problem is that the software update caused a 25% reduction in fuel mileage and a 25% loss of power. Owners are not happy with the results needless to say.
Honda has repurchased two Civics from owners I've represented. I have three other cases pending or others about to be filed. But here's a warning and some advice to unhappy Civic owners--a pending class action settlement in the Superior Court in San Diego county will wipe out owners' claims if, as expected, it is approved by the Court. The settlement provides for a payment of $100 to all Civic hybrid owners based on Honda's misrepresentations of fuel economy back when the cars were being sold and another $100 to Civic owners who file a claim stating they are unhappy with the results of the July 2010 software update.
Owners of 2006, 2007, and 2008 Civic hybrids throughout the U.S. are affected. Unless owners are satisfied with the $200, they should "opt out" of the settlement and find an attorney to file their own case. The procedure is simple--just write a letter to the Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 2566, Faribault, MN 55021-9566 stating your name, address, year of your car and the VIN and that you want to be excluded from the settlement. Deadline to opt out is February 11, 2012. If you don't opt out, you will be precluded from bringing your own case. Of course, if you don't wish to bring your own case, you may fill out a claim form and get the $200. More information on the settlement is available at www.hchsettlement.com.
