Woman wins small-claim suit against Honda
A court sided with Civic owner Heather Peters, who was awarded $9,867 over Honda's claim that the hybrid could achieve as much as 50 miles per gallon.
By Agence France-PresseThu, Feb 02 2012 at 3:00 AM EST
GAS MILEAGE: Peters argued that while Honda advertised that the car would get around 50 miles per gallon, "the car never got more than 41 or 42 even on its very best day," and that the fuel economy dropped below 30 after a software update. (Photo: ZUMA Press)
A U.S. woman has won a small-claims suit against Honda after accusing the Japanese automaker of misleading her about its Civic Hybrid's fuel mileage.
A Los Angeles County court sided with Civic owner Heather Peters, who said she was awarded $9,867 — close to the $10,000 maximum — over Honda's claim that the hybrid could achieve as much as 50 miles per gallon.
"It is a victory for Civic Hybrid owners and consumers everywhere," Peters said. "Sometimes big justice comes in small packages."
The award was far greater than what Peters would have received had she joined a class-action lawsuit against the auto manufacturer.
Peters sued the automaker after learning that the class-action lawsuit settlement would pay trial lawyers $8.5 million, while individual Civic owners would receive just $100 and rebate coupons for the purchase of a new car.
Honda — which could not immediately be reached for comment — has the right to appeal Wednesday's decision.
Peters argued that while Honda advertised that the car would get around 50 miles per gallon, "the car never got more than 41 or 42 even on its very best day," and that the fuel economy dropped below 30 after a software update.
Honda has acknowledged that the battery on 2006-2008 Civic hybrids "may deteriorate and eventually fail" earlier than expected, forcing the car to rely more on its gas engine and lowering fuel economy.
Copyright 2012 AFP American Edition
