Honda

Turbocharged Troubles? Honda Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Engine Defects

You may have seen recent headlines about a class action lawsuit alleging that Honda failed to disclose an engine oil dilution defect in its newer CR-V, Civic, and Accord models. If you own a Honda vehicle with a turbo direct injection engine, you may be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit claims that the engines contain a defect that can cause numerous problems, ranging from decreased fuel efficiency to complete engine failure. 

Here’s what you need to know about whether this oil dilution class action lawsuit could affect you and how to tackle it!

A Brief Story Behind the Headlines

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court on behalf of Honda owners nationwide, claims that I-DTEC engines are defective. In addition, it will eventually cause stalling, reduced power, and unexpected shutdowns. The plaintiff, Honda owner Jonathan Moodie, says he began experiencing engine problems shortly after purchasing his 2018 Honda Civic Type R. Moodie took his car to a Honda dealership for diagnosis and was told that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The cost of the repairs was not covered under warranty, so Moodie had to pay out of pocket. On March 12th, Honda agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that certain Honda vehicles contain a defect that causes the engine to stall without warning. 

What Is the Lawsuit About?

The suit alleges that the affected Honda vehicles’ engines consume oil at an alarming rate and that drivers must frequently add oil between oil changes. The main cause of the problem is said to be an issue with the engine’s piston rings, specifically that there is an excessive gap between them. This issue causes oil to enter the combustion chamber, where it gets burned off, leading to the engine consuming more oil than it should. 

Impacts of the Honda Dilution Lawsuit

The impacts of the Honda Dilution Lawsuit are far-reaching and could have severe consequences for the automotive industry. If the lawsuit is successful, it could set a precedent that would make it easier for other companies to pursue similar cases. It could lead to a situation where automakers are constantly embroiled in litigation, which would be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, it could make it more difficult for companies to protect their trademarks, as courts would likely find that they had been diluted.

As a result, the automotive industry would become less efficient and less innovative. The Honda Dilution Lawsuit has the potential to upend the way that the automotive industry does business, so its impacts should not be underestimated. The class action lawsuit applies to anyone who owns a 2017-2019 Honda Civic turbo or a 2018-2019 Honda CR-V turbo. You can check here if you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected.

Honda Oil Dilution Lawsuit Benefits

The lawsuit alleges that Honda knew about and failed to disclose a defect that caused oil dilution in affected vehicles. This can lead to engine damage and decreased fuel economy. If the settlement covers your car, you may be eligible for one or more of the following benefits:

  • Reimbursement for past repairs related to oil dilution issues.
  • An extended warranty on certain engine components, covering repairs related to oil dilution.
  • A voucher toward the purchase or lease of a new Honda vehicle.

Lawsuit Effects on Honda Owners and Drivers

Honda is in the middle of an oil dilution lawsuit that has affected Honda owners and drivers. Honda has acknowledged that some of their engines may have an issue with oil diluting the gasoline, which can cause engine seizures and failure. The effects of the Honda oil dilution lawsuit are still uncertain, but it could significantly impact Honda owners and drivers.

Depending on the lawsuit’s outcome, Honda prices could go up, quality could go down, or both. It is unclear how much Honda will have to pay out in damages, but the company has already set aside millions of dollars to cover the cost of repairs. Honda owners can also expect their resale values to decline due to the lawsuit. In addition, Honda’s reputation may suffer, leading to a decline in future sales.

Dilution of Oil: What Are the Symptoms?

As a result, it’s essential to be aware of the potential symptoms of dilution of oil, such as:

  • Problems with lubrication, leading to increased wear and tear on engine parts. 
  • It can also lead to sludge buildup, which can clog filters and cause engine failure. 
  • The efficacy of anti-foam and corrosion inhibitors is reduced, making engines more susceptible to these problems. 
  • Decreased engine performance.
  • Increased oil consumption and poor fuel economy. 

By understanding these symptoms, you can take steps to avoid Diluting your oil and ensure that your engine runs smoothly.

Checking If Your Honda Is Affected 

The lawsuit covers any Honda vehicle with a turbocharged engine, sold or leased. This includes popular models like the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Many Honda owners are concerned about their vehicles’ oil dilution. This is when your car’s gasoline gets into the oil, causing the oil to become diluted. This can happen while the vehicle is being driven or even parked and turned off. Oil dilution can cause several problems, including decreased engine life, increased fuel consumption, and reduced performance. 

Affected By the Lawsuit – How to Tackle?

To find out if your vehicle is included in the lawsuit, you can visit the website representing the plaintiffs. All you need to do is enter your vehicle’s VIN, and the website will let you know if your car is affected. You can also find out more information about the case on the website. If you believe that your Honda vehicle has been affected by this defect, you should take it to a Honda dealer as soon as possible to have it repaired. The repair will be performed free of charge, regardless of whether or not the lawsuit covers your vehicle. 

Bottom Line

According to the lawsuit, plaintiffs allege that they’ve experienced various vehicle problems, including sudden acceleration, engine stalling, and power loss. If you have experienced these issues or any others surrounding your hybrid or EV, please call one of our case analysts for a consultation at (833) Lemon Firm.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.