Honda Oil Dilution Class Action Settlement

Honda Settles Oil Dilution Class Action Lawsuit

Honda Motor Company has settled a class action settlement regarding defects in their Honda Civics and CR-Vs causing engine oil fuel dilution. The class members are current and former owner, or lessees of 2016 to 2018 Civics, and 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs, equipped with 1.5-liter turbocharged engines. The underlying lawsuit alleges that this alleged oil dilution problem “decreased oil viscosity, [and caused] premature wear and ultimate failure of the engines, engine bearings and other internal engine components and an increased cost of maintenance.”

The lawsuit has been heard in the U.S. District Court in Minnesota.

Because of the oil dilution problem, it was alleged that these Honda vehicles would stall or fail without warning, an obvious hazard while driving. The lawsuit contended Honda had been aware of the defects for a long time but took no action and concealed the problems from potential automobile purchasers. Plaintiffs stated that numerous complaints were also lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These problems caused additional repair costs and loss of vehicle resale value.

Honda had not issued any recall or offered to pay for purchasers’ expenses caused by the alleged defects. However, under the terms of the settlement Honda will extend the Powertrain Limited Warranty to cover related repairs. Class members will be automatically enrolled to obtain the extended warranty benefit, but must submit a claim through the class action administrator regarding expense caused by the defect, such as towing, repairs, oil changes and diagnostic testing. These claims are limited to $250