Eric Gibbs
A founding partner at the firm, Eric has negotiated groundbreaking settlements that resulted in reforms to business practices, and have favorably shaped the laws impacting plaintiffs’ legal rights.
In July 2015, our attorneys filed a proposed class action lawsuit on behalf of 2015 Honda CR-V drivers who complained of unpleasant vibration in their vehicles. Our law firm was appointed Class Counsel on behalf of the vehicle owners.
We are also investigating a Honda CR-V automatic braking lawsuit, after drivers report unexpected braking by the automated system. A lawsuit alleges there is a defect in the Honda Sensing technology.
The Allegations in the Lawsuit
According to the complaint, a number of people who bought and leased 2015 CR-Vs reported vibration soon after buying their vehicle. The complaint alleges that when those drivers returned to dealerships or contacted Honda, they were often told that nothing was wrong with their vehicles or that no repairs could be provided.
In December 2015, Honda released a repair bulletin to its dealerships. The bulletin provided repairs for vibrations that occur at three different engine speeds (idle, low speeds, and high speeds – referred to as Modes 1, 2, and 3).
The vast majority of 2015 Honda CR-V drivers who have obtained the applicable repairs have not reported further vibration complaints or needed additional repairs. This is consistent with Honda’s research.
But the complaint alleges that Honda did not take appropriate steps to publicize the availability of these repairs, so drivers who were previously turned down for warrant coverage or repairs were not being told to return to obtain warrant-covered repairs.
What Does the Settlement Provide?
During the litigation, Plaintiffs concluded that not all 2015 CR-V vehicles were in need of repairs, but for those 2015 CR-Vs that received the repairs, they were typically effective in resolving complaints about the vibration.
To ensure that drivers knew they could obtain free and effective repairs under warranty, the settlement requires Honda to provide information to affected vehicle owners and lessees through a Customer Outreach Program. Honda will be posting this information through its Owner Link website, sending a series of reminders to its dealerships, and directly contacting those drivers who complained to Honda about the vibration but who have not obtained the appropriate repairs.
These communications make clear that the repairs are being provided free of charge under Honda’s Powertrain Limited Warranty (for Mode 1 repairs), which lasts through the earlier of 5 years and 60,000 miles, and Honda’s Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty (for Modes 2 and 3 repairs), which lasts through the earlier of 8 years and 80,000 miles.
If you need more information about the three modes, the repairs, or warranty coverage, you can review the repair bulletin or call Honda at 1-888-888-3082.
The settlement does not release class members’ rights to seek monetary relief. Rather, class members are reminded of their right to participate in a dispute resolution process with Honda if they remain dissatisfied. This includes the right to mediate or arbitrate under the procedure set forth in the Warranty Booklet, which provides an independent forum run by the National Center for Dispute Settlement (NCDS) and is available free of charge.
There is a dedicated website with information about the settlement. You can also learn more about the settlement by calling 1-888-888-3082 or by calling Honda’s Customer Service at the number listed on the inside front cover of your Warranty Booklet. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for November 6, 2018.
Who to contact if you have questions
For a website with more information, visit http://settlement-claims.com/CRVVibration/Notice.html. You can also learn more by calling 1-888-888-3082 or by calling Honda’s Customer Service at the number listed on the inside front cover of your Warranty Booklet.
You may also reach our auto defect lawyers by calling toll-free (800) 254-9493.
The attorneys with Gibbs Law Group have decades of experience representing consumers in auto defect cases against major vehicle manufacturers such as Honda, General Motors, Mazda, Toyota, and Ford. Our attorneys are also investigating a Honda CR-V automatic braking lawsuit.
Our Auto Attorneys
Dylan Hughes
Dylan Hughes concentrates his practice on investigating and prosecuting fraud matters on behalf of whistleblowers, consumers and employees harmed by corporate misconduct.
Dave Stein
David Stein represents clients in federal and state cases nationwide, ranging from securities and financial fraud class actions, to product liability, privacy, and data breach suits.
Steve Lopez
Steve Lopez represents consumers, employees, and whistleblowers harmed by corporate misconduct. He has prosecuted a variety of consumer protection and complex employment cases.