Honda class action overview:
- Who: A group of Honda owners are suing the automaker.
- Why: The plaintiffs claim some Honda vehicles have defective white paint that can peel and flake.
- Where: The class action was filed in a California federal court.
Honda has been hit with a new class action lawsuit alleging certain models of its vehicles from model year 2013 onward suffer from a white paint defect that leads to peeling, bubbling, and flaking.
Plaintiffs Jim Clemmens, Terri Hernandez, and Marie Toussaint filed the class action complaint against American Honda Motor Company Inc. on Nov. 12, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
The plaintiffs claim that Honda was aware of the issue but failed to disclose it, leaving affected customers with costly repairs or diminished vehicle value.
According to the lawsuit, the defect applies to all model years from 2013 to the present of the following vehicles:
- Acura MDX in White Diamond Pearl paint (NH-603P)
- Honda Odyssey in White Diamond Pearl paint (NH-603P) or Taffeta White paint (NH-578)
- Honda Pilot in Taffeta White paint (Paint Code NH-578)
- Honda Fit in White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White paint (Paint Code NH-788P)
- Honda HR-V in White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White paint (Paint Code NH-788P)
The plaintiffs claim the defect stems from problems in Honda’s manufacturing process, particularly with the application of “three-stage” white paint, which gives cars a pearlescent finish.
The defect allegedly causes the paint to delaminate and fail, reducing the cars’ value and forcing owners to either live with unsightly damage or pay out-of-pocket for repainting.
“The appearance of the surface significantly affects a customer’s perception of product quality,” the lawsuit says, adding that the defect goes beyond aesthetics to impact resale value and protection against rust.
While Honda extended warranties for some models of the vehicles, the plaintiffs say the automaker hasn’t done enough to remedy the problem. They say repainting fails to fully resolve the issue, as the defect remains in other parts of the vehicle.
As a result, the plaintiffs are suing on behalf of anyone in the United States who bought or leased one of the affected vehicles. They are suing Honda for fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty, and violations of consumer protection laws in California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
Meanwhile, Honda is recalling about 720,000 vehicles over concerns they may have leaky fuel pumps that put drivers at risk of a fire or a crash.
What do you think about the allegations in this Honda class action? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Daniel L. Keller of Keller, Fishback & Jackson LLP and Stephen J. Fearon, Jr. and Paul V. Sweeny of Squitieri & Fearon LLP.
The Honda class action is Jim Clemmens et al. v. American Honda Motor Company Inc., Case No. 2:24-cv-09728 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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249 thoughts onHonda class action alleges some vehicles have paint defect
My 2022 Honda Pilot special edition bumper peeled 6 months after purchasing it brand new. Had to go back and forth with Honda before they replaced it, because it could not just be painted.
My son has anew Honda accord, he has had it for ( 3 ) months an the paint is peeling on the trunk, top, an hood. He was told by the FACTORY an DEALER that Honda DID not, DID not warranty the PAINT. The car is a 2025 model an it is SILVER. The factory suggest you go to the off market warranty to seek damage repair. This company tell’s you after either call or email or text they will get back to you in 4-5 day’s. The whole thing seems like a SCAM.
I actually submitted this request to add a lawsuit and was never notified that it was set up. My 2014 odyessey is peeling like crazy. I have had a few paint jobs done on certain panels, but the problem continued to spread. Can I get compensation?
My girlfriend purchased a 2016 brand new with the White Orchid Paint. The roof recently began to peel so we contacted Honda. We learned there was an extended 7 yr warranty but we are now 1 year over that warranty. After going back and forth with Honda they ultimately offered 20% off the cost to repaint the roof. We declined as we feel they should cover the entire cost. We would like to add her vehicle to lawsuit if possible!
I was never made aware that I can join a class action law suit . I also know they have a fund set aside for those of us who need compensation and wasn’t notified. I have 2016 Honda hrv white paint chipping in several areas. My information is valid and never has changed.