Honda Civic Rolls in Park Due to an Electronic Defect, Say Owners

A number of complaints filed by owners claim their Honda Civic rolls in park even after the vehicle’s indicators say the electronic parking brake is engaged. This serious safety issue is the cause of action in a recently proposed class-action lawsuit.

The lead plaintiffs in a class action filed on Nov. 1, 2018 allege that the “continuously variable transmission” (CTV) installed in vehicles produced during the 2016-2018 model years deceives drivers into thinking the vehicle is in park and that it is safe to get out.

The complaint asserts that Honda has been aware of the issue for some time.

Government Agency Announces a Recall

Over two years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall notice for over 350,000 2016 Honda Civics because of a malfunction with the electronic parking brake. The problem was traced to a software glitch that prevented the electronic parking brake from engaging if the driver tried to set it too soon after shutting down the motor.

Honda Civic Rolls in Park – And Honda Does Nothing

A class-action lawsuit was initiated a year later by plaintiff Heather F., who said her 2017 Honda Civic rolls in park. She had shut the vehicle down and put it in park, then proceeded to clean out the back seat. The vehicle began to roll backward with Heather still inside, she claims.

It slammed into a tree, totaling the vehicle and causing Heather to suffer minor injuries, according to the complaint. Although a customer service representative at Honda allegedly offered to have the vehicle inspected and cover the costs of the damage, Heather says the company later denied her claim when she asked them to buy back the vehicle and cover her increased insurance premiums.

In her lawsuit, she claimed the problem still existed in vehicles produced for the 2018 model year as well. Heather noted that her vehicle was “virtually identical” to the 2016 model, and that the 2018 Civic would have the same same problem.

The lawsuit alleged that almost 1 million Honda Civics have the same problem, and that Honda was aware of the danger – but failed to warn drivers of the defect.

What’s Going On?

According to the current lawsuit, Honda changed its gear shifter design starting with the 2016 model year. Attorneys for the plaintiffs believe that the shifter returns to “neutral” after the driver engages the “park” setting. Because of this, a driver mistakenly believes his or her vehicle is secured – but then, the Honda Civic rolls in park anyway, posing a danger of injury and property damage.

Plaintiffs also allege that that Honda neglected to install a “fail-safe” device that automatically secures the vehicle when the driver exits or provides a warning signal or other indicator that the park setting is not engaged (for example, many models prevent the key from being removed until the transmission is in park).

Attorneys for the lead plaintiffs are now reaching out to motorists who own a 2016-2018 Honda Civic and have been affected by this dangerous defect.

The current Honda Civic Class Action Lawsuit is Case No. 2:2018-cv-06121, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Join a Free Honda Civic Parking Brake Lawsuit Investigation

You may qualify to file a Honda Civic class action lawsuit under the following circumstances:

• You owned or leased a 2016, 2017 or 2018 Honda Civic.
• The vehicle rolled away after it was put in “park.”

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