Honda CR-V Engine Vibration Class Action Consolidated in Ohio

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Earlier this month, a second amended Honda CR-V engine vibration class action lawsuit was filed in Ohio federal court.

The first Honda class action lawsuit was filed in California by plaintiff Vivian Romaya in May 2015. A total of six similar Honda CR-V class action lawsuits were filed in the state, and the parties sought to have them consolidated. There was a dispute about whether the cases should be consolidated in California or if they should be litigated in Ohio.

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. argued that the CR-V class action lawsuits should be litigated in California because the company is based in the Los Angeles area. Several plaintiffs agreed that the consolidated class action lawsuits should be handled in California because the location is convenient for the plaintiffs.

Another group of plaintiffs argued that the CR-V engine vibration class action lawsuits should be consolidated in Ohio because the location is more central for the proposed nationwide Class. In addition, Honda reportedly has significant research, design and manufacturing operations in Ohio. They also pointed out that the Southern District of Ohio has a “less crowded docket” than the California federal court system.

The Honda CR-V class action lawsuits were consolidated in Ohio as multidistrict litigation titled In re: American Honda Motor Co. Inc. CR-V Vibration Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation.

On March 3, the plaintiffs filed a second amended Honda class action lawsuit. They allege that Honda advertised the 2015 CR-V as having a new engine and transmission that would make the vehicle “best in class” in fuel efficiency.

“Behind the scenes, Honda’s quest to improve the CR-V’s fuel efficiency came with a significant tradeoff,” the Honda CR-V class action lawsuit alleges. “Typically, auto manufacturers must balance fuel efficiency against customer comfort since several methods for improving fuel efficiency also cause noise, vibration, and harshness problems.”

“In its eagerness to optimize the CR-V’s fuel economy, Honda produced a vehicle that experiences substantial vibration, including at idle and low speeds—vibration that drivers describe as ‘severe,’ ‘extremely distracting,’ and ‘nauseating,’” the Honda class action lawsuit alleges.

The plaintiffs claim that Honda was aware of the CR-V vibration problems before it began selling the 2015 CR-V “and had several viable options for mitigating the problem.” However, the class action lawsuit alleges that Honda failed to take steps to modify the CR-V because such modifications would have reduced fuel efficiency or required Honda to install expensive components to reduce the vibrations.

According to the Honda CR-V class action lawsuit, Honda failed to disclose the CR-V vibration defect to consumers because the company was concerned that consumers would not purchase the vehicle if they knew about the problem. In fact, the plaintiffs allege, a September 2014 press bulletin referred to the CR-V’s “vibration free operation.”

“By actively concealing the vibration problem from potential customers, Honda was able to sell and lease more vehicles at a higher price,” the Honda class action lawsuit alleges. When consumers complained about the extreme vibration problem, Honda allegedly refused to provide refunds or repairs.

The plaintiffs seek to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who purchased or leased a 2015 Honda CR-V in the United States.

The plaintiffs are respresented by David K. Stein, Eric H. Gibbs and Caroline Corbitt of Gibbs Law Group LLP and Mark H. Trautman and Gregory M. Travalio of Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Teetor LLC.

The Honda CR-V Engine Vibration Class Action Lawsuit is In re: American Honda Motor Co. Inc. CR-V Vibration Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No. 2:15-md-02661, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.

UPDATE: September 2018, the Honda CR-V vibration class action settlement is now open. Click here for more information.