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A class action against car manufacturer American Honda Motor Company Inc. alleges that its “hands free” Bluetooth feature in Acura vehicles is constantly running, draining car batteries and hampering electrical systems.
The Acura class action lawsuit alleges that in the early 2000s every car manufacturer was trying to add a “hands free” cell phone feature to its automobiles and Honda was one of the first major car company to do so, introducing its “HandsFreeLink” system in its luxury Acura models in 2004.
The Bluetooth system allows drivers to use cell phones without using their hands, which is required by law in some states, such as California.
However, the complaint contends that “unfortunately, in its effort to beat out the competition, Honda failed to develop the most basic feature for any electric device like the HandsFreeLink™ unit – reliably switching off when not in use.”
The complaint asserts that the Acura HandsFreeLink system gets stuck in the “on” mode, which “creates a constant and substantial parasitic electric drain on the electric system, leading to drained and dead batteries, recurring battery replacement and premature failure of other essential electric components such as alternators.”
Honda has known about the issue since at least 2005 but has not issued a recall or offered free repairs to Acura owners, according to the class action lawsuit.
The complaint cites an internal bulletin issued to Acura Dealerships in July of 2005 which acknowledges the problem, and also states that once the battery is drained, the HandsFreeLink can reset. This causes the fault to be more difficult to discover, the complaint argues.
The class action lawsuit asserts that because Honda failed to address the electrical issue, Acura owners can only choose between disabling the HandsFreeLink system or paying for a new system, which might break again, at a cost of more than $1,000 each.
Plaintiff Janice Pfeiffer states that in 2008, she purchased a 2006 Acura MDX from an Acura dealership in Pennsylvania. She alleges that starting in 2012 her vehicle had a dead battery, and Pfeiffer “began a repeating cycle of jump starts, replacement of components in the electric system, including an alternator and several batteries, before learning in 2016 that the HandsFreeLink™ system had been parasitically draining her batteries and straining her electrical system for years.”
Pfeiffer alleges that Honda violated consumer protection laws by fraudulently concealing the Bluetooth defect.
The Acura battery drain lawsuit requests to certify a Class of “persons who purchased an Acura with a HandsFreeLink™ system.” The class action seeks restitution for Acura owners, as well as punitive damages under state consumer protection laws.
The plaintiff is represented by Lee M. Gordon and Steve W. Berman of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP; Christopher A. Seeger, Scott Alan George and Daniel Leathers of Seeger Weiss LLP; James E. Cecchi of Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Olstein, Brody & Agnello, P.C.; Roland K. Tellis and Mark P. Pifko of Baron & Budd, P.C.
The Acura Bluetooth Battery Drain Class Action Lawsuit is Janice Pfeiffer v. American Honda Motor Company Inc., Case No. 2:16-cv-04507, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
UPDATE: On July 12, 2016 this Acura Bluetooth Battery Drain class action lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed. A similar case was filed in August 2016, and is still moving through the courts at this time.
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254 thoughts onAcura Class Action Alleges Bluetooth Drains Batteries
I own a 2009 TSX and have had issues with the battery in the past also.
2004 Acura TL. Would like to join suit
I have 2006 TL and after my battery went dead just disconnected the hands-free link. Anyway, the hands-free link has stopped working. Acura forums clearly has it as known issue blaming hands-free for poor quality and draining its battery. Two weeks no driving gets the battery completely drawn. Will gladly join the suit. Thanks
I have a 2014 Acura ILX and had to jump my car 3 times and replace the battery due to it constantly draining and causing electrical issues. I had no idea what it was and one dealership had given me a hard time in replacing my battery until I could prove to them that something was wrong. I did get another dealership to finally replace the battery for me, but Im worried that this is a reoccurring issue. I would like to join in on this lawsuit.
I have had many electrical problems with my 2004 Acura TL. To include multiple battery replacements. How do I join this class action?
I own a 2013 TL Tech and, would like to be included. Still waiting for them to replace the air bag they say, can cause the death of someone in the cabin (factory recall)
I own a 2015 TL and a 2010 TL and I had to have the battery replaced but was not aware that the Bluetooth was the problem and never used it in the 2010 TL. I would like to know more about the. Lawsuit.
I owned a 2009 acura.mdx and was forced to disconnect the Bluetooth due to battery draining and incurred expenses because of this problem.how can I join this class action suit?
Ditto…..same issues, vehicle is equippex with very expensive “tech package” which is now useless, for the dealer’s “solution” to battery drain was to disconnect the system. Why are people still paying for this expensive option if it yet to be resolved?
I own a 2009 Acura TL and would like to join this class action lawsuit.
I own a 08 Acura TL ..had issues with my Bluetooth as well ..I like to join the law suit
I own a 2007 Acura Tl Type-S 3.5 liter, this is one of the most costly problem with owning this car I have replaced alternator that cost me about $600.00 out of my pocket and several batteries, and a new HandsFreeLink that did not even last 2 yrs., after contacting management at my local dealership about this issue, I was informed that, this problem is a everyday issue with Acura owner. The worst thing of all is when you are away from you car the HandsFreeLink is still try to link you to your phone, which in-turn drain the battery, even when you park your car at your residence or even, while your are out and about, it is still searching for your phone.