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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
2017 RDX with 36,400 miles and I just put in my 3rd battery, first battery lasted for 23,700 miles, 2nd battery lasted for only 13,000 miles and my Acura dealership claims this is all normal. This is so far from normal. Would love to join in the class action lawsuit, but also would strongly suggest that you do not buy an Acura product and do not do business with Acura North in Sanford, Florida, worst customer service ever. Clearly something is draining the battery, so I brought it for everything be checked and was told a wheel alignment. Since when does a wheel alignment have anything to do with the battery. I have documented everything done to this car for the last 4 years and was also told that the vehicle was “old”. Sure does not say much about their product if they think 4 years is old.
I too have the same issues with blue tooth now they say radio and dvd never shuts off so I need to send them out if they can be fixed
I too want to join class action suit
I have a 2006 Acura MDX I’m having the same problem as a lot of others have had. The dealerships have never once told me it maybe the Hfl or the ac clutch relay that could be draining my batteries. I have been through numerous batteries and A lot of money. I feel American Honda should rectify this problem. They knew about this
We had a issue a couple months ago. Battery was bad & we needed a new one. Just last week RDX wouldn’t start again even after being jumped. So we brought it back o the shop & had it tested. It was still in good condition but was totally drained. So now back In 2016, we had to replace the battery & then was told a moth or 2 that he alternator was now dead. Saying the alternator was probably the cause of the dead battery. So last week the RDX sat for just 2 days as it has before with no issue. So, we were told that something was draining the battery & possibly the alternator might be gone again. Nope, It was fine. So we just got a call telling us it was the Bluetooth module. So, I as well would like to be added to the class action suit but after reading some posts. That doesn’t always fix it either. Possibly because this Bluetooth module has damaged other parts. Great!!!
3 batteries in two years of ownership! I can’t let my 2012 Acura TL sit for more than two days before the battery is drained and it won’t start. How can I join this class action?
2011 acura mdx, I am on my 6th battery since purchasing this used vehicle in 2015
I have just paid $350 to replace my battery and disconnect my Bluetooth unit. I would like to learn how I can be added to this lawsuit and what the status is of the suit.
I have just paid $350 to replace my battery and disconnect my Bluetooth unit, on my 2011 Acura TSX. I would like to learn how I can be added to this lawsuit and what the status is of the suit. Is there a law firm I can contact to be added to this lawsuit?
my son has acura 2009 tsx with the same issue of battery drainage. we always replaced battery thinking that was the issue but drainage still continues.
My Acura TSX 2011 having this issue almost every other day. I have to rely on my jump starter and battery pack. I hope Acura/Honda can address this issue.
I want to join also. We have two 2012 MDX. Having this issue too.