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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 have owned 5 acuras from 1996-2012 & have had to replace batteries & alternators
I have a 2004 acura tl and I have lost money do to this issue.
I have a TSX,I would like to join
I own a 2007 MDX. My battery died 2-3x before the dealer told me it was the Bluetooth. I had to ask several times for them to disconnect the Bluetooth (they wanted me to do it), before they finally did. This was 2 years ago. I miss my Bluetooth! Please add me to this class!
I had a 2010 TLX & had to have it jump started several times – but never had the battery replaced as it would be fine for a while then it would do it again – but was told it was a fluke – traded that in for a 2013 ILX – had the same issue but when the battery was checked it was fine ( both were leased cars & did not take to dealer with issue as again was told it was a fluke) I now own a 2013 TLX and to date have not yet had an issue with this car – thou sometimes the bluetooth has a mind of its own & I have to disconnect the call & wait till I am not driving ( I live in NJ & are required to use a hands free) not sure if the issue is related to this – but I would like more info on the class action, as I have no idea as I have no idea what the future will bring ( I have only had the car since end of August).
I own a 2016 Acura, and I would like to join this lawsuit.
How do I join this suit? I have a 2004 Acura TL with these issues . It has caused me to be stranded , put myself and my children in danger, an unbelievable amount if unnecessary repairs.
I have a 06 TSX and would like to join the lawsuit how can i do this I’m presently going through this right now i have replaced the alternator and is on my 3rd battery have to get a jump this morning I’m really fed up should have been an easy fix for Acura why not a recall in place to fix this problem and is there a risk for electrical fire. Potential danger ??
I own a 2009 Acura TL and just replaced a battery. I’m always trying to get my phone to disconnect from the hands free link.
Do 2014 Chevrolet impalas have this issue?
Do Honda vehicles have this problem?