What is the Honda 1.5 lawsuit?
The Honda 1.5 lawsuit refers to consumer lawsuits alleging that Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engines burn oil excessively and cause related engine problems, prompting legal action and settlements. The cases involve several Honda models and years, and have produced warranty extensions and other remedies for some owners.
Background: the 1.5L turbo engine and affected models
Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engines—used in popular models such as the Civic, CR-V, HR-V, and some Accords—were designed to deliver efficiency and performance. Over time, multiple owners reported that these engines consumed oil at a higher-than-expected rate, sometimes with warning indicators or noise issues. Honda issued service bulletins and, in some cases, extended warranties or other remedies to address reported oil-consumption concerns, while the company defended the engines and disputed broad liability.
What the lawsuits allege
Below is a consolidated view of common themes that have appeared in several lawsuits filed by consumers:
- Excessive oil consumption beyond normal expectations, requiring frequent top-offs between scheduled oil changes.
- In some cases, engine damage or degraded performance linked to low oil levels or repeated oil consumption.
- Allegations that Honda failed to disclose the defect or provide an adequate remedy, warranty coverage, or recall/safety notices.
- Requests for reimbursement of repair costs, diminished resale value, and other damages arising from the alleged defect.
- Claims spanning multiple models and years, with outcomes varying by vehicle, model year, and individual circumstances.
These lawsuits have varied in name, jurisdiction, and specific relief sought, but the core issue centers on alleged oil-consumption defects in the 1.5L turbo engines and how Honda responded to those concerns.
How the cases have progressed
Litigation regarding the Honda 1.5L engine has unfolded across several courts, with a mix of filings, settlements, and ongoing actions. The landscape includes consumer class actions and individual actions in different states and federal venues. In some instances, plaintiffs and Honda reached settlements that provided extended warranty coverage or reimbursement options for certain repairs, while other cases remained unresolved or were dismissed/settled on a model-by-model basis. Government investigations and regulatory inquiries have also played a role in how these issues have been addressed publicly.
- Filing activity began in the mid-to-late 2010s, with complaints across multiple states and, in some instances, coordinated or consolidated actions in federal courts.
- Settlement and remedy terms have varied by model/year and by the specific lawsuit, with some owners receiving warranty extensions or reimbursement for eligible repairs.
- Other actions remain pending, subject to court rulings, ongoing negotiations, and evolving factual records about oil consumption patterns and repair costs.
Overall, there is no single nationwide settlement that covers all Honda 1.5L vehicles; outcomes depend on individual case details and the terms reached in any given resolution.
What owners can do now
If you own a Honda vehicle equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo engine and have experienced oil consumption or related issues, consider the following steps to understand your options and potential remedies:
- Check your vehicle’s warranty status and any extended coverage related to the 1.5L engine via Honda’s official owner site or your dealer.
- Review service bulletins and recalls related to oil consumption or engine issues for your specific model/year.
- Document oil-consumption behavior, service visits, and any repairs, including dates, mileage, and costs, as this information can support claims.
- Contact your Honda dealer or Honda Customer Service to inquire about available remedies, including potential reimbursements or warranty extensions.
- Consult a qualified attorney if you are considering joining a class action or pursuing individual legal action to understand eligibility and potential remedies.
- For added guidance, check announcements from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or state attorney general offices for any recalls, investigations, or notices related to the 1.5L engine.
Owners should tailor any action to their specific vehicle model, year, mileage, and maintenance history, and should seek legal or regulatory guidance before making formal claims.
Summary
The Honda 1.5L lawsuit landscape centers on consumer claims that the 1.5-liter turbo engines burn oil at an abnormal rate, potentially leading to repairs and other damages, and on Honda’s responses, which have included service bulletins, warranty extensions, and negotiated remedies in some cases. The outcomes vary by model and year, with ongoing cases in various venues. Owners should stay informed through Honda’s official channels, regulatory agencies, and, if needed, legal counsel to determine whether they qualify for remedies tied to these lawsuits.
