What is the Honda paint lawsuit?

The Honda paint lawsuit refers to civil legal actions brought against Honda Motor Co. (and sometimes its dealers or affiliates) alleging defective paint on certain vehicles. Plaintiffs claim issues such as peeling, chipping, fading, or rust, and seek remedies like repairs, refunds, or damages. Some cases have resulted in settlements, while others remain pending as courts weigh warranty, consumer-fraud, or other legal theories.

Overview of the dispute

In the ongoing Honda paint litigation, plaintiffs describe a pattern of paint problems that they say undermine the vehicle’s appearance and, in some instances, its structural protection. The cases are filed in federal or state courts across multiple jurisdictions and can involve different model years and body styles. The central questions typically revolve around whether Honda adequately disclosed paint-related issues, whether the paint defects were covered under warranty, and what remedies should be provided to affected owners.

Legal theories commonly raised

Cases often hinge on several foundational legal theories, including:

• Breach of warranty (express or implied) for paint performance or defect


• Consumer protection claims based on alleged misrepresentation or failure to disclose paint issues


• Breach of implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose


• Lemon law or similar state consumer-law remedies in appropriate jurisdictions

In many instances, plaintiffs seek remedies such as repair or replacement of affected paint, reimbursement for repainting costs, damages for diminished resale value, or monetary settlements. The specific remedies available depend on the case, jurisdiction, and any settlements or court rulings that occur.

What models or years are involved and where lawsuits are located

Owners of various Honda cars and SUVs across different model years have filed or been named in paint-related lawsuits. The suits have been consolidated or pursued individually in courts across the United States, with plaintiffs citing similar paint-related failures. Because cases evolve as new filings occur and as courts issue rulings or approve settlements, the geographic scope and model-year coverage can shift over time.

Owners who suspect their vehicle is affected should monitor court dockets and official notices for any case updates, settlements, or amended complaints that may specify model years or vehicle lines involved in a given action.

What this means for Honda owners and buyers

For current Honda owners or prospective buyers, the litigation highlights several practical considerations. Remedies and protections can vary by jurisdiction, the model involved, and the specifics of the individual case or settlement. It is important to verify warranty coverage, review any dealer communications, and understand whether paint-related issues are addressed under a factory warranty extension or a settlement program if one applies to your vehicle.

• Check the vehicle’s warranty documentation for paint coverage and any extended warranty programs


• Document paint problems with dates, photos, and repair records


• Contact a Honda dealer or Honda customer service for guidance on coverage or settlements


• Consider consulting a consumer-law attorney to evaluate options, including lemon-law if applicable


• Monitor or participate in class-action settlements if you believe you are eligible

While each case has its own specifics, the overarching goal is to determine whether Honda provided adequate coverage or remedies for paint defects and what compensation, if any, is warranted for affected owners.

Steps owners can take now

If you own a Honda and notice paint problems, these steps can help you protect your rights and navigate potential litigation or settlements:

• Gather evidence: photos, service records, dates of paint issues, and any communications with dealers


• Review warranty terms and any service bulletins related to paint problems


• Contact Honda’s customer service or your local dealer for an official assessment and possible repair options


• File complaints with relevant consumer or automotive safety agencies if you believe there is a broader defect issue


• Consult with a qualified attorney to understand remedies available in your state and your eligibility for any settlements or class actions

Because litigation evolves, owners should rely on current court filings and official notices for precise rights and remedies tied to a specific model year and jurisdiction.

Summary

The Honda paint lawsuit landscape centers on claims that certain Honda vehicles have defective paint leading to peeling, chipping, fading, or rust, with plaintiffs seeking repairs, replacements, or damages. The actions span multiple jurisdictions and model years, and outcomes range from settlements to ongoing litigation. For affected owners, the path forward typically involves reviewing warranty coverage, documenting paint problems, engaging with Honda or dealerships, and, if appropriate, consulting legal counsel to explore remedies or class-action participation. Stay informed through official court records and company notices, as the status of these cases can change with new filings or settlements.

Will Honda repaint your car?

We know that it's important to get your car back to looking great after it's been in a collision, so our service department is here to help. Getting the right paint blend can be tricky, but our expert technicians will get your car looking great again in no time.

What is the white paint recall on Honda?

There is no active, widespread Honda recall for white paint, but some older models had a warranty extension for specific paint issues like peeling. Additionally, a class-action lawsuit was filed in late 2024 concerning defective white paint on many 2013-present Honda and Acura models, alleging issues like peeling, bubbling, and delamination. This lawsuit is distinct from the older warranty extensions. 
Warranty extension (older models)

• What it was: Honda issued a warranty extension for specific paint-related issues on certain older models. 
• Affected models and colors: Examples include the 2015-18 Fit and 2016-18 HR-V with White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) paint, and specific models with White Diamond Pearl paint. 
• Coverage: This was a warranty extension, not a recall, and provided coverage for 7 years from the original purchase date, regardless of mileage, for paint peeling on specific panels. 
• Note: This was a limited-time offer, and the extension has likely expired for many vehicles. 

Class-action lawsuit (newer models)

• What it is: A class-action lawsuit was filed in late 2024 alleging a defect in the white paint on many 2013-present Honda and Acura vehicles. 
• Alleged problem: The lawsuit claims the paint can peel, delaminate, bubble, or flake. 
• Affected models: The lawsuit mentions specific models and paint codes, including: 
  • Acura MDX in White Diamond Pearl paint (NH-603P) 
  • Honda Odyssey in White Diamond Pearl (NH-603P) or Taffeta White (NH-578) paint 
  • Honda Pilot in Taffeta White (NH-578) paint 
  • Honda Fit in White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) or Bellanova White paint 
  • Honda HR-V in White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) or Bellanova White paint 
• Current status: The lawsuit is ongoing. It is a legal claim, not a recall. 

What you can do

• Check your VIN: If you have a vehicle listed in the class action lawsuit, check your VIN status online to see if you are eligible for any related warranty extensions or the lawsuit. 
• Contact Honda: Contact Honda customer service to inquire about a potential warranty extension or to report the issue. 
• Consider a class-action lawsuit: If you are eligible, you may consider joining the class-action lawsuit or seeking repair under the terms of the lawsuit. 

What is the paint problem with Honda?

Honda faces lawsuits and complaints regarding paint defects, particularly with certain white and pearl white finishes on models from around 2013 and newer, which can result in peeling, flaking, and delamination. These issues are linked to problems with the paint application process, not just regional climate, and some vehicles have received extended warranty coverage for specific parts. Owners have also reported issues like rock chips, and some believe the paint is too thin due to environmental regulations.
 
Common Honda paint issues 
This video explains how paint thickness affects a vehicle's finish: 57sHonda JonYouTube · Apr 4, 2019

• Peeling, flaking, and delamination: The most frequently cited problem is the paint layers separating from the vehicle's surface, especially on white and pearl white models. 
• Rust-like spots: Some owners report a "rust-looking" appearance on their white cars, which can be caused by rail dust from transport. 
• Thin paint and rock chips: Some owners claim the paint is too thin, making vehicles prone to rock chips and other damage. 

What you can do
This video discusses how to address paint issues on a Honda Civic: 57sThe Rag CompanyYouTube · Jul 26, 2021

• Document the problem: Immediately take photos and videos of the issue and keep detailed records of any communication with your dealer or Honda. 
• Contact the dealership: Report the problem to your local dealership. Some models have received extended warranty coverage for specific areas, such as the leading edge of front fenders, roof, trunk, and upper portions of quarter panels and doors. 
• File a complaint: If you are unsatisfied with the dealership's response, file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at safercar.gov. 
• Consider a lawsuit: If you own a vehicle affected by this issue, you may be eligible to join a class-action lawsuit. For example, a class-action suit was filed in the US regarding white paint on 2013 and newer Honda and Acura vehicles. 

You can watch this video to learn more about a class action lawsuit concerning Honda paint issues: 59sHonda JonYouTube · Dec 19, 2024

Which Honda's are being recalled?

Honda has issued recalls for several models, including the 2023-2025 Accord Hybrid, 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid, and 2016-2021 Civic models. These recalls are for various issues, including a software flaw that can cause a loss of power in Accord Hybrids, a potential for wheels to detach in some Civic models, and a defect in the fuel pump that affects many Accord and other models. 
Recalls by issue

• Software Flaw: A software issue can cause a loss of power in some 2023-2025 Accord Hybrids. 
• Wheel Detachment: Some 2016-2021 Civic models are being recalled because the accessory wheels may detach. 
• Fuel Pump: Recalls have been issued for various models due to a fuel pump issue, including the 2023-2024 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid, 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid, and many models from 2018-2020. 
• Brake Pedal: Certain 2023-2025 Honda Pilot models are being recalled because a brake pedal pivot pin may not be properly secured. 
• Tailgate Wire Harness: Some 2020-2024 Honda Ridgeline models are being recalled due to a tailgate wire harness. 

How to check if your vehicle is affected
To check if your specific vehicle is included in a recall, use the VIN lookup tool on the Honda website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.