Honda, Acura paint defect $15M class action settlement

Honda Canada agreed to pay $15 million to resolve a class action lawsuit claiming the paint on certain Honda and Acura vehicles has a defect that can make the paint discolor and peel.

The settlement benefits consumers who purchased a 2006 to 2013 Honda Civic or 2006 to 2011 Acura CSX vehicle in Quebec and observed paint degradation (paint discoloration or peeling) after May 4, 2015, for Honda vehicles or after Sept. 4, 2017, for Acura vehicles.

Honda Canada is the Canadian branch of Honda Motor Co. The company sells Honda and Acura vehicles.

According to a class action lawsuit against Honda Canada, the company knowingly sold Honda and Acura vehicles with a paint defect. The paint allegedly suffered from premature degradation, resulting in paint discoloration and peeling. 

Plaintiffs in the case say they had to pay out of pocket to fix this issue despite Honda being at fault.

Honda Canada hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $15 million class action settlement to resolve these allegations.

Under the terms of the Honda paint defect settlement, class members can receive several benefits including reimbursement, repairs and more.

Class members who incurred unreimbursed expenses while trying to correct the defective paint after May 4, 2015, for Honda Civic vehicles or after Sept. 4, 2017, for Acura CSX vehicles can receive reimbursement of up to $2,550. 

Class members who experienced paint degradation and have not had their vehicle repainted can receive up to $2,550 to have their vehicle repainted at one of the many body shops authorized by the settlement.

Class members who qualify for the repainting payment of up to $2,550 but who do not wish to have their car repainted can receive 60% of what they would have received for repainting, or up to $1,530. 

Class members who sold their vehicle at a lower price due to paint degradation can receive up to $1,530 for the diminished resale value.

The payment amounts described above represent the maximum amount a class member can receive for each type of compensation. Actual compensation rates will vary depending on the year of the vehicle and the parts affected. 

For example, a class member whose 2013 vehicle experienced paint degradation on all parts would receive a maximum payment of $2,550. In contrast, a class member whose 2006 vehicle experienced paint degradation only on the roof would receive a payment of $348.81. More information regarding payment rates is available on the settlement website.

A judge granted final approval to the Honda paint defect settlement July 13, 2022.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by March 31, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Consumers who purchased a 2006 to 2013 Honda Civic or 2006 to 2011 Acura CSX vehicle in Quebec and observed paint degradation (paint discoloration or peeling) after May 4, 2015, for Honda vehicles or after Sept. 4, 2017, for Acura vehicles

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Proof of Ownership and other documentation will be required

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

03/31/2023

Case Name

Daunais, et al. v. Honda Canada Inc, Case No. 500-06-000927-182, in the Quebec Superior Court in Montreal, Quebec

Final Hearing

07/13/2022

Settlement Website

DriveWithStyle.ca

Claims Administrator

ca_daunais-c-honda@pwc.com
800-270-7047

Class Counsel

Éric Bertrand
Eric Cloutier
CBL & ASSOCIÉS, AVOCATS

Benoît Gamache
CABINET BG AVOCAT

Defense Counsel

Laurence Bich-Carrière
LAVERY DE BILLY LLP