A class action lawsuit alleges a faulty valve timing control (VTC) actuator in certain Honda models causes engine damage and potential safety hazards. Honda denies the claims, but the lawsuit continues, potentially impacting millions of vehicles and the automaker’s reputation.
Affected Vehicles:
- 2013-2018 Honda Accord
- 2013-2018 Honda CR-V
- 2016-2018 Honda Civic
- 2015-2018 Honda Pilot (equipped with 14310-R44-A01 VTC actuator)
Allegations:
- Defective VTC actuator leads to:
- Engine stalling and loss of power
- Malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination
- Increased emissions
- Engine timing chain damage
- Potential complete engine failure
- Engine overheating hazard due to the defect
Honda’s Response:
- Denies allegations and affirms vehicle safety
- Cooperating with the VTC actuator investigation
Current Status:
- Discovery phase: evidence exchange and witness depositions ongoing
- Trial date uncertain
Potential Impact:
- Millions of vehicles potentially recalled
- Billions in damages for affected consumers
- Reputational damage to Honda’s safety and reliability
Advice for Honda Vehicle Owners:
- Monitor for potential issues like stalling, power loss, or MIL activation
- Get your vehicle inspected for a faulty VTC actuator
- Contact Honda with concerns
- Consider joining the class action lawsuit if experiencing problems.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2015 | Mary Quackenbush et al. v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | N/A | Various District Courts (later consolidated) | Allegations: Defective VTC actuator (part #14310-R44-A01) in certain Honda models causes engine issues (stalling, power loss, etc.) and potential safety risks (overheating, fire). | – Affected vehicles: 2013-18 Accord, CR-V, Civic, Pilot. – Potential damage: timing chain, engine failure. |
| Jan 2019 | Class Certification Granted | N/A | Various District Courts | Lawsuit certified as class action, allowing affected vehicle owners to join. | – Two states (CA & IL) initially included, later reduced to IL only. |
| Oct 2023 | Jury Verdict (Illinois) | N/A | Illinois District Court | Jury finds actuator defect caused engine issues in IL, awarding limited damages to specific owners. | – Verdict applies to specific repair class in Illinois only. – No nationwide recall or broader compensation yet. |
| Ongoing | Discovery & Appeals | N/A | Various Courts | Legal proceedings continue, with potential for appeals and further rulings. | – Outcome could impact other states and broader class of affected vehicles. |
