Woman wins small-claims case against Honda

A judge in California ruled automaker Honda misled a Civic owner with its claim the hybrid vehicle could get as much as 50 miles per gallon of gasoline. Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner Douglas Carnahan ordered Civic owner Heather Peters receive $9,867 in damages, close to the $10,000 the Los Angeles resident was seeking in Small Claims Court, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. "It is a victory for Civic Hybrid owners and consumers everywhere," Peters said. "Sometimes big justice comes in small packages." A $10,000 award is the maximum allowed in Small Claims Court, which the Times said was more than the damages Peters would have collected if she had been part of a class-action lawsuit settlement proposal that would end broader litigation that made many of the same claims. The proposal was rejected. Peters sued Honda in Torrance Small Claims Court after learning that the proposed settlement that covered her 2006 Civic hybrid would pay trial lawyers $8.5 million while car owners would get $100 and rebate coupons good for the purchase of a new car, the Times said. She argued Honda advertised that the car would get about 50 miles per gallon, but "the car never got more than 41 or 42 even on its very best day." She said the fuel economy fell below 30 mpg after a software update that was supposed to extend the life of the car's battery and improve performance. California law bars companies from using attorneys in defending itself in Small Claims Court. Honda argued Peters' low fuel mileage could have resulted from her driving habits and how she maintained her vehicle. Honda has acknowledged that the battery on 2006-2008 model year Civic hybrids "may deteriorate and eventually fail" earlier than expected. When the battery pack can't be fully charged, the car uses the gas engine more, adversely affecting fuel economy. Honda, which declined comment, can ask that the trial be heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where it will be allowed to bring in lawyers to try to overturn the judgment.