Honda loses case over Civic hybrid mileage

Honda was ordered to pay $9,867 in a Los Angeles Small Claims Court lawsuit to a woman who says her Civic hybrid didn't get the fuel mileage that was advertised, according to Bloomberg News.

“I am absolutely thrilled at the reports that I won, even though I won't see the actual judgment until it comes in the mail,” Heather Peters said in an e-mailed statement on Wednesday to the wire service. “It's a victory for Civic hybrid owners everywhere.”

Peters opted out of a class action and filed her own case in small-claims court, where plaintiffs and defendants represent themselves. The class action offered $100 in cash and a $500 coupon toward the purchase of a new car.

Honda argued that her driving habits and maintenance adversely affected the mileage, but it did acknowledge that the battery on the 2006-08 Civics may deteriorate and fail earlier than expected. That leads to more engine use and less mileage.

Peters said that the car never got more than 41 mpg or 42 mpg, and when she went to get a software update, it dropped below 30 mpg, Bloomberg reports.

Honda wants to take the case to the L.A. County Superior Court, where the company would be allowed to bring its legal team. Peters wants other Civic hybrid owners to file suit, going as far as reactivating her state law license so she can represent them against the company.

By Jake Lingeman