Judge Kimberly J. Mueller of the Eastern District of California approved a settlement of a class action lawsuit on behalf of a nationwide class of owners and lessees of 2006–2011 Honda Civics with rear drum brakes. Plaintiffs Stacie Zakskorn, Javier Hidalgo, and Rachelle Schreiber alleged that these vehicles had a defective braking system, causing the front brake pads to wear prematurely. Because of the defect, the brake pads required replacement approximately every 7,500 to 15,000 miles, more frequently than the 30,000-mile life expectancy of a properly functioning braking system. Honda refused to repair the brake defect under warranty.
Caddell & Chapman served as co-lead counsel on behalf of the class, obtaining final approval of a settlement which provided partial reimbursement for premature brake pad replacements, according to the approximate percentage of expected use that class members received from their brake pads. In approving the settlement, Judge Mueller certified a nationwide class and found that the settlement was fair and adequate. The court also approved the requested attorneys’ fees and costs of $850,000 and service awards to the class representatives of $2,500 each.
This settlement will provide needed relief to thousands of car owners who faced unexpected and unwarranted brake repair expenses. The case is Zakskorn v. Am. Honda Motor Co., Inc., No. 11-cv-02610 (E.D. Cal.).
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