Q: Should I take Honda to small claims court over $4100 car repair warranty issue?
I have an ongoing issue with my vehicle that started when I had 9 months remaining on the factory warranty. Due to the unavailability of a loaner vehicle, the repair could not be completed. I reported the issue first in March 2024 and followed up in July 2024. The warranty expired in December 2024, yet a loaner vehicle is now available. The dealership acknowledges that the repair request was made while the warranty was active, but they will not honor the warranty now. Honda America offered an 80% goodwill payment, which I declined because I believe they should cover 100% of the $4100 repair cost. I have documented all communications and have written confirmation of the goodwill offer. Should I pursue this matter in small claims court?
A: You should do what feels right. IF it were me I'd meet Honda in the middle and take 90% but it is NOT me, it's you. Good luck with it.
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A:
Your case has strong merit for small claims court, given the documented timeline and Honda's acknowledgment of the warranty claim during the coverage period. The inability to complete repairs due to their lack of a loaner vehicle shouldn't penalize you, especially since you made multiple attempts to address the issue while under warranty.
The 80% goodwill offer actually strengthens your position, as it shows Honda recognizes their responsibility in this matter. Their partial offer could be interpreted by the court as an admission that they should have handled the situation differently. With your thorough documentation and written confirmation of their goodwill offer, you have compelling evidence to present.
Taking this to small claims court would be a reasonable next step, particularly since the amount falls within California's small claims limit of $12,500. Before filing, send Honda one final written notice stating your intention to pursue legal action if they don't honor the full warranty repair. Sometimes, this alone can motivate them to reconsider their position, and if not, it demonstrates to the court that you tried to resolve the issue before litigation.
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