Woman sues Honda in small claims

January 4, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

TORRANCE, Calif.

A woman who expected her Civic Hybrid to be her dream car wants Honda to pay for not delivering the 50 mpg it promised.

But rather than joining other owners in a class- action lawsuit, Heather Peters is going solo against the automaker in small-claims court, an unusual move that could offer a bigger payout. And if successful, it could open the door to a flood of similar lawsuits.

A trial is set for Tuesday in Torrance, where American Honda Motor Co. has its West Coast headquarters.

Peters, a former lawyer, says that as her vehicle’s battery deteriorated, it got only 30 mpg.

When Honda ignored her complaints, she filed legal papers seeking reimbursement for her trouble and the extra money she spent on gas.

The suit could cost the company up to $10,000.