How Accurate is Your Car Speedometer?

Have you ever noticed if your car speedometer is reading faster than your actual speed? There is a federal regulation effective in 2005 and found in 49 CFR §393.82 that provides a car's speedometer must be accurate to within a plus or minus 5 mph at a speed of 50 mph. In fact, a previous class action lawsuit filed against Honda accused it of having odometers that were racking up miles too fast. Honda asserted that the odometers on some 6 million Hondas affected by the suit were accurate to within 3.75% on the high side. Honda agreed to a class action settlement and further agreed to lengthen the warranty mileage of affected vehicles by 5%, and pay lease-mileage penalties incurred by owners of Honda or Acura between 2001 and 2006. Honda reportedly suffered a $6 million setback due to the settlement. So, the next time you suspect a problem with your speedometer, do not assume such a problem is necessarily proper or acceptable.

For more information regarding risk management, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.