Costco car batteries lawsuit could go bulk
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A Florida Costco Wholesale customer is seeking class-action status in a lawsuit against the warehouse store over its reneging on its “Free Replacement Policy” for defective car batteries, claiming the store charges consumers anyway.
As reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, lead plaintiff John Skrandel said he purchased the store’s Interstate Batteries believing he would get a free one if it died within 36 or 42 months. But instead of receiving a free replacement battery, Costco credited Mr. Skrandel and other customers for the amount they originally paid and then required them to pay the difference for a new battery, according to the newspaper.
If certified as a class action, the class would include all battery customers from Sept. 1, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2019. As reported, Costco changed its labels in late 2019 from “Free Replacement” to “Limited Warranty Replacement.”
The suit seeks refunds for overcharges, applicable statutory damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, “reasonable attorneys’ fees” and “further relief as is just and proper.”
