Hino Settlement Frequently Asked Questions
The U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Attorney General’s Office have reached a proposed settlement that would resolve a civil enforcement case against diesel engine manufacturer, Hino Motors Ltd.; Hino Motor Sales U.S.A.; and Hino Motors Manufacturing, U.S.A (collectively, Hino). The agencies filed the proposed settlement with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on January 15, 2025, which would resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and California law. The violations involve approximately 110,700 (~16,000 in California) model year 2010-2019 heavy-duty on-road and model year 2011-2019 off-road diesel engines made by Hino. The settlement terms are contained in two proposed consent decrees submitted to the court in companion lawsuits filed by the United States and California. All documents can be found on CARB’s website here.
CARB developed this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document to answer questions related to the settlement.[1]
- What did Hino do?
Hino sold model year 2010-2019 on-road heavy-duty diesel engines and model year 2011-2019 off-road diesel engines that failed to comply with California laws and regulations, as well as the Clean Air Act. Hino fabricated, altered, and omitted data in its certification applications to CARB and U.S. EPA. Hino failed to disclose Auxiliary Emission Control Devices that affected the emissions control systems resulting in increased oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, making them unapproved. Hino also conducted unreported and unapproved running changes and field fixes.
- What role did California play in uncovering these violations?
During review of Hino’s certification applications, CARB found inconsistencies in the emissions data and uncovered regulation violations. CARB then worked with U.S. EPA to conduct a thorough investigation, during which the agencies uncovered additional violations. Hino was cooperative throughout the investigation.
- What models are included in the settlement?
Model year 2010-2019 on-road heavy-duty diesel engines and model year 2011-2019 off-road diesel engines. For a list of subject engines in California, see Appendix E of the California Partial Consent Decree.
- What is included in the settlement?
The total estimated expense to Hino under this settlement, including civil and criminal penalties, mitigation, recalls, and other compliance activities, is approximately $1.5 billion. This includes a civil penalty, criminal fines, federal mitigation, California mitigation, vehicle recall, warranties, enhanced testing, and corporate compliance measures to prevent future violations.
- What should I do if I own one of these vehicles?
Owners of affected model year 2018-2020 heavy-duty diesel trucks should receive a letter with more information about the recall. The vehicle owner can schedule an appointment to have their vehicle repaired. Once Hino repairs the vehicle, Hino will provide the vehicle owner with an extended warranty for the emission control system.
- Is there a repair for this problem?
Hino is currently developing a software repair for some of the affected vehicles. Once CARB and U.S. EPA approve the repair, Hino will issue a recall. Vehicle owners and lessees will receive a letter from Hino on next steps.
- Do I have to get the repair to register my vehicle?
No. The recall is not mandatory.
- Who will pay for the repair?
There will be no charge to eligible vehicle owners or lessees for the repairs approved by CARB and U.S. EPA. Owners and lessees also do not have to release any right, including their right to sue the company, to get the repair.
- Will the repair affect my warranty?
Existing warranties remain in effect, regardless of whether owners/lessees get the repair or not. Any vehicle that receives the repair, which is optional, will get an extended warranty that covers labor (including diagnostics) and certain parts impacted by the repair, unless the vehicle has been modified with an aftermarket part, component, or software. The length of the extended warranty will vary by vehicle. For more information on what is covered by the extended warranty, please contact Hino. See also Appendix B, & Cof the US/CARB joint consent decree. As part of the settlement, Hino will be creating a website with more information.
If there are any issues related to the fix or extended warranty, please contact Hino at the contact information identified on the recall website or the Hino recall letter. Issues can also be reported to CARB at:HinoCD@arb.ca.gov.
- Will the repair affect my fuel economy or how well my vehicle operates?
The repairs are not expected to impact fuel economy, vehicle durability, or operation. Hino’s letter informing owners/lessees of the availability of a repair for affected vehicles will describe any anticipated impacts of the repair, if any.
- How long will the repair take?
For information about how long the repair will take, contact the Hino authorized dealer referenced in the repair notification letter.
- Can I get a loaner vehicle while my vehicle is being repaired?
The settlement does not include provisions for loaner vehicles while the vehicle is being repaired. However, if the vehicle encounters further deterioration to any emission components that relate to the Extended Warranty, contact Hino for inquiries about the potential for a loaner vehicle.
- What will the repair include?
The repair will include only what will be approved by the U.S. EPA and CARB.
- Can the company refuse to repair an affected vehicle?
Only under very limited circumstances can the company refuse the repair, such as if a vehicle has an aftermarket, emission-related part, component, or software on it that will substantially affect the operation of the vehicle with the repair. Owners or lessees can still get the repair if they pay to have the aftermarket, emission-related part, component, or software removed. If there are any issues related to the fix or extended warranty, as applicable, contact Hino at the contact information provided on the recall website or the notice letter. Issues can also be reported to CARB at: HinoCD@arb.ca.gov.
- Is this repair the same as a recall?
Yes.
- Will my dealer know about this case and repair?
Hino is required to tell authorized dealers of affected vehicles about the repair, so Hino dealers should be aware of the recall and respective repair. However, it’s best to use the contact information on the repair notification letter or go through the website for the repair to get the most accurate, up-to-date information.
- Is a vehicle buyback available in this case?
Vehicle buyback is not part of the settlement in this case.
- Why is the remedy available in this case different from that in the VW, Fiat-Chrysler, Daimler, or Cummins cases?
All settlements hold manufacturers accountable for noncompliance with State laws. However, the specific technologies are different in each case. Each remedy is specific to each case, which accounts for the differences in resolutions.
- Are there any other requirements in the settlement?
The settlement includes other requirements, including a penalty, mitigation, and corporate compliance measures to prevent future violations. For more information on the requirements in the settlement, see the US/CARB joint consent decree and the California partial consent decree located on CARB’s webpage.
- Does the settlement mitigate air pollution?
Yes.
[1] This FAQ document does not have the force of law, does not establish regulatory requirements, and is not legal advice. It does not supplant, replace, or amend the requirements in the filed consent decrees, nor does it contain all requirements in the consent decrees. For more information, please see the consent decrees on CARB’s website.