Navien, a popular manufacturer of tankless water heaters and boilers, has faced scrutiny following accusations that certain models contain a design flaw. This has spawned nationwide class action lawsuits and investigations from attorneys general in multiple states.
Core Problems the Lawsuits Allege
Navien lawsuits argue that their heating units are prone to several malfunctions, including:
- Heat Exchanger Failure: The component transferring heat to water corrodes due to condensation, causing leaks that can leave you with cold water or cause internal damage.
- Exhaust Leaks: Flawed gaskets where venting connections attach may release carbon monoxide, a severe health hazard.
- Misleading Efficiency Claims: Lawsuits contend the failure-prone systems don’t meet advertised energy efficiency and thus can’t deliver promised cost savings.
Models Impacted: Not Everything From Navien
Lawsuits generally center on these product lines:
- NPE Series Tankless Water Heaters
- NFB Series Combi-Boilers
- NHB Series Boilers
It’s vital to note that not every Navien unit is deemed defective.
| Complete Date | Case/Inquiry | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Consumer Reports Article/California Inquiry | N/A | N/A | Consumer Reports article amplified existing customer complaints, Attorney General launches inquiry |
| 2022 | Multiple Class Actions & Consolidations | Various | District Courts | Cases argued defects were common and known to Navien, lawsuits combined |
| Aug 2023 | Preliminary Settlement Proposed | Case No. 2:22-cv-3590-RGK-E | U.S. District Court – Central District of California | If approved, will impact multiple consolidated class actions |
The Proposed 2023 Settlement: What It Could Mean
Currently under court review, the settlement includes:
- Monetary Payments: Partial reimbursement for repairs related to common failures, depending on documentation. Full replacement in extreme cases.
- Extended Warranty: Increased coverage periods to reduce future out-of-pocket costs if failures occur.
- Important Caveats: Details matter! Reimbursements depend on repair types, model, etc. Attorneys will still get fees deducted from payouts.
The Ripple Effects
Lawsuits against Navien hold wider implications, such as:
- Focus on Condensing Units: They’re more complex with potential new failure modes needing consumer & installer awareness.
- Warranty Scrutiny: Terms around what voids coverage have gotten more attention following this controversy, not just with Navien.
- Repair Technician Role: Proper installation and diagnosing specific models becomes crucial due to complexity.
What Should Navien Owners Do?
- Get Informed: Sites like [[invalid URL removed]]([invalid URL removed]) (once court approved) outline settlement details.
- Keep Records: Maintenance history, receipts for Navien-specific repairs help if making claims later, in or out of the settlement.
- Weigh Replacement Costs: If your unit is old and problems arise, compare repair to an upgraded unit, as newer technology MAY be less risky.
Legal Landscape Ongoing
Lawsuits, the 2023 settlement, and potential additional challenges ahead raise issues with lasting impacts on consumers and appliance manufacturers alike.
