Midas, a nationwide auto-repair chain specializing in mufflers and brakes, sells Midas-brand brake pads and shoes (sometimes described as "Midas VSD" [vehicle specific design]) to its customers. However, although customers pay for the Midas-brand brake and believe they are receiving that specific, premium brake pad or shoe with a lifetime guarantee, Midas franchises actually install an undisclosed, unapproved brake pad or shoe. While Midas prohibits its franchisees from selling non-Midas brakes without explicit, written authorization, Midas nevertheless knowingly permits its franchisees to sell non-Midas brake pads and shoes but describe them as Midas-brand brake pads and shoes. The proposed putative class consists of all California consumers who purchased what were described as Midas-brand brakes but were, in fact, an undisclosed substitute. Relief sought includes injunctive relief aimed at ending Midas’ fraudulent practices and the return of all monies paid to Midas and its franchisees for the falsely designated, non-Midas brake pads.

We are in the process of identifying new individuals to serve as lead plaintiffs and proposed class representatives. The Court granted Plaintiff's request to issue Letter Notices to a sample subset of the putative class for that purpose.