Hisense Smart TV Class Action: Defective Main Boards Alleged

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Hisense USA Corp., alleging that their smart TVs have defective main boards. The plaintiff claims that Hisense was aware of the defect but failed to disclose it to consumers.

Consumers Affected: Owners of Hisense 4K Android Smart TVs manufactured since 2019.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division

Hisense USA Corp., a major television manufacturer, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that the company knowingly sold smart TVs with a defective main board that causes significant performance issues.

The lawsuit, filed by Matthew Deyell in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, claims that Hisense 4K Android Smart TVs manufactured since 2019 are equipped with faulty main boards. These defects allegedly cause a range of problems, including slow response times, app crashes, difficulties turning the TV on or off, and an inability to download or launch apps.

Lawsuit Claims Hisense Smart TVs Have Defective Main Boards

Deyell accuses Hisense of being aware of these defects through product testing and consumer complaints but failing to disclose the issue to buyers. He argues that these performance problems, which often worsen after firmware updates, interfere with the TVs' core functions, especially the smart features that allow users to stream content, browse the internet, and use apps.

The lawsuit contends that consumers would not have purchased the TVs, or would have paid less for them, had they known about the defect. Making matters worse, the problems typically appear after the one-year warranty period has expired, leaving consumers to pay for repairs or replacements.

Deyell criticizes this limited warranty, calling it "unconscionable" given its short duration and the fact that Hisense allegedly knew about the main board defect during design, manufacturing, and even as consumer complaints began to surface.

"Still, Hisense opted not to warn, disclose, or otherwise inform the potential or eventual purchasers about the Defect,” the complaint states. “Hisense continues to refuse disclosure of this known defect to this date on newly sold Class Smart TVs," the lawsuit alleges.

Hisense Accused of Violating Warranty Laws, Misleading Consumers

The lawsuit claims that Hisense's actions violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which sets federal standards for warranties on consumer products. It also alleges breach of express and implied warranties, unjust enrichment, and violations of New York business law.

The Hisense smart TVs covered by the lawsuit include all 2019-present Hisense 4K Google OS Smart TVs sold in the United States, including the following models:

• H8, F and G series
• H9, F and G series
• H65
• U6, including the U6H and U6K models
• U8, including the U8N model
• A6 series

This is not the first time Hisense has faced a class action lawsuit over product defects. Earlier this year, the company was sued for allegedly selling refrigerators with defective shelves that could detach or break under normal use.

In the Hisense TVs class action lawsuit, Deyell is seeking actual, statutory, and punitive damages on behalf of himself and other affected consumers across the U.S. He is also seeking injunctive relief, which could require Hisense to take action to address the alleged defect, such as offering repairs, replacements, or refunds.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Matthew Deyell v. Hisense USA Corp.
• Case Number: 1:24-cv-04363-AT
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Kyle G.A. Wallace (Shiver Hamilton Campbell LLC)
• Nicholas A. Migliaccio and Jason Rathod (Migliaccio & Rathod LLP)

Have you experienced issues with your Hisense Smart TV? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.