Agustin G. Valdez et al. v. Nissan North American, Inc. et al.

I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

On February 7, 2025, Agustin G. Valdez and Josie P. Castro (collectively, “Plaintiffs’’) filed a Complaint against Nissan North America, Inc. (“Defendant”) in Riverside County Superior Court asserting claims under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. (ECF No. 1-1.) Plaintiffs’ claims arise from the purchase of a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder (the “Vehicle”’) from Defendant. On March 26, 2025, Defendant removed the action to this Court based on diversity jurisdiction. (ECF No. 1.) On April 2, 2025, the Court ordered Defendant to show cause that the amount in controversy requirement was satisfied for diversity jurisdiction. (ECF No. 11.) Defendant responded, arguing that the ‘‘actual” damages at issue here are approximately $57,841.59, which was based on the Retail Installment Sales Contract (“RISC”) maintained in Defendant’s records; civil penalties would amount to approximately $115,683.18, the two-times maximum set by law; and attorneys’ fees Plaintiff's counsel would seek would be at least $5,000. (ECF No. 12.) On April 11, 2025, after the Court reviewed Defendant’s response, the Court found that the estimated amount in controversy was too…