The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has escalated its investigation into unexpected automatic braking in nearly 3 million Honda vehicles, moving it to an engineering analysis stage. The investigation, which began in February 2022, received 1,294 complaints about the problem, with reports of 47 crashes and 112 injuries. The issue involves the automatic emergency braking system braking the vehicles even when there is nothing in their forward path, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. The investigation covers Honda’s CR-V small SUV and Accord midsize car, with model years ranging from 2017 to 2022.
According to agency documents, Honda has suggested that some customers may have misunderstood the system and its limitations. However, consumers have reported in complaints that Honda dealers were unable to replicate the problem and considered such stops normal for the system. Some consumers have continued to experience the issue despite seeking assistance. Honda has stated that it will cooperate with the NHTSA on the investigation into the Collision Mitigation Braking System and will conduct its own internal review of the available information.
NHTSA will evaluate the frequency of the problem and its potential safety implications as part of the engineering analysis. This investigation is part of a series of probes into the performance of automatic braking systems, a technology that is intended to prevent rear-end crashes and save lives. NHTSA is working on developing regulations that would mandate the inclusion of these systems in new vehicles and establish standards for detecting obstacles and braking. Many new vehicles already come equipped with automatic braking systems as part of a voluntary industry program.
The outcome of the engineering analysis conducted by NHTSA will determine whether a recall of the affected Honda vehicles is necessary. The agency will assess the severity of the issue and the level of risk it poses to drivers and passengers. Automatic braking systems are seen as a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles, and any deficiencies in their performance could have significant implications for road safety. Honda and other automakers will be closely following the progress of the investigation and its potential implications for the industry as a whole.
Automatic braking technology has been praised for its potential to enhance vehicle safety and reduce the number of accidents on the road. However, issues such as unexpected braking without a clear obstruction in the vehicle’s path can undermine the effectiveness of these systems and pose additional risks to drivers. The NHTSA’s thorough investigation into the matter will shed light on the extent of the problem and help determine the appropriate course of action to address it. Consumers are advised to stay informed about the progress of the investigation and any potential recalls that may result from the agency’s findings.
