Investigation of Honda Vehicles With Unintentional Emergency Braking Progresses Towards Potential Recall

Investigation of Honda Vehicles With Unintentional Emergency Braking Progresses Towards Potential Recall

In a recent development, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its investigation into unexpected automatic braking in Honda vehicles, taking a step closer towards a potential recall. This move comes after the agency received 1,294 complaints regarding the issue, primarily from consumers and through the company.

The investigation focuses on two of Honda’s most popular models, namely the CR-V small SUV and the Accord midsize car. Initially, the probe covered specific model years, but it has now been expanded to include the 2017 through 2022 CR-V and the 2018 through 2022 Accord. The NHTSA’s decision to upgrade the investigation to an engineering analysis is significant, as it marks the final step before the agency can officially request a recall. However, it is important to note that the vehicles are not being recalled at this time.

According to agency documents, Honda has stated that some customers may have had an insufficient understanding of the system and its limitations. On the other hand, consumers who filed complaints argue that Honda dealers were unable to reproduce the problem and dismissed it as normal behavior for the system. In some instances, consumers claim that the issue persisted despite their efforts to address it.

In response to the investigation, Honda has released a statement affirming its commitment to cooperating with the NHTSA and conducting its own internal review of available information. The company’s Collision Mitigation Braking System is under scrutiny, and the NHTSA will assess the frequency of the problem and its potential safety implications.

This investigation is part of a series of inquiries conducted by the NHTSA into the performance of automatic braking systems. This technology has been lauded for its ability to prevent rear-end crashes and save lives. In fact, the NHTSA is currently working on regulations that would make these systems mandatory in new vehicles, along with setting standards for detecting obstacles and initiating braking.

While most new vehicles already come equipped with automatic braking systems as part of a voluntary industry program, the NHTSA’s investigations highlight the need for stricter regulations and standards to ensure their effectiveness and reliability. As automotive technology continues to advance, it is imperative that safety features like automatic braking systems are thoroughly tested and meet rigorous standards to protect drivers and passengers on the road.

As the investigation progresses, consumers who own Honda CR-Vs and Accords within the specified model years should remain vigilant and report any instances of unexpected automatic braking to both Honda and the NHTSA. Additionally, potential buyers of these models should stay updated on the investigation’s outcome to make informed decisions regarding their vehicle purchases.

Overall, this investigation serves as a reminder that even advanced safety features can have flaws, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement in automotive technologies. The collaboration between manufacturers, regulatory bodies like the NHTSA, and consumers is crucial in ensuring that vehicles on the road are safe and reliable.