Honda is facing a government probe following reports that some of its vehicles’ automatic emergency braking systems were causing drivers to crash.
According to a report filed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two Honda models, the Insight hybrid and Passport SUV, are at the focus of 46 complaints claiming that emergency brakes were applied without reason. Drivers cited instances where their vehicle attempted to stop with no apparent obstruction in its path, increasing the risk of collision.
One said the problem occurred at random when driving alone on a smooth road and during the rain when turning a corner, causing an accident, two flat tires, and wheel damage. Another Honda driver said the emergency brake applied itself “when the vehicle sensed a truck traveling on the driver’s side,” which caused it to “veer to the right and swipe a curb,” again resulting in wheel and tire damage. A third complaint said that a dealer attributed the issue to “dirt on the car logo that is in front of the radar.” However, the claimant clarified that the area was “not dirty in my opinion” and alleged the issue happened again after it was cleaned.
The issue affects the 2019 through 2022 model years and is tied to at least three crashes or fires and two injuries. The agency’s preliminary investigation believes roughly 251,000 units are affected. It is not clear if Honda was aware of the incidents, as the NHTSA file contains no mention of manufacturer reports.
