After a series of complaints and crashes, federal safety regulators have launched a probe into an unexpected braking issue in 2018-2019 Honda Accord sedans and 2019 Honda CR-V SUVs. There have been 278 consumer complaints stating that the vehicles’ automatic emergency braking (AEB) system suddenly and inadvertently brakes while in motion. According to Consumer Reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it is aware of six collisions with minor injuries that may be related to this issue. More than 1.7 million vehicles are involved in this investigation.
Unexpected Braking Issue
AEB systems are designed to detect vehicles and other obstacles and automatically slow down the vehicle to prevent or lessen the severity of a crash. There is no question that this technology has helped reduce crashes and save lives. But, the complaints NHTSA has received about these vehicles say that the unexpected braking occurs without warning and randomly, sometimes involving large speed changes even when there are no obstacles on the roadway. NHTSA says drivers are at an increased risk of being involved in a rear-end crash when unexpected braking occurs. Honda officials have said they will cooperate with NHSTA through the investigation process and continue their own internal review of the information. Nissan is also under investigation for similar braking problems. In 2019, Mazda issued a recall for a similar problem. Meanwhile, NHTSA is investigating electric carmaker Tesla for a phenomenon known as “phantom braking,” when the vehicle suddenly brakes while the Autopilot driver-assist system is engaged.Understanding a NHTSA Probe
During such an investigation involving a serious vehicle safety defect, NHTSA gets information from the automaker allowing the company to present its own arguments relating to the defect. Most investigations are closed within a year because the manufacturer decided to issue a recall, or NHTSA decides there are no issues relating to vehicle safety. Sometimes, the probe continues for a longer period of time if the investigation requires further analysis. A recall occurs when the automaker and/or NHTSA find that a safety defect exists and must be corrected or that the vehicle doesn’t meet federal safety standards. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective auto or vehicle part, such as this unexpected braking issue, you may be able to file an auto product liability lawsuit. You could recover compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. An experienced auto defect lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/nhtsa-investigates-honda-unexpected-braking-complaints-a9281526240/
Scott Ritsema
Scott Ritsema is a California personal injury attorney with over 3 decades of experience representing injured plaintiffs throughout Southern California. A top-rated trial lawyer, Scott is also a partner at the law firm of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP and has helped secure millions in verdicts & settlements. Scott has successfully taken on hundreds of cases and has had much success in and out of California courtrooms.
