Honda
recently caught the attention of U.S. auto safety regulators due to complaints about more than 1.7 million newer Hondas. The vehicles were stopping for no reason.Though automatic emergency braking systems have the potential to save lives for distracted drivers
, they’re not perfect. Can we trust an automated system that reacts to overpasses and shadows thinking they’re obstructions? Hondas are being probed for unexpected braking
According to 10TV-WBNS
, “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
says it has 278 complaints that the problem can happen in 2017 through 2019 CR-V SUVs and 2018 and 2019 Accord sedans.” Some owners even noted unexpected speed reductions that could leave them susceptible to rear collisions. Minor injuries were reported in six cases so far. According to 10TV-WBNS, a Virginia Honda owner’s 2018 CR-V unexpectedly stopped in late 2019. “‘While driving on an interstate with no vehicles or obstacles stopped in front of me, my car automatically braked hard,’ the owner wrote.” The abrupt stop resulted in the CR-V getting rear-ended, injuring two people.
In fact, automatic braking systems have kept the NHTSA busy with investigations. “On Feb. 17, the agency began investigating reports of similar malfunctions on about 416,000 Teslas after it received 354 complaints that the vehicles could stop for no reason,” notes 10TV-WBNS.
Teslas offer adaptive cruise control and Autopilot. These partially automated driver-assist features allow the cars to automatically brake and steer while keeping in their lanes. Unfortunately, not every owner will use the function correctly.
Can we rely on automated safety systems?
Thanks to cameras, sensors, and radar, these futuristic cars can often predict when a crash is about to happen. The system warns drivers to brake and will brake automatically for the driver if necessary.
This intuitive technology is not going anywhere. ABC News
reports that “20 automakers covering most of the industry agreed to voluntarily make automatic emergency braking standard on nearly all of their new vehicles by Sept. 1, 2022.” That’s this year! The NHTSA will also start to require these systems for passenger vehicles and large trucks.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, for the “first nine months of 2021, an estimated 31,720 people were killed on the nation’s highways,” according to ABC News.
In real-world situations, automatic braking doesn’t always work. Especially when involving pedestrians and driving in the dark. In fact, pedestrians are most vulnerable around these cars at night.
Though automated safety systems aren’t consistent, many automakers feel that it's better to have them work some of the time, than to not have them at all. But manufacturers still have a long way to go to instill confidence in the average consumer.
How to tell if your Honda is at risk
MORE: Recall Alert: 50,000 BMW Vehicles Face Braking Defect
Honda is currently looking into the automatic braking investigation and it's possible that it could end with a recall.
To check if your model is a contender, check out the Japanese automaker's
recall lookup on their website
. If your vehicle qualifies, we recommend taking your car to the nearest dealership as soon as possible (you may need to make an appointment). Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Honda dealers. You can also reach the Honda Automobile Customer Service to discuss your model at (800) 999-1009.
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