The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Wednesday that it has upgraded its investigation into reports of unintended activation of automatic emergency braking systems in approximately 3 million Honda Motor vehicles to an engineering analysis.
Before the auto safety regulator can potentially issue a recall, an engineering analysis is required. The investigation includes Honda’s popular Accord sedans and CR-V crossover SUVs.
NHTSA has received 2,876 consumer complaints, along with reports of 93 injuries and 47 crashes involving Honda vehicles with unique vehicle identification numbers that may be linked to the issue.
In February 2022, the regulator initiated a preliminary evaluation on about 1.7 million Honda vehicles to evaluate claims that the automatic emergency braking system activated without any apparent obstruction in the vehicle’s path.
Initially focused on 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles, the probe has now been expanded to include 2020-2022 models of both the Honda CR-V and Accord.
Honda has not yet responded to a Reuters request for comment.
Honda’s Autonomous Emergency Braking system functions by utilizing radar and camera technology to apply strong braking pressure if an accident is imminent, while also providing drivers with visual and audible alerts before engaging.
FAQ
What is an engineering analysis?
An engineering analysis is a mandatory step taken by NHTSA before considering a recall, where in-depth investigation and analysis of the reported issue are conducted.
How does Honda’s Autonomous Emergency Braking work?
The system uses radar and camera technology to detect potential collisions and applies braking force if necessary to mitigate or prevent an accident.
Conclusion
The NHTSA’s decision to upgrade the investigation into Honda’s automatic emergency braking systems highlights the significance of addressing safety concerns promptly. As the probe expands to include newer models, it is crucial for automakers to ensure the reliability and performance of such critical safety features.
