250,000 Honda Passports,Insights Face Investigation for Phantom Braking Incidents

Mar 12, 2024 03:32 AM EDT

PARKED BLUE HONDA CAR — (Photo : PEXELS/Sebastian Pichard)

U.S. authorities are looking at the automatic emergency braking systems. The investigation covers 2019-2022 Honda Passport and Insight. The probe is due to reports of unanticipated braking occurrences. There have been apprehensions over possible weaknesses in the braking mechanism, as sources indicate that these problems could have led to two injuries.

Phantom Braking: Honda Under Investigation

Due to complaints from owners of specific Honda vehicles, federal investigators are currently investigating potential defects in the automated emergency braking system. Authorities have been notified of incidents involving unexplained brakes, commonly referred to as "phantom braking."

CarScoops says that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has 46 records of unplanned stops that have happened at various speeds. This safety issue results from phantom braking's elevated chance of collisions. As a result, the regulatory body has started a preliminary evaluation to determine the scope and gravity of the issue. In the event that NHTSA finds a safety concern, Honda may be asked to undertake a recall that involves up to 250,712 cars.

The Washington Post reported that Honda has stated its cooperation in the investigation and is conducting an internal review. The company has mentioned that the probe represents the initial stage of the agency's inquiry and focuses on a small number of consumer reports regarding unintended activation of the automatic emergency braking system.

Approximately two years ago, the NHTSA initiated an investigation based on complaints alleging that over 1.7 million Honda vehicles experienced braking without any obstacles present. This investigation encompassed two of Honda's top-selling models, the CR-V and Accord.

Customers' Complains

CarScoops also cited some to the customers complain regarding their Honda cars. An owner of a Honda Passport expressed on NHTSA's website that their vehicle intermittently triggers false forward collision alarms without any apparent cause. They described the experience of the BRAKE warning appearing and the steering wheel vibrating, emphasizing that this occurrence is distracting and potentially dangerous if the brakes are applied.

Despite this, the dealership informed them that this behavior is normal, which the owner strongly disagreed with, asserting that it is neither normal nor safe. Other vehicle owners reported similar experiences, as indicated by complaints filed with the organization.

Additionally, another owner stated that, apart from the unexpected braking incident that caused their vehicle to come to a full stop, they also encountered the shaking steering wheel. This second owner asserted that they had taken their Passport to a dealership three times. Although the braking system was recalibrated during the second visit, they allege that the issue persisted.

Honda Passport

According to Edmunds the most recent Accord (2024) serves as a reliable option for a family sedan, boasting spaciousness, practicality, and ease of handling. Opting for the hybrid powertrain can also result in impressive fuel efficiency. However, some of the latest technology and features in the Accord are only accessible in the highest trim level, the Touring. Without investing in a fully loaded model, the Accord may not stand out in its class as it previously did.