NHTSA probes nearly 251,000 Honda vehicles over unintended braking

WASHINGTON — U.S. auto safety regulators have launched an investigation into nearly 251,000 Honda vehicles for unintended activation of the automatic emergency braking system.

The safety probe covers 2019-22 Honda Insight hybrid sedans and Honda Passport midsize crossovers.

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation said it received 46 complaints alleging inadvertent activation of the crash-avoidance technology in those vehicles "with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path," according to a report detailing the probe.

There have been three crashes or fires and two injuries related to the issue, the report said.

The agency opened the investigation March 7.

Vehicle owners have alleged the braking events occur without warning.

"The automatic brake goes on and off randomly. It has caused an accident in my vehicle and also two flat tires and wheel damage," one complaint said. "The sensors will make it brake on a smooth road with no vehicles nearby. It will also brake in the rain while turning a corner. It has put my safety at risk."

In another complaint, a vehicle owner in Nashville, Ind., reported a red brake warning light flashing on the dashboard display.

"Sometimes [the] vehicle will start braking on its [own]," the complaint said. "This has happened multiple times, randomly and with no obstructions in front, or even close to the car. Scary when it occurs."

NHTSA said it opened the probe to assess the scope and severity of the potential safety issue.

Honda spokesperson Chris Martin said the automaker is committed to safety and aware of NHTSA’s investigation.

“Honda has already been in communication with the agency on this topic and will cooperate with the NHTSA through the investigation process, while continuing our own internal review of the available information,” Martin said in a statement to Automotive News.

In February 2022, NHTSA opened an investigation into more than 1.7 million Honda vehicles for unintended automatic emergency braking. The still-open investigation covers 2018-19 Honda Accord midsize cars and 2017-19 Honda CR-V compact crossovers.

NHTSA also has proposed mandating automatic emergency braking, including pedestrian detection, on all new light-duty vehicles. Under a draft rule unveiled last year, the agency called for systems that can prevent or mitigate frontal crashes at higher speeds and work effectively in the dark.

With a safety probe, the agency will assess the scope and severity of the potential defect and other possible safety-related issues.

Most NHTSA investigations start as preliminary evaluations, in which agency engineers request information from the manufacturer, including data on complaints, injuries and warranty claims. The manufacturer also can present its view regarding the alleged defect and may issue a recall.

After the evaluation, NHTSA will either close the investigation or move into the next phase. If a safety-related defect exists, the agency might send a "recall request" letter to the manufacturer.