(March 12, 2024) 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, Automotive News reported.

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.

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.

Source: Automotive News