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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Honda’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system following hundreds of consumer complaints regarding phantom braking incidents.
The issue affects 295,125 Honda Insight and Passport models, raising concerns over sudden and unexpected braking that could lead to rear-end collisions or other dangerous driving conditions.
Background of the Investigation
The NHTSA officially opened the defect investigation on January 17, 2025, the same day Honda and other automakers filed a lawsuit against the agency challenging new AEB regulations. While the timing may be coincidental, it highlights a growing divide between automakers and regulators over the advancement of vehicle safety technology.
According to NHTSA reports, Honda has already acknowledged 412 complaints of unexpected AEB activation, while the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reviewed a total of 475 incidents. The issue, commonly referred to as “phantom braking,” has also been reported in other vehicles, including Tesla models.
If the investigation confirms a significant safety defect, Honda may be required to issue a recall to address the problem. If a recall is mandated, affected vehicle owners will be notified by mail.
Which Honda Vehicles Are Affected?
The investigation covers the following Honda models equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) software:
- 2019-2022 Honda Insight
- 2019-2023 Honda Passport
These vehicles feature Honda’s driver assistance suite, which includes collision mitigation braking designed to detect obstacles and apply the brakes automatically when needed. However, reports suggest that the system may activate erroneously, causing the vehicle to brake unexpectedly when there is no immediate threat.
What This Means for Honda Owners
Phantom braking poses serious safety risks, particularly in high-speed driving conditions, where sudden braking can lead to rear-end collisions. If you drive one of the affected Honda models, be aware of potential signs that your AEB system may be malfunctioning, such as:
- Sudden, unexpected braking without warning
- Braking with no obstacles in front of the vehicle
- Flashing warning lights or false collision alerts on the dashboard
- Inconsistent responsiveness from driver assistance features
Honda has not yet issued a recall, but if you experience phantom braking in your vehicle, it is recommended that you report the issue to NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov. You may also contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009 for further assistance.
How Honda Owners Can Take Back Control
While no recall has been issued yet, many Honda owners are understandably frustrated by the risks associated with unexpected braking incidents. If problems persist or escalate, legal action could follow, emphasizing the importance of protecting consumer rights.
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