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Car buyers expect their vehicles to protect them, not put them in harm’s way. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issuing a final rule requiring Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on all new passenger cars and light trucks, safety standards are about to rise. But what does this mean if you own a defective vehicle in California? And how can this rule support your lemon law claim?
At The Lemon Firm, we represent California drivers who purchase vehicles that turn out to be unsafe or defective. Understanding how the new AEB requirement ties into safety-defect claims can give you an edge if you’re fighting for compensation.
What Is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)?
AEB is a safety technology that detects obstacles in a car’s path and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond in time. The system is designed to prevent rear-end crashes, lessen the severity of collisions, and protect pedestrians.
While many automakers already include AEB voluntarily, the new rule makes it mandatory. By requiring automakers to install AEB across the board, NHTSA is setting a clear baseline for safety.
The NHTSA Final Rule on AEB
In 2024, NHTSA issued its final rule mandating AEB technology. The regulation requires:
- Passenger cars and light trucks to include AEB as standard equipment.
- Pedestrian detection capabilities to help prevent pedestrian crashes.
- Performance standards ensuring that the system works at a range of speeds and in various conditions.
Manufacturers must comply on a set timeline, meaning new vehicles entering the market will be equipped with this life-saving feature.
Why AEB Matters for California Lemon Law Cases
California’s lemon law protects you when your vehicle has repeated defects that impair use, value, or safety. The AEB requirement strengthens your ability to argue that a defect is not a minor inconvenience but a real safety concern.
For example:
- If your car’s AEB system malfunctions or fails to activate, that failure now falls under federally mandated safety standards.
- Defects involving braking, sensors, or warning systems are harder for manufacturers to dismiss as “non-safety issues.”
- A defective AEB system may increase your chances of proving that the vehicle is unsafe and qualifies as a lemon.
Common AEB Defects Drivers Report
Like any complex technology, AEB systems are not immune to defects. California drivers have already reported issues such as:
- False activation: Brakes engage suddenly even when no obstacle is present.
- Failure to activate: The system does not detect obstacles or pedestrians.
- Sensor problems: Dirt, weather, or poor calibration causes malfunctions.
- Warning system errors: Dashboard lights or alerts fail to display properly.
These problems are more than an annoyance—they can cause accidents or make your car dangerous to drive.
How AEB Strengthens Your Safety-Defect Claim
By tying your claim to the new federal requirement, you can show that the defect directly undermines mandated safety features. This can help:
- Demonstrate safety impairment: Courts and arbitrators may take your claim more seriously when tied to a federally required system.
- Apply additional pressure on automakers: Manufacturers face regulatory consequences if their vehicles do not meet AEB standards.
- Support quicker resolutions: A clear safety link often speeds up lemon law claims because it reduces room for dispute.
What California Drivers Should Do
If your vehicle’s AEB system or any safety feature does not work properly, you should:
- Document the issue: Record when and how the problem occurs.
- Report to the dealer: Keep written records of repair attempts.
- Stay safe: Do not continue driving a car that feels unsafe.
- Seek legal advice: California’s lemon law gives you the right to pursue a refund or replacement.
How The Lemon Firm Can Help
At The Lemon Firm, we know how to hold automakers accountable when safety systems fail. We will review your repair history, gather evidence, and build a strong case under California’s lemon law. With the new AEB rule in place, we can use federal safety standards to bolster your claim and push for the outcome you deserve.
If your car’s AEB or any other safety system is defective, don’t wait. Contact The Lemon Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn your options.