NHTSA Engineering Analysis: Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking in Honda Insight (EA25-002)

EA25-002 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Honda Insight?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On March 7, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24008) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in model year 2019-2022 Honda Insight and 2019-2022 Honda Passport vehicles.

The complainants allege activation of the AEB system with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's path, resulting in rapid vehicle deceleration.

Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 412 reports that may relate to the alleged defect.

Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and stated that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the AEB system and its limitations.

However, many consumer complaints received by ODI allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that Honda dealerships informed the consumer that this is considered normal AEB operation.

To date, ODI has received a total of 106 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of AEB in the subject vehicles.In total, ODI reviewed 475 reports involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect.

Of the reports reviewed by ODI, three (3) allege a crash caused by the inadvertent activation of AEB and two (2) allege injury.

This Engineering Analysis is being opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations.

Further, the scope of the investigation is being expanded to include assessment of model year 2023 Honda Passport vehicles.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is an engineering analysis?

Engineering Analysis is the second, deeper stage of a federal defect investigation, opened when a preliminary evaluation finds enough evidence. NHTSA can test vehicles and demand detailed engineering data, and this stage often ends with a recall or a recall request.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Honda Insight owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 300 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2026 Honda Pilot Rear Suspension Recall (26V424)
• 2021-2022 Honda Pilot Rear Suspension Recall (26V365)
• 2021, 2023 Acura TLX Passenger Air Bag Recall (26V332)
• 2023-2024 Honda Passport Filler Pipe and Cap Recall (24V900)
• 2023 Honda Passport Rack and Pinion Recall (24V184)
• 2021-2022 Honda Pilot Passenger Air Bag Recall (24V064)
• 2021-2023 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Recall (23V858)
• 2021 Honda Civic Master Cylinder Recall (23V458)
• 2021-2023 Honda Odyssey Backup Camera Display Recall (23V431)
• 2021 Honda Pilot Visibility Exterior Recall (23V174)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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