Honda Brake Problem Reports Spark Federal CR-V Investigation

Federal regulators are looking into a slew of Honda owner complaints about malfunctioning automatic braking systems in some 1.7 million CR-V sport-utility vehicles and Accord sedans.

More than 275 complaints have been lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Associated Press reports. Honda owners say their cars’ emergency braking systems have caused the vehicles to stop suddenly.

“Inadvertent or unexpected braking activation while driving can cause unexpected speed reductions that can lead to increased vulnerability to rear-end impact collisions,” NHTSA said in a recent report detailing the investigation. “The complaints allege that the inadvertent braking events occur without warning and randomly.”

At least six people who have filed complaints say the snafu caused accidents resulting in “minor injuries,” according to NHTSA.

The probe covers certain 2017-2019 CR-V SUVs and 2018-2019 Accord sedans. NHTSA said a preliminary evaluation has been launched “to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.”

A Honda spokesperson acknowledged the investigation in a statement to Automotive News.

“Honda will cooperate with the NHTSA through the investigation process, and we will continue our own internal review of the available information,” the spokesperson reportedly said.

The federal agency launched a similar investigation into complaints of phantom braking by Tesla owners in February.

California Honda Owners: Know Your Lemon Law Rights

The new probe is just the latest example of Honda owners being stuck with defective vehicles that pose real threats to everyone on the road.

Late last year, for example, the company recalled some 725,000 pickups and SUVs over a defect that Honda said could cause the vehicles’ hoods to fly open unexpectedly. The company noted at the time that the defect increased the risk of an accident.

The good news for Honda owners in California is that you do not need to wait for a recall in order to get a defective car fixed. The California lemon law gives you the power to take action. A California lemon law attorney at our firm can help.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law requires Honda and other carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) vehicles that they cannot or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing fees, and other related expenses, like rental vehicles and towing.

There is no particular number of repair requests or attempts that you must make for the buyback or replace requirement to kick in. 

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.