The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledges 46 complaints concerning unintended automatic emergency braking activation in Honda Passport and Insight models from 2019 to 2022.
These reports, along with field observations, prompted a preliminary investigation, PE24008, encompassing over 250,000 units.
Should the inquiry culminate in a safety recall, American Honda Motor Co. would be mandated to rectify 250,712 affected vehicles, addressing alleged phantom braking incidents. Complaints suggest unwarranted system activation in the absence of obstructions, possibly stemming from software calibration discrepancies.
Notably, while automatic emergency braking isn’t obligatory for light-duty vehicles, a proposed rule in May 2023 aims to mandate its inclusion, projected to prevent thousands of injuries annually.
Despite AEB’s widespread adoption, the proposed regulation advocates for enhanced pedestrian detection capabilities and higher speed avoidance protocols.
Amidst ongoing investigations and regulatory developments, Honda’s discontinuation of the Insight post-2022 underscores shifting market dynamics.
Conversely, the Passport, featuring a standard V6 engine and available all-wheel drive, continues to cater to SUV enthusiasts, showcasing Honda’s commitment to diverse market segments.
