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A massive recall could be on the way. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) is investigating the Honda CR-V and Honda Accord. The Honda CR-V phantom braking problem might be worse than expected. 

The Honda Accord and Honda CR-V phantom braking problems are under investigation 

For the past few years, there have been discussions about Honda Accord and Honda CR-V phantom braking problems. 

However, this dangerous problem seemed to be swept under the rug until the NHTSA investigation probe led by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was upgraded to an engineering analysis to dig a little deeper. 

The team is researching the random activation of the emergency braking system in about three million Honda Accord and Honda CR-V models. This potential issue involves 2017 – 2019 CR-V models and 2018 – 2019 Accord models. 

Honda refers to the technology in question as the Collison Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The initial probe started on February 21, 2022, after receiving reports of the system activating with no obstruction in the vehicle’s path. 

The 2024 Honda CR-V driving on a dirt road
2024 Honda CR-V | Honda

As a result, the rapid decreased acceleration increased the risk of injuries and accidents. It’s not exactly good when your car suddenly stops in traffic with the chance of being rear-ended. 

As of writing this article, the NHSTA has received roughly 1,294 reports of the CMBS system suddenly activating. Also, 31 of those complaints involved a crash related to the problem, and 50 complaints reported 58 injuries. 

Honda is cooperating with the investigation and sharing information related to the possible defect. However, Honda claims customers may have had a lack of understanding of the CMBS and its limitations. 

This still sounds like a problem created by Honda, though. If there isn’t a Honda CR-V phantom braking problem, then why is the system so hard to understand? 

Unfortunately, all you can do is wait at the moment. An NHTSA engineering analysis typically takes 18 months before a recall happens. Until then, stay tuned for updates! 

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.