Thousands of Honda CR-V Models May Struggle With Phantom Braking
We don’t recommend hitting the brakes about this potential Honda CR-V problem. About 1.7 million Honda CR-V and Honda Accord models may struggle with unexpected emergency braking, leading to collisions and injuries.
Honda CR-V and Accord models are randomly braking
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation about unexpected emergency braking incidents involving 1.7 million Honda CR-V and Honda Accord models. An investigation is the first regulatory step in the process of creating a recall campaign.
The models involved include the 2017-2019 CR-V and the 2018-2019 Accord. This case is based on hundreds of customer complaints. Some of the random emergency braking events led to collisions and injuries.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation report explained that inadvertent or unexpected braking activation while driving might cause unexpected speed reductions that can lead to increased vulnerability to rear-end impact collisions. The complaints allege that the inadvertent braking events occur randomly or without warning.
The report also explained that the ODI is opening a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.
So, the NHTSA is investigating the possible issue based on 278 complaints. Six of them included reports of minor injuries due to collisions caused by unexpected brake activation.
How safe is the CR-V?
The Honda CR-V is still considered to be a safe SUV, but it may have a recall to address the phantom braking issue. The CR-V and Accord are facing Early Warning Reporting. Based on what the NHTSA finds, there might not be a need for a recall.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the CR-V is a Top Safety Pick for 2022. It scored Good ratings in most of its simulated crash tests. Good is the highest rating that a vehicle can earn.
However, the CR-V did receive Acceptable scores for its ability to protect passengers in the event of side impacts. It scored an acceptable rating for protecting the pelvis on both sides and a marginal rating for protecting the torso.
The child seat anchors also received an Acceptable rating. The tethers can be difficult to find and can easily be confused with other equipment. Plus, too much force is required to attach them.
Does the CR-V have brake problems?
Brake problems aren’t among the most common Honda CR-V problems. If you’re concerned about your Honda Accord or CR-V, then it’s best to currently wait to see what the NHTSA finds.
According to CarComplaints, the 2015 CR-V is the model with the most reported problems. Out of over 400 reported issues, there are only 57 are related to the brakes. Meanwhile, there are 350 reports of engine trouble.
The 2017 CR-V has 183 reports of brake problems with 531 engine complaints. That’s concerning, but this model year is part of the braking investigation. The 2018 model racked up 144 brake complaints, and the 2019 model has 47 reports.
We will keep an eye on this investigation to see if it turns into a recall. Until then, the 2015 CR-V’s engine trouble seems more concerning than the random braking problem.
