Faulty High-tech braking systems: Subaru and Honda Recalls
3 minute read
The safety of cars with automatic braking systems have been called into question with car manufactures issuing worldwide recalls in response to faulty program software. Car manufactures Subaru and Honda have announced large recalls due to malfunctioning technology designed to prevent rear-end crashes and avoid hitting pedestrians, yet instead are putting the vehicles at risk of collision.
Subaru has announced recalls of more than 5000 of its latest Outback wagon and Liberty sedan models equipped with Pre-Collisions Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control, due to a software programming issue.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in the event of a brake lamp switch failure in an affected vehicle, the pre-collision breaking system may not operate properly in an emergency braking situation, or may fail to adequately engage the brakes, potentially leading to an accident. Subaru ensures, however, that this defect does not affect the performance of the brakes when engaged by the driver.
Honda Australia is recalling more than 2000 of its latest Accord sedan 2013- 2015 and CR-V 2013- 2015 models, equipped with similar automotive emergency braking technology. The problem first surfaced in Japan in November of 2013 when an SUV braked for no reason and caused a rear-end collision. While Honda was investigating the matter, another incident occurred in June last year.
“In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System may unexpectedly activate while operating the vehicle,” the Honda recall statement says.
Furthermore, Acura, the luxury vehicle division of Honda, has also been forced to recall two models due to the same malfunction. The recall involves just under 48,000 MDX SUVs and RLX sedans from the 2012 and 2015 model years.
Subaru and Honda are not the only car manufacturers facing issues with autonomous braking systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in America commenced investigations into the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee braking systems, which have been alleged as also containing auto-brake system issues.
No accidents that have been attributed to failures of these automatic braking system have been reported in Australia.
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