Fundamental automotive safety systems like seatbelts and crumple zones have existed since the 1950s. Technological advances, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, started appearing in the 1970s as electronics became more reliable. However, these are reactive features, equipment that responds to specific situations. While these technologies have undoubtedly saved countless lives, they did little (except for anti-lock brakes) to prevent accidents.

The dream of preventing or minimizing accidents became a reality when automatic emergency braking (AEB) began to appear on select automobiles (Honda and Mercedes are among the pioneers) for the 2003 model year. While initially limited to higher-end cars, AEB is standard equipment for most new passenger cars and light trucks sold today in the U.S.

The dominant presence of this technology is important because of the safety advantages of automatic emergency braking. A 2022 study by The Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety showed that AEB reduced front-to-rear collisions by 49%.

Yet, as frequently happens in modern society, technology isn’t always perfect. One rising issue is “phantom braking,” a situation in which an AEB system is activated without cause. In some cases, this can lead to the suddenly stopped vehicle being struck in a rear-end collision.

Consumer Reports’ William Wallace told Automotive News that automatic emergency braking “is a transformative safety technology, and it’s also true that when things go wrong with AEB, it has to be addressed right away.”

Let’s explore what’s behind the phantom braking problem and how the automotive industry is responding.

What is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)?

Before diving into the details of phantom braking, it’s essential to understand how AEB prevents or mitigates collisions. The system uses sensors, cameras, or radar to detect potential obstacles or imminent crashes and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time. AEB can engage in various scenarios, including potential collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects, and is intended to reduce the severity of accidents or avoid them altogether.

What is Phantom Braking? Understanding the AEB Glitch

Phantom braking occurs when an AEB system mistakenly triggers the brake pedal without any actual obstacles present. The activation can happen suddenly without the driver receiving any advance warning and being surprised in the process. The same technology (sensors, camera, radar, and software) that makes AEB so effective is also responsible for phantom braking incidents.

This random braking occurs when an AEB system misinterprets sensor readings and images as imminent crash threats. Shadows, overpasses, approaching vehicles, environmental conditions, and electronic interference can impact the activation process. Camera-based systems can also be vulnerable to bright sunlight (systems with radar and lidar don’t have this issue).

As reported in the Washington Post, Carnegie Mellon University professor Phil Koopman explained, “Phantom braking is what happens when the developers do not set the decision threshold properly for deciding when something is there versus a false alarm.”

Phantom braking isn’t limited to a particular make or model; mainstream and luxury brands have experienced these problems. Some of the most widely reported cases have involved popular models from manufacturers such as Tesla, Honda, and Nissan.

Recent Recalls Linked to AEB Phantom Braking

Phantom braking incidents have led to numerous recalls as automakers attempt to address the problem. Fixes usually involve software updates, though hardware replacements aren’t unheard of. Notable investigations and recalls related to AEB malfunctions and phantom braking issues include:

honda

In April 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expanded an investigation involving almost three million Hondas from the 2018 to 2022 model years. These Accords and CR-Vs are being investigated after dozens of crashes related to phantom braking incidents. While not yet rising to a recall, the situation is under review by NHTSA engineers.

General Motors

In February 2024, GM recalled almost 56,000 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks due to a malfunctioning front camera module, “causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.” The mandated correction is a dealer-installed software update.

Mazda

Mazda’s May 2024 recall for almost 10,000 CX-90 crossovers involves “the brakes may activate suddenly due to the automatic braking system falsely detecting certain objects while driving.” New software is the prescribed remedy.

Volkswagen

Following almost 60 complaints, the NHTSA opened an investigation in September 2023 into phantom braking incidents with the 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The analysis is still underway, possibly leading to a recall or closure with no further action.

Tesla

One of the earliest NHTSA regulator actions involving phantom braking surrounds a 2021 recall for select examples of the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The issue, corrected with an over-the-air software update, involved a “communication error” causing a false forward collision warning or activation of the AEB system.

This small sample of problems confirms that phantom braking incidents are far from infrequent. Every owner of an AEB-equipped car should be alerted to these incidents.

How to Identify If Your Car Is Affected by Phantom Braking

Recognizing the signs of a malfunctioning AEB system is crucial for driver safety. Some indicators that your vehicle may be experiencing phantom braking include:

• Sudden, unexpected automatic braking when no obstacles are present
• Frequent activation of the forward collision warning system without apparent cause
• Dashboard warnings related to the AEB or forward collision system
• Inconsistent behavior of the AEB system in similar driving conditions
• Increased sensitivity to overhead structures like bridges or signs
• False alerts or warnings about potential collisions occur when the road ahead is clear or when an oversized vehicle is approaching the opposite lane.

Importantly, not every false alarm or brief AEB system activation indicates a problem. Most systems are designed to be overly cautious. That said, don’t ignore frequent or severe phantom braking incidents. Here are steps to consider:

• Contact the Manufacturer: A phone call to the automaker’s customer service department gets your experience on record. At the same time, the manufacturer may be able to provide information or resources about the problem.
• Contact the Government: NHTSA acts as a clearinghouse for automobile-related complaints. You can file a safety report with the agency, which records your experience and helps the agency with its efforts.
• Contact the Dealer: Visiting a dealer for help is also vital. The company usually has specialized staff trained in advanced safety systems and can advise about relevant technical service bulletins (TSBs). TSBs are specialized service advisories issued by the manufacturer and aren’t readily accessible to the public.
• Check for Recalls: Visita el NHTSA website to check the recall status of any vehicle. It’s always wise to do this a few times a year, as recall notices can be delayed or may not be received if you’ve moved or purchased a used vehicle.
• Document Each Incident: Keep a detailed log of every phantom braking event. Record the date, time, location, driving conditions, and other relevant environmental information. These details can be crucial when reporting the issue to the manufacturer or NHTSA.
• Get an Inspection/System Alignment: Whether at the dealership or an experienced repair shop, consider having a qualified technician inspect the vehicle’s advanced safety systems, including the AEB feature. If needed, a system realignment may restore the equipment to normal functioning.

Stay Informed

Keeping up-to-date about recalls and safety notices for your specific car model is essential. You can:

• Register your vehicle with the manufacturer to receive direct communications about recalls and advisories.
• Regularly check the NHTSA website for recall information.
• Sign up for NHTSA email alerts about vehicle safety issues.
• Follow automotive news sources for reports on AEB-related issues and recalls.
• Join owner forums or groups for information about common issues.

The Safety Risks of Phantom Braking for Drivers

Beyond the startling effects of a phantom braking incident, there’s a real-world risk of being hit by another vehicle. Automotive News reported that one driver, Larry Davis, had struck a Honda Accord that suddenly stopped in the middle of a highway after its AEB system had been unexpectedly activated.

Fortunately, everyone escaped even minor injury, but Davis faced a double whammy. His insurance payment didn’t cover the cost of a replacement vehicle, and he was hit with increased premiums. To make matters worse, Davis was charged with careless driving, requiring hiring a lawyer for charges that were eventually dismissed.

“There’s no doubt automatic braking has saved somebody’s life,” but for automakers, “that doesn’t absolve them of responsibility for those times when the system causes an accident,” Davis remarked.

Davis’ plight underscores the risks today’s drivers face with AEB. The technology is proven to prevent accidents and save lives, but even innocent parties can have their health, well-being, and financial status affected when an AEB system goes astray.

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Can Help

Complex systems like automatic emergency braking systems and autonomous or autopilot cars mean only one thing after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired: expensive repair bills. This is where an extended car warranty (also known as an auto protection plan or contrato de servicio de vehiculo) can provide valuable coverage and peace of mind.

Endurance offers auto protection designed to cover a wide range of problems. One option, the Supreme program, provides exclusionary coverage similar to a new car garantía de parachoques a parachoques. It’s the best way to be protected when something goes wrong with a sophisticated component in today’s high-tech vehicles.

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