Automatic Braking Systems Are Causing Accidents: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems are meant to prevent crashes, but what happens when they fail or activate at the wrong time? Recent lawsuits and investigations have revealed alarming risks, linking AEB malfunctions to unexpected braking, rear-end collisions, and serious injuries.
Imagine cruising down the highway, enjoying your drive, when suddenly—BAM! Your car slams on the brakes out of nowhere. There’s no car in front of you, no obstacle in sight, yet your automatic emergency braking (AEB) system decided to stop you in your tracks. Your heart pounds as the driver behind you swerves to avoid a rear-end collision. This may sound unlikely, but it can happen.
If you own a vehicle equipped with AEB, you might think it’s there to protect you. And while these systems are designed to prevent crashes, they can sometimes do the exact opposite—causing sudden, unnecessary braking, increasing the risk of accidents, and even leading to lawsuits and recalls. So, how can an advanced safety feature turn into a dangerous liability? In this article, our Florida car accident attorneys discuss recent investigations and lawsuits, the risks of AEB malfunctions, how to stay safe when driving with AEB systems, and what to do if you are involved in an accident caused by automatic braking.
Recent AEB lawsuits and investigations
Earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that over 295,000 Honda vehicles are being investigated due to reports of crashes and injuries caused by automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. Officials claim the AEB systems in these cars were unintentionally activated, which increased the risk of an accident caused by rapid deceleration. Yet, the latest probe into certain Honda models is just one of many AEB investigations in recent years:
- Nissan: The NHTSA investigated reports of AEB in Nissan Rogue vehicles (2017-2018 models) engaging the brakes unexpectedly, with no obstacles present. The issue affected over 550,000 vehicles and led to multiple complaints of near-crashes.
- Volkswagen and Audi: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Volkswagen, alleging that their AEB systems had defective sensors, causing phantom braking or failing to stop when needed.
- Tesla: In 2022, the automaker faced an investigation into over 400,000 vehicles due to phantom braking incidents, where cars braked randomly at high speeds.
These recent lawsuits and investigations expose serious safety concerns about automatic braking systems. Multiple reports from the NHTSA show that AEB systems can malfunction, increasing the risk of crashes rather than preventing them. Therefore, drivers must understand the potential dangers of AEB systems and stay informed about how their vehicle’s safety features operate.
The hidden dangers of automatic braking systems
Automatic braking systems are “intelligent safety features” designed to react faster than a human driver to prevent accidents. But what happens when the system reacts to things that aren’t actually there? Here are the most common automatic braking system malfunctions:
- Phantom braking – Your automatic braking system might misinterpret shadows, road signs, or even overpasses as hazards, leading to sudden braking. This can cause dangerous rear-end collisions, especially at highway speeds.
- Failure to detect real obstacles – Automatic braking systems rely on cameras and sensors, which can malfunction in bad weather (rain, fog, or snow). If the system fails to detect a stopped car or pedestrian, it might not brake when you actually need it to.
- False sense of security – Drivers who rely too heavily on AEB might become less vigilant. This is especially true for individuals who drive vehicles equipped with advanced autopilot capabilities, such as Teslas. But remember, these systems are not perfect and should never replace attentive driving.
How to drive safely with AEB systems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recommended AEB for vehicles since 2015. The NHTSA plans to require AEB in all passenger vehicles and light trucks by 2029. That means the majority of vehicles purchased within the last five years are equipped with AEB systems. If your vehicle has AEB, here’s how you can prevent accidents and stay in control:
- Stay alert – AEB is a backup, not a substitute for safe driving. Always be ready to react.
- Know your system – Every vehicle’s AEB system behaves differently. Read your owner’s manual to understand how yours works.
- Check for recalls – Stay updated on recalls for your vehicle model to avoid potential AEB defects. You can check for recalls here.
- Keep sensors clean – Dirt, snow, or fog can interfere with your vehicle’s AEB system. Regularly clean cameras and sensors.
- Customize AEB settings – Some vehicles allow you to adjust the sensitivity or turn off AEB if it becomes too problematic.
What to do if you’re in an AEB-related accident
AEB-related accidents do happen and they can occur in various ways, often when the system misinterprets road conditions or malfunctions at critical moments. One of the most common issues is phantom braking, where the car suddenly applies the brakes for no apparent reason, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions as unsuspecting drivers behind may not have enough time to react. Conversely, AEB can also fail to engage when needed, leading to T-bone or head-on crashes if the system doesn’t detect an obstacle in time. Additionally, abrupt and unnecessary braking can cause multi-car pileups, especially on highways where vehicles travel at high speeds. These malfunctions not only put the driver at risk but also endanger passengers and other road users.
If you are involved in an AEB-related accident, here’s how to protect yourself:
- Document everything – Note when and how the malfunction occurred. Take photos, collect witness statements, and get a copy of any dashcam footage if available.
- Report the issue – Notify your vehicle manufacturer and file a complaint with the NHTSA.
- Seek legal help – You may be entitled to compensation if a defective AEB system caused your accident. Avera & Smith has extensive experience helping injured victims pursue compensation for accidents caused by defective products, including faulty automatic braking systems. With a strong track record in product liability cases and class-action lawsuits, our legal team is dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable and securing justice for those harmed by unsafe vehicle technologies.
AEB systems can be life-saving when they work correctly. However, as real-world cases have shown, these systems are far from perfect. If you drive a car with AEB, stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t blindly trust your car to do all the braking for you.
Injured in an accident caused by an AEB malfunction?
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If you are involved or injured in a car accident—including those caused by faulty equipment like malfunctioning AEB systems—Avera & Smith has the experience and resources to help you seek justice.
With over 70 years of legal expertise, our team includes board-certified attorneys, a distinction earned by only a select group of lawyers (less than 1% in Florida) who have demonstrated exceptional skill, knowledge, and success in their field. This certification signifies a higher level of competence in handling complex cases, including those involving defective vehicle technology. We have a proven track record of standing up to insurance companies and large manufacturers and corporations, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
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