Acura recalling 19.5K cars over automatic braking problem

Thu, Jun 11 2015

Acura is recalling 19,502 vehicles to fix a software issue with their Collision Mitigation Braking System on the 2014-2015 MDX and RLX, plus the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the technology can falsely interpret things like metal fences and guardrails along the side of the road as obstacles and unexpectedly apply "emergency braking force." Obviously, that would be rather disconcerting while driving.

Number of Auto Recalls by Model Year | AxleGeeks

According to the detailed documents from NHTSA, the first account of this happening came from Japan in November 2013, and that vehicle was rear-ended when the system suddenly braked. Another incident was identified there in June 2014. However, there have been no reports of this happening in the US.

The fix is quite simple, though and just requires a software update for the system. Affected owners will be notified by mail, and the repair will be done at no charge.

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RECALL Subject : Activation of Collision Mitigation Braking System

Report Receipt Date: MAY 20, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V301000
Component(s): FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 19,502
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
ACURA MDX 2014-2015
ACURA RLX 2014-2015
ACURA RLX HYBRID 2014

Details

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

SUMMARY:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce