I was driving down US Route 42 on 10/4/25 at 1:10 AM and my car phantom break itself while I was doing 60 miles an hour on the highway.
2020 Honda Accord brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 58, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The vehicle keeps braking automatically with nothing in front of me, I see numerous people reporting it so I figured I should aswell, nothing in front or near me when it automatically brakes, it is scary as heck tho!
Good Morning, I have new Honda Accord 2020 which always been taken care of regular services and oil changes etc. This morning I tried to start my car going to work but suddenly all brake related warning signs came off. My card still not starting the engine. I researched online and found out many people who have same Honda facing same issues. So I figured it's better to be reported before someone gets really hurts while on road. Please find attached pictured with this incident report please.
On September 2, 2025 at 1004-1005 EST, my car phantom braked, when there was nothing in front of me and this time instead of just flashing brake on the dashboard, it actually breaks itself and threw me into the steering wheel thank God my seatbelt caught me, but it really choked me up. This has happened quite a number of times before, but this is the first time that it breaked when I actually stepped on the brake pedal it break itself myself also. The component is the automatic breaking for the collision impact that keeps phantom breaking on me. It has never been looked at by a dealer or anyone otherwise. The lamp that came on was the BREAK lamp where the rpm are at.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Brakes" was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but no fault for the issue was identified. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and eventually, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake booster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,000.
There has been multiple times that when I am driving on the highway doing 60 miles an hour, the dashboard will light up to BRAKE the car when there is nothing in front of the car, no other car no trash nothing. It has done this on slower roads where the speed limit is 40 mph and under but it will actually brake the car and I have had cars behind me when this happens. This keeps happening multiply times a week.
Electrical drain in system causing premature battery failure and electrical misfiring that causes the car to shut off and flashing a brake warning message to contact dealer and once this occurs car won’t start until Honda link and hands free pairing are reconnected. Issue is if the misfiring drains the battery, driver is not able to reconnect the cars apps and pair the Bluetooth, therefore, car is not will be immobile until battery is recharged.
When driving my car it will phantom break when there is nothing in front of it going down the highway 5060 miles an hour and it’s done at numerous times. I have not been in an accident yet, but it’s something that keeps occurring on my car.
I noticed a loud grinding noise and reduced braking power coming from my 2020 Honda Accord while driving at normal city speeds. A local mechanic inspected it and found that the rear brake caliper was sticking and causing premature wear. I contacted Honda service, but they refused to cover the cost or inspect it under goodwill, even though similar issues have been reported with other Honda models. This issue puts my safety at risk as braking is compromised and steering becomes harder. The problem was confirmed by a local certified mechanic and is available for inspection if needed.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system on my Honda Accord 2020. The system has been engaging randomly and without cause, abruptly applying the brakes when there is no obstacle or hazard present. On multiple occasions, this malfunction has occurred while driving at normal speeds, including on highways and in moderate traffic. These sudden, unprovoked braking events have created extremely dangerous situations, nearly causing rear-end collisions and putting both myself and other drivers at risk. Despite there being no obstruction in front of the vehicle, the system behaves as though an emergency stop is necessary. This issue not only undermines the purpose of the safety feature but also significantly increases the risk of an accident due to unexpected deceleration. I urge Honda to thoroughly investigate this issue, as it appears to be a potentially widespread and dangerous defect. I am requesting that the company: •Address and correct the fault in my vehicle’s AEB system at no cost •Provide a clear explanation of the root cause •Inform me of any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to this problem
Vehicle will randomly slam on brakes to a dead stop, engaging my seatbelt when engine braking behind a vehicle. Usually happens on surface streets when the vehicle in front of me is turning into a driveway/tight right turn. My velocity is decreasing & I am not at risk of colliding with the vehicle every time. System does not seem to register engine braking with a manual transmission as “braking.” I’ve nearly been rear ended several times due to coming to a dead stop in traffic. I’ve asked Honda how to permanently disable the system, with the only advice to turn it off manually every single time I start the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brakes had erroneously activated, causing the vehicle the suddenly decelerate. During the failure, the "BRAKE" light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency Action Number: EA24002 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. Additionally, after starting the vehicle and driving forward or in reverse, there was a squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and informed the contact that the failure was a common issue, but the manufacturer had not issued a service campaign to address the issue. The failure mileage was 30,000.
The car brake by itself with no obstacles in the way
Brake system light keeps coming on
When I was attempting to merge into the turning lane the car slowed down by itself and abruptly stopped in the middle of both lanes while a car was behind me.
The ANC module malfunctions already at only 67000 miles and causes a humming noise which is very annoying when driving. The ebreak also malfunctions during cold weather conditions. I have had to restart the car due to the electronic parking break not working properly. In case of an emergency I might need it and it may malfunction.
Rear brakes wearing before front brakes
2020 Honda Accord Sport 19,000 miles, driving slowly in neighborhood, automatic brake system engaged and slammed the car to a stop without cause. No obstacles no other vehicle. I have an apt for dealership to inspect. I discovered this has been reported by other owners when I researched online The consumer stated that they are no comfortable driving the car since Honda cannot identify the issue with the vehicle.
Loud, audible grinding noise when braking, usually in reverse. Sounds like metal on metal. Drove vehicle to dealer today, was told this is a common problem, Honda is aware. Awaiting recall, etc. Issue is very distracting, especially in a parking lot. Issue also occasionally happens when slowing to a stop at low speeds.
Lights all came on at once while traveling and highway. Car jerking. Cam Shaft Sensor Malfunction Braking Malfunction Adaptive Cruise Control Auto High Beam Problem Road Departure Mitigation Emissions System Problem Avoid High Acceleration
I am writing this letter to complaint about a major defect for my vehicle as the Honda dealership located at 1036 Jericho Turnpike , Huntington NY doesn’t want to resolve as the vehicle is still under the manufactory warranty. The defect / problem involves the emergency brake release switch located in the center console area . I reported the defect / problem and hoped that Honda would honor the manufactory warranty under 36, 000 mile policy to replace an or repair any defects without cost to the consumer . However I was informed that payment in the amount of seven hundred and fifty dollars would be needed to resolve / repair the problem/ defect. I was told that the clip that hold the switch/ device to the center comnsole were broken and it is the current owner problem to resolve as it not covered. Just imagine how could I be responsible for a broken clip , when you look at the picture its clearly not a owner error but rather a defect in the workmanship to properly secure switch to the console . I want Honda to honor the under 36, 000 mile manufactory warranty policy and fix this problem without having me as a consumer to pay . Attached are the pictures of the emergency switch resisting inside the center console as no visible damage to the supporting outside structure .
I purchased a 2020 Honda Accord in 9/2020 brand new. Within one month I started having brake issues. It felts like shuttering. I took it back to Honda service department; they stated the rotors need to be shaved a little. This did take care of the problem for about 8 months to year. I then started having the exact same sensation when braking at low speeds and worse at high speeds. I took it back to Honda (living in a different state) they said tech forgot to look at the brakes (it was there for oil change and tire rotation too) schedule to bring back and apologized. I scheduled a new appointment about 2 weeks out. They have my car all day and state they could not duplicate the problem. Service advisor states they believe it's happening at high speed/brakes heat-up was it okay for Service Manager to drive home because he lives a distance away. I did not feel comfortable with that, so he said to just drop by when I'm out and it's happening that a mechanic would get in the car with me to see if he feels the problem. I work Monday-Friday 8-5, I can't just stop in I explained. I was out of town over the weekend on I-95 going around 74mph and cars in front of me start hitting their brakes to slow down for traffic ahead we were on a slight curve in the road, my car starts shaking uncontrollably and giving that shuttering feeling then the brakes lock up. Thank goodness the car behind me was able to move into the slow lane and not rearend me at a deadly speed. My neck is still hurting from the locking of the brakes at such a high speed. I called Honda yesterday and scheduled to bring it back in again for the 4th time. I explained I will not take this car back without something being done to these brakes. At this point I feel it's a death trap. Let's see what happens Wednesday.
Since purchased I’ve had to replace the rear break pads 3 times and the vehicle only had 79,000 miles. Front break pads have not been replaced. It seems to be going through break pads too quickly especially for the back breaks.
My front brake rotors needed to be re-turned at 22.6K miles. Based on my light-footed driving habits and general ownership experience, I think this is a very premature failure. I asked Honda Customer Service if they would consider this as a warranty repair, but they denied my request, saying it was normal wear-and-tear. In my opinion, Honda has used a substandard component or design that causes rotors to fail prematurely. This is supported by other reports of similar failure in the federal safety agency database. I think that this failure could eventually present itself as a serious safety-related defect if left uninvestigated. I would urge the federal safety agency to look into the matter.
Purchased as a new vehicle. Brakes went from operating normally to grinding and worn without warning around 20K miles. Pads replaced but no relief. Car was taken to dealership for service and rotors were turned. Vehicle operated fine after rotors were turned for approximately 2K miles then the same issue again. There is definitely a design issue with the braking system or rotor material. I have never had this many brake issues with any vehicle - new or used. The issue has caused increased braking distance and uncertainty around the reliability of the Accord braking system.
Driving on a two lane highway suburban area - 40 miles per hour in a 40 mph speed limit. No cars in front of me for at lease 1/2 mile - totally blank and clear road. A pick up truck behind me. Very little traffic. Suddenly without warning and knowing my foot is on the accelerator, the car brakes to a complete stop with no foot on the brake pedal! Complete random braking for no reason. Luckily the vehicle behind me was far enough and not too close which allowed him to swerve and avoid colliding into me. He passed me and probably thought I was crazy. I called Honda and they told me to bring it in which I did. They performed many tests in all areas and advised they could not locate anything wrong. I know there is an ongoing investigation with Honda Accords and dangerous random breaking, thus the reason for this incident to be documented. The general manager of the dealership was in touch with me and advised he would be doing some research. I could easily have been killed if not for quick thinking of the vehicle behind me, and also luckily no car in front of me. What do you advise? This is extremely disconcerting to know it could happen again.
Several times my car has slammed the brakes on its own when I have not touched the brakes and also when there is no car in front of me for it to detect the need to brake. The most recent time on 4/8 on the freeway.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tire pressure warning light and brake system warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the driver assists cruise control system, emergency brakes system, collision prevention system, and electrical steering assist all failed at the same time. The contact stated that the safety assist features became disabled but returned after the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure occurred more frequently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Multiple times while driving the emergency braking has engaged briefly. At first I thought it was detecting something in the road or a vehicle to the side of my car. That is not the case. It will apply this brake no matter what is in front of or around me. I have not noticed it doing it on secondary roads but it does it on highways and the interstate. This has created an unsafe situation many times.
While early driving in early December 2021 in my almost new car (7000+ miles) most all the lighted problems that could occur with an old vehicle lit up like a Christmas tree on the dashboard. Most of the items may or may not have actually quit working but their problem lights stayed on. Still it is no fun driving without cruise when your wife has breast cancer and you have have to drive 3 hours each way to Gainesville, Florida for treatment. I assume all the warning lights functions still worked, but it is hard to tell if things like the brakes were pr were not working when driving as they seemed to work fine. So I soon afterwards took the car into the dealer on December 11, 2021 in Leesburg, Florida. But by this time all the dash lights remained off as they are supposed to. So all they did was change the oil and did non-compliance recall BMC software update 20-039 and BGCM software update. The reason I brought the car in was not specified on my invoice. However, The dealer did say that my transponder for the EZ highway system was blocking the camera on the mirror. I believed them. Since then, however, today all the cash lights again said they were crashing again just before a 2-hour drive to the Gainesville cancer hospital. Upon return the lights went back to normal. I don't believe Honda dealers know what the problem is or why it continues in many millions of similar Hondas. My research on the Internet found at different complaints about said dashboard lights crashing causing similar problems. Most of these complaints had the dealers fix "the problem" and charging fees but again the customers reported do-over same problems.
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