I see there is an investigation involving the automatic emergency braking on some Hondas. I previously owned a 2018 Honda Accord, but currently own a 2021 Honda Pilot. Both had/have the automatic emergency braking. Both cars have the same issue with hard braking for no reason. To me the Pilot is worse due to almost having 2 people rear end me due to the random hard breaking. In my opinion the investigation needs to possibly expand into other models. It has never been reproduced as I just assumed it happens. It definitely puts people at risk.
2021 Honda Pilot: brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking)
6 of the 459 complaints about the 2021 Honda Pilot describe brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking).
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking) by model year
What owners say
I see that the NTSHA is already launching an investigation into certain Handa Passports and Insights. The 2021 (and likely other) Pilot Ibown has the same phantom emergency braking issue. This happens at least on a monthly basis if not more often. I will say there have been a half dozen times where the car did activate the emergency braking properly but all other times have been phantom braking where there was no immenent threat of a collision.
I purchased the vehicle brand new in 2021. At this time I don't feel safe driving the vehicle due to the following issues I'm having: The automatic braking system will engage without notice. On 5/20/23 I was at driving at 60 MPH at 2:00am and the car slammed on the brakes for no reason, there was NO other vehicles on the road in front of me or besides me at the time of the incident. On 5/21/22 I was driving around 45MPH and I went next to a vehicle that was parked on the should of the road, When I approached the vehicle the brakes engaged almost causing a collision with the vehicle that was driving behind me witch it happen to be a Semi Truck. 12/22/22 While driving on HWY 18th the vehicle brakes engaged for reason or warning while driving on straight line. This happens 99% of the time when I drive the vehicle. The warning yellow braking light would illuminate and the steering wheel will shake or vibrate for no apparent reason when cars are coming the opposite way. This is extremely scary situation to have in a brand new vehicle. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership in hope of repair but nothing has been done. I started having this concerns a month or so after the vehicle was purchased, and the only solution I was given by the dealership was to disengage the auto braking program, But I don't think that's the solution. This coming Thursday 5/24/23 the vehicle will be inspected. ( this will be the second or third time the vehicle will be in the shop due to the same issue. Thank you for taking the time in reviewing my concern.
Automatic braking system is engaging when there is nothing in front of or near the vehicle. When driving on the highway it will engage, flash BRAKE on the front dash, and engage the brakes and slow WAY down while doing 60+ mph.
Automatic braking system is engaging when there is nothing in front of or near the vehicle. When driving on the highway it will engage, flash BRAKE on the front dash, and engage the brakes and slow WAY down while doing 60+ mph.
On 2 different occasions within the last 2 days, the automatic emergency brake engaged for no reason. The first instance, I was driving down the road with a car in front of me about 3 car lengths ahead and a car in a left hand turning lane. For no reason the brake light engaged and the brakes hit hard but not fully. Thankfully the car behind me was far enough to not hit us as I had my child in the car. On the second instance, again with my family in the car, driving down a different road with no cars anywhere around us, going around a bend, the emergency brake engaged again and the brake hit hard but not fully.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
- Risk
- Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Recall number 23V458000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Honda Pilot phantom braking
Is brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking) a common problem on the 2021 Honda Pilot?
6 of 459 owner complaints about the 2021 Honda Pilot (1%) mention brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking). The model year with the most reports is 2005.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Honda Pilot?
There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Honda Pilot
Adaptive cruise 34Collision warning 34Lane assist 34Stalling 34Backup camera 30Start-stop 25Headlights 21Check engine light 18Engine failure 18Won't start 16Knocking 13Loss of power 12Warning lights 12Screen failure 8Jerking 8Airbag light 7Hesitation 7Fuel pump 6Sunroof shattered 6Misfire 5
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