Automatic emergency braking accidents: Dangerous malfunctions can put you at risk

Recent reports reveal that automated emergency braking accidents have been happening across the United States. This “safety” technology is intended to prevent collisions, but glitches and malfunctions are leading to unexpected braking. Here’s how to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Picture this very real scenario: You’re driving to work, cruising down I-95 at 70 mph, when suddenly—without warning—your car slams on the brakes. The driver behind you doesn’t have enough time to react, and within seconds, you’re in a high-speed, rear-end collision. These types of accidents can be catastrophic. But it wasn’t you who touched the brake pedal; it was your car’s automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. What was designed to keep you safe just put you in harm’s way.

This hypothetical scenario is unfortunately happening on highways throughout the U.S., raising serious concerns about the reliability of AEB technology. While AEB is intended to prevent crashes, mounting reports show that these systems can malfunction and cause accidents. So, should you trust your vehicle’s AEB?

In this article, the expert car accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd explain how AEB works, discuss recent AEB recalls and investigations, provide tips for using AEB safely, and share important information if you are involved in an automatic emergency braking accident.

What is automatic emergency braking (AEB)?

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a safety feature designed to detect obstacles and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time. It uses sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the road ahead, helping to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions. Major automotive companies began manufacturing vehicles with high-speed AEB in the 2010s, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a mandate for all automakers to include AEB in their vehicles by 2029.

How do AEB systems work?

• The system continuously scans for vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.

• If a potential collision is detected, the system first alerts the driver with visual and/or audible warnings.

• If the driver doesn’t respond, the AEB system automatically applies the brakes to avoid or lessen the impact of a crash.

Recent AEB recalls, lawsuits and investigations

While multiple reports show that AEB technology does reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, several contradictory investigations and lawsuits reveal that these systems don’t always function as intended. Drivers across the country have reported sudden, unintended braking, even when no obstacle is present. These false activations can lead to rear-end collisions, road rage incidents, and dangerous traffic situations.

Recent concerns and investigations:

The NHTSA has opened multiple investigations into AEB malfunctions, particularly focusing on vehicles from Nissan, Tesla, and Honda.

• Honda recall: In 2022, Honda recalled over 1.7 million vehicles due to faulty AEB systems that were randomly activating. In 2024, the NHTSA expanded the AEB recall to include more than 3 million Honda vehicles.

• Tesla’s “phantom braking” issue: Tesla drivers have reported sudden braking at high speeds, leading to a federal investigation in 2022.

• Nissan Rogue complaints: Over 1,400 complaints were filed about Nissan Rogue’s AEB system slamming on the brakes unnecessarily.

The growing number of AEB-related investigations and lawsuits raises serious concerns about whether these systems are truly safe and reliable. As automakers rush to implement advanced driver-assistance features, many consumers are left questioning whether they can trust their vehicles. Therefore, it’s important to know how to operate your vehicle’s AEB system safely.

How to use AEB safely

If your vehicle is equipped with AEB, here are some steps to ensure it functions properly and doesn’t put you at risk:

• Keep your sensors clean: Dirt, debris, or snow can interfere with the system.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Don’t rely solely on AEB; always stay alert and prepared to brake manually.

• Check for software updates: Some automakers release updates to fix AEB glitches.

• Know your vehicle’s settings: Some AEB systems allow you to adjust sensitivity levels or even turn the feature off if it’s unreliable.

Important steps to take if you are involved in an automatic emergency braking accident

AEB malfunctions can lead to a variety of accidents, including sudden stops that result in rear-end collisions, loss of vehicle control on highways, or unexpected braking that causes multi-car pileups. If you are injured in an AEB-related accident, taking the right steps immediately is crucial.

1. Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle’s dashboard alerts, and any visible damage.
2. Get a police report: Inform officers about the suspected AEB malfunction.
3. Seek medical attention: Even minor crashes can cause injuries. In Florida, you have only 14 days from the date of the accident to seek medical care and qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
4. Request vehicle data: Many modern vehicles store data on braking events—this can serve as crucial evidence. If you hire an attorney to represent you, your legal team can request this data on your behalf.
5. Consult a lawyer: A personal injury attorney can help determine if you have a case against the vehicle manufacturer. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we have decades of experience handling product liability claims, personal injury cases, and car accident lawsuits. Our team of skilled attorneys understands the complexities of AEB malfunctions and how they can lead to dangerous crashes. We are dedicated to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Can you sue an automotive manufacturer for automated emergency braking accidents?

Yes, if your AEB system caused an accident, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for compensation. To build a strong case, you need to prove:

• The AEB system malfunctioned or engaged when it shouldn’t have.
• The malfunction directly caused your accident.
• You suffered injuries, property damage, or other losses as a result.
• The manufacturer was aware of the issue but failed to fix it or issue a recall.

Automakers have a responsibility to ensure that their safety features don’t increase risk rather than reduce it. If you or a loved one were injured due to an AEB failure, legal action could help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured in an automative emergency braking accident? Take action now!

Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation with our expert Florida car accident attorneys.

Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is one of Florida’s most experienced and trusted injury law firms. For over 40 years, we have represented accident victims who have been seriously injured by the negligence of others—including automated emergency braking accidents caused by negligent automotive manufacturers.

Our firm has a strong track record of success in litigating against large corporations and insurance companies. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather critical evidence—including vehicle data and expert analysis—and fight aggressively for your rights. Whether you need help negotiating a settlement with an insurance provider or taking legal action against an automaker, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435