NHTSA complaint #11760501

Owner complaint summary

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Forward Collision Avoidance / Active Brake Assist (Automatic Emergency Braking) system failed by falsely identifying a non-existent threat and initiating uncommanded emergency stopping. The vehicle and its onboard control modules are fully available for physical and diagnostic inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While traveling at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly executed maximum emergency braking with zero warning and no preceding obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards present. The violent deceleration caused maximum seatbelt restraint locking force, resulting in sudden physical impact trauma to a 6-month pregnant passenger and acute dizziness/disorientation for both occupants. This malfunction creates a severe, immediate risk of high-speed rear-end collisions from trailing traffic and unexpected loss of vehicle control. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. The vehicle has not yet been serviced or inspected by a dealer or independent service center following this event. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Neither the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, nor third-party investigators have inspected the vehicle or component since the incident occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, error messages, chime alerts, or functional symptoms prior to the sudden brake activation. The Active Brake Assist system triggered immediately without prior warning.