Honda, like all makers, is increasing computerized safety systems in the run up to the autonomous car.
American Honda Motor is recalling 2014-2015 model Acura MDX 2wd and AWD, and 2014 RLX and RLX Hybrid vehicles for sudden braking, in the latest example of bogus or buggy computer programming, a growing automaker safety defect problem.
Honda’s so-called Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) can incorrectly interpret as obstacles roadside metal fences or guardrails and unexpectedly apply the brakes with full force.
Honda in the U.S. became aware of the problem with the software from Fujistu Ten Corp. of America at the end of November 2014. Earlier that month Honda in Japan determined that failure there was the result of “short-distance combining processing” of the programmed logic of the CMBS system and an “incorrectly recognized target.” Another vehicle accelerating in front of the sudden braking vehicle while simultaneously driving alongside an iron fence caused the safety defect.
As of 7 May 2015, Honda in the U.S. in the required NHTSA filing said it has not received any warranty claims, field reports or injury claims related to this safety defect.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge as is required by NHTSA regulations. Honda has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda numbers for this recall are JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
