Can you turn off Honda brake assist?
In most Honda vehicles, Brake Assist cannot be turned off as a standalone setting. To disable the system, you would typically need to deactivate the broader Honda Sensing/Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and availability varies by model year and trim. Doing so can reduce safety, so consult your owner's manual or a dealer before making changes.
What Brake Assist does
Brake Assist is designed to detect emergency braking scenarios and apply additional braking force to help shorten stopping distances. It works in concert with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and it can activate even when the driver presses the brake pedal only lightly.
Is it possible to turn off Brake Assist?
There isn't a universal on/off switch for Brake Assist alone in most Honda models. Some trims let you disable Honda Sensing features via the steering wheel controls or the vehicle’s settings, which in turn disables CMBS and the associated Brake Assist. The exact steps and availability depend on the model year and trim level.
Common approaches, which may apply to different models, include:
- Toggle Honda Sensing off using the MAIN button on the steering wheel; turning Honda Sensing off typically disables CMBS and the related Brake Assist features.
- Navigate the vehicle’s information display or touchscreen to turn off CMBS or Honda Sensing, if your model supports it in the Driver Assist or Vehicle Settings menu.
- Note that not all models offer an off option; for those, Brake Assist/CMBS remains active for safety reasons.
- Disabling related features such as Adaptive Cruise Control or Lane Keeping Assist may indirectly affect the triggering of braking mayhem but does not guarantee turning off Brake Assist on its own.
When these options are available, they may re-enable automatically after restarting the vehicle or reactivating Honda Sensing, so always verify the status indicators in the instrument cluster after making changes.
Safety considerations
Brake Assist is designed to augment the driver’s braking in emergencies, helping to reduce stopping distances and prevent collisions. Turning it off can significantly increase risk in normal driving conditions. Availability and procedure for disabling vary by model year and trim, and some jurisdictions expect these safety systems to remain active. If you have a specific reason to disable, consult a Honda dealer and review the owner’s manual for your exact model year.
Summary
You cannot turn off Honda Brake Assist as a standalone feature in most models. If you need to disable it, you would typically have to turn off Honda Sensing/CMBS through the car’s controls, if your trim supports that option. Availability and exact steps vary by model year and trim, and safety considerations should guide any decision. For definitive instructions, consult the owner’s manual or a Honda dealer.
