What is the collision mitigation braking system on a Honda Pilot?
CMBS is Honda’s proactive braking feature within the Honda Sensing safety suite that can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or reduce a frontal collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead, using radar and a forward-facing camera to monitor traffic.
How CMBS works in the Pilot
CMBS analyzes information from front sensors to detect a potential collision and respond with warnings and, if necessary, automatic braking to reduce speed and collision severity.
- Front-mounted radar and a forward-facing camera work together to monitor the road ahead for vehicles and obstacles.
- When a potential collision is detected, the system provides visual and audible alerts to the driver.
- If the driver does not take sufficient action, CMBS can automatically apply braking to help slow the vehicle and mitigate impact.
- CMBS is part of the broader Honda Sensing suite, which may also include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and other safety features.
Understanding how this feature operates helps drivers know when it can assist and when they must rely on their own braking and steering.
Sensor technology and limitations
CMBS relies on a combination of radar and a forward-facing camera to assess the risk of a frontal collision. Its performance can vary based on weather, road conditions, and sensor cleanliness, and it may not detect all threats or pedestrians in every situation.
- Weather and road conditions (rain, snow, fog, glare) can reduce sensor effectiveness.
- Sensors can be obstructed by dirt, ice, or debris on the windshield or bumper.
- The system is most effective for vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios and may not detect all pedestrians, cyclists, or animals in every case.
- CMBS timing and braking are designed to assist, not replace, driver judgment and braking.
These limitations underscore the importance of maintaining safe following distances and staying attentive while driving.
Practical usage and control
Drivers can manage Honda Sensing features, including CMBS, through the vehicle’s safety controls. The exact method can vary by model year and trim, but CMBS is typically activated as part of the Honda Sensing suite and can be toggled on or off with the system controls near the steering wheel.
- Most Pilot trims include Honda Sensing features as standard or optional, and CMBS is integrated within that package.
- To disable CMBS or the entire Honda Sensing suite, use the designated switch or menu option in the vehicle’s control cluster, noting that turning CMBS off reduces the system’s protective capability.
- CMBS will automatically re-engage when the vehicle is restarted or when you re-enable Honda Sensing, depending on the model year.
For safest operation, keep CMBS enabled and drive with a safe following distance. If CMBS engages, apply steady braking and, if safe, steer to avoid the obstacle while leveraging driver input.
What CMBS means for Pilot safety
In everyday driving, CMBS adds a layer of protection by assisting with braking in urgent frontal-rear-end scenarios. It is a helpful tool, but it does not replace attentive driving or safe driving practices. Knowing its capabilities and limitations helps drivers use CMBS effectively while staying prepared to take manual control when needed.
Summary
The Collision Mitigation Braking System on the Honda Pilot is a driver-assist feature in the Honda Sensing suite that uses radar and a forward camera to detect potential frontal collisions and automatically apply braking to reduce speed and crash severity. It provides warnings, can operate automatically, and works best when the driver maintains safe following distances and remains attentive. Like all driver-assist systems, CMBS is a supplement to, not a substitute for, careful and proactive driving.
