What is the Honda crash detection system?
The Honda crash detection system is part of Honda Sensing and centers on the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). It uses sensors to watch the road for potential frontal collisions and can warn you and automatically apply brakes to help avoid or lessen a crash.
Overview of Honda Sensing crash-detection technology
Honda Sensing is a bundle of driver-assist features designed to help prevent collisions or reduce their severity. The crash-detection portion typically includes Forward Collision Warning, which alerts you to a potential impact, and Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can automatically apply braking pressure when a collision seems likely. In many markets, Honda also offers pedestrian detection, which expands the system’s ability to recognize people in the vehicle’s path. The technology relies on a forward-facing camera and radar sensor to monitor distance, speed, and trajectory of objects ahead.
Core components and how they interact
The following list highlights the key hardware and software elements that power Honda’s crash-detection capabilities. Understanding these parts helps explain how the system makes its decisions in real time.
- Forward-facing radar sensor (mmWave) mounted behind the grille or bumper to detect objects ahead at various ranges.
- Forward-facing camera (typically mounted near the windshield) to identify vehicles, pedestrians, and lane information.
- Honda Sensing control software that analyzes sensor data to assess risk, timing for warnings, and braking intervention.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) to provide visual and audible alerts when a potential collision is detected.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) to automatically apply braking to reduce speed and mitigate impact if the driver does not respond in time.
- Pedestrian detection in supported models, enabling alerts and braking when a person in the vehicle’s path is identified.
These components work together to monitor the vehicle’s path and respond with warnings or braking, aiming to prevent a crash or lessen its severity. The exact performance and availability can vary by model year, trim level, and regional market.
What the system does for drivers
In real-world use, Honda’s crash-detection features are designed to assist without replacing driver judgment. Here’s how they typically manifest on the road.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts you with lights, sounds, and sometimes a message on the dashboard if a collision looks likely.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): If the driver does not take timely action, the system can autonomously apply braking to reduce impact force or avoid a collision entirely.
- Pedestrian Detection: In applicable models, the system can recognize pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and respond with warnings or braking.
- Adaptive Cruise Control integration: Works with CMBS to maintain a safe following distance on highways or in heavy traffic, with braking support as needed.
Drivers should treat these systems as assistive aids rather than a replacement for safe driving. Regular maintenance of sensors—keeping them clean and unobstructed—and up-to-date software are important for optimal performance.
Limitations and maintenance
Like all driver-assistance technologies, Honda’s crash-detection features have limitations. Weather, lighting, and sensor cleanliness can affect performance, and the system may not detect every hazard or react in every scenario.
- Adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog) can reduce sensor effectiveness or trigger false alarms.
- Sensor occlusion from dirt, mud, or ice can impair detection.
- Very high-speed scenarios or unusual object trajectories may exceed the system’s programmed thresholds.
- Pedestrian detection capabilities vary by model year and trim; not all vehicles have this feature.
- System alerts and braking interventions are supplements to attentive driving and do not guarantee avoidance of all crashes.
Routine maintenance includes keeping sensors clean, ensuring windshield and bumper areas are free of obstructions, and installing any software updates provided by Honda. Always refer to your owner's manual for model-specific details and limitations.
Summary
Honda’s crash-detection capabilities are part of the Honda Sensing suite, primarily featuring Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System, with potential pedestrian detection on supported models. The system uses a forward camera and radar to monitor traffic, warns drivers of potential collisions, and can automatically brake to reduce impact. While it enhances safety, it is not a substitute for attentive driving and has limitations that vary by model year and trim.
Does Honda have crash detection?
The system detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead. When there is the risk of a collision, the system alerts the driver with audible warnings as well as visual warnings on the display. When the vehicle comes closer to the object, the system applies light brake pressure.
How to turn on Honda collision mitigation braking system?
Your vehicle speed is about 62 mph (100 km/h) or less and there is a chance of a collision with an oncoming detected vehicle or a pedestrian in front of you. Press the safety support switch and roll the left selector wheel to the CMBS symbol and select it.
What is the Honda collision warning?
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
If the system determines there is a potential for a crash, it will alert the driver to take action via audible and visual warnings and, in some models, a light tug of the seat belt.
What is the problem with Honda collision mitigation system?
A "Honda collision mitigation system problem" can be caused by a misaligned or dirty sensor/camera, a weak battery, or an issue with the vehicle's alignment. To address this, first clean the front sensors and windshield camera, check the battery, and attempt to reset the system by turning the vehicle off and on. If the problem persists, you may need professional recalibration, an alignment check, or a diagnostic scan.
Common causes and solutions
This video demonstrates how to check and clean the sensors: 50sCarnivautoYouTube · Sep 1, 2025
- Dirty or obstructed sensors: The radar sensor behind the front emblem and the camera on the windshield can become blocked by dirt, debris, or even damage from minor impacts.
- Solution: Thoroughly clean the front of the car, focusing on the area around the emblem and the camera lens on the windshield.
- Weak or dead battery: A low battery can cause various safety system warnings to appear, including the CMBS.
- Solution: Check the battery's charge and ensure the connections are tight. A weak battery may need to be replaced.
- Misaligned sensors or alignment issue: Front-end damage or an improper alignment can throw off the calibration.
- Solution: A dealer or qualified mechanic can perform a recalibration or full wheel alignment to correct the issue.
- System error: The system may need a simple reset.
- Solution: Turn off the vehicle completely, wait at least 30 seconds, and then restart it. You can also try turning the CMBS off and on again through the driver assist settings.
- Other system problems: Some users have reported issues related to other systems being off, which can also trigger the CMBS warning.
- Solution: Check brake fluid levels and get a diagnostic scan, as the problem could be related to multiple interconnected systems.
When to see a professional
- If cleaning the sensors and checking the battery doesn't resolve the issue.
- If the problem occurs after a minor impact or collision, as this can cause sensor misalignment even without visible damage.
- If multiple warning lights come on simultaneously, as this often indicates a calibration problem.
