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What is the Honda Sensing lawsuit?

The Honda Sensing lawsuit is a legal dispute involving the safety features of certain Honda vehicles. This article provides a detailed overview of the lawsuit, including the key issues, the parties involved, and the potential implications for Honda and its customers.


What is the Honda Sensing Lawsuit?


The Honda Sensing lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit filed against Honda Motor Company, alleging that the company's Honda Sensing safety technology is defective and poses a safety risk to drivers and passengers. The lawsuit claims that the Honda Sensing system, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, can malfunction and fail to properly detect and respond to road hazards, leading to collisions and other accidents.


Key Issues in the Honda Sensing Lawsuit



  • Defective Technology: The lawsuit alleges that the Honda Sensing system is prone to malfunctions and false activations, which can cause the vehicle to suddenly brake or swerve unexpectedly, putting drivers and passengers at risk of injury.

  • Safety Concerns: The lawsuit claims that the Honda Sensing system's failures have led to numerous accidents, some of which have resulted in injuries or fatalities. The plaintiffs argue that Honda has failed to adequately address these safety issues.

  • Lack of Disclosure: The lawsuit also alleges that Honda has not been transparent about the known issues with the Honda Sensing system and has failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions to consumers about the potential risks.


The Honda Sensing lawsuit seeks to hold Honda accountable for the alleged defects in its safety technology and to provide compensation to affected vehicle owners and lessees.


Parties Involved in the Honda Sensing Lawsuit


The Honda Sensing lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit, meaning that it represents a group of plaintiffs who have been affected by the alleged issues with the Honda Sensing system. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California and is currently ongoing.


The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are individuals who have owned or leased Honda vehicles equipped with the Honda Sensing system. The defendant is Honda Motor Company, the manufacturer of the vehicles and the developer of the Honda Sensing technology.


Potential Implications of the Honda Sensing Lawsuit


The outcome of the Honda Sensing lawsuit could have significant implications for both Honda and its customers. If the plaintiffs are successful, Honda could be required to pay substantial damages and may also be forced to issue recalls or make other changes to address the alleged defects in the Honda Sensing system. This could have a significant financial impact on the company and could also damage its reputation for safety and reliability.


For Honda customers, the lawsuit could provide a means of seeking compensation for any injuries or damages they have suffered as a result of the alleged issues with the Honda Sensing system. Additionally, the lawsuit could lead to increased scrutiny and oversight of Honda's safety technology, which could ultimately result in improvements to the company's products and a safer driving experience for its customers.

How to fix Honda Sensing problems?


You can often fix Honda Sensing problems by clearing the sensors and cameras for the malfunctioning features or by resetting the system.



Is there a class action lawsuit against Honda?


Yes, there are several class action lawsuits against Honda, with some being active and others having resulted in settlements. Examples include lawsuits related to a faulty fuel pump, a defective 9-speed transmission, engine oil dilution, and an idle stop system that may cause vehicles to stall. 
Active lawsuits

  • Fuel pump defect: A lawsuit alleges that a defective Denso fuel pump in certain Honda vehicles can fail and cause the engine to stall. 
  • 9-speed transmission issues: Lawsuits claim that some Honda vehicles with a 9-speed transmission experience rough shifting, loud noises, and sudden acceleration or deceleration. 
  • 1.5L turbo engine oil dilution: A class action lawsuit alleges that the 1.5L turbo engine in some Honda models is prone to excessive oil dilution, which can lead to engine damage and stalling. 
  • VTC actuator rattle: A class action lawsuit alleges a defect in the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator causes a rattling sound at cold startup. 
  • Paint defect: A lawsuit claims certain Honda vehicles have a white paint defect that results in peeling, bubbling, and flaking. 
  • Honda Sensing system issues: A lawsuit alleges that the automatic braking feature in the Honda Sensing system can activate for no reason, causing sudden stops. 

Settled or closed lawsuits
  • Infotainment system: A $33 million settlement was reached for a class action concerning defects in the infotainment systems of certain Honda vehicles, focusing on improving functionality and extending warranties. 
  • HandsFreeLink battery drain: A class action lawsuit was granted class certification, alleging that a defect in the HandsFreeLink system causes a battery drain issue. 
  • Idle Stop system: Honda paid millions to settle a lawsuit over its Idle Stop system, which could prevent owners from restarting their vehicles. 



What is the problem with the collision mitigation system on a Honda CRV?


Honda CR-V collision mitigation system problems can stem from dirty sensors, misaligned cameras, a weak battery, or faulty radar units, and they often present as unexpected braking, false warnings, or a complete system failure. To troubleshoot, start by cleaning the front camera lens and radar sensor on the grille, and ensure the battery is in good condition. If the issue persists, a dealer may need to perform a sensor recalibration or a software update, as some problems are addressed by technical service bulletins (TSBs).
 
Common problems

  • False activation: The system may activate the brakes or show warnings when there is no obstacle, sometimes triggered by everyday road conditions like shadows or bumps. 
  • Failure to activate: In other cases, the system may fail to intervene when a collision is imminent. 
  • Warning lights: You may see warning lights for the collision mitigation system, the road departure mitigation system, or other driver-assist features. 
  • Inconsistent performance: The system's behavior can be spotty and unpredictable. 

What you can do
  • Clean the sensors: A dirty front camera lens (behind the windshield) or radar sensor (in the front grille) is a common cause of problems. Gently clean both areas with a microfiber cloth. 
  • Check the battery: A weak or failing battery can cause a host of electronic issues, including problems with the CMBS. 
  • Adjust settings: Park the vehicle, turn the ignition on, and navigate to the Driver Assist System Setup menu to check or adjust the forward collision warning distance in the settings. 
  • Consult the manual: Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on your model year. 

When to see a dealer
  • If the problem continues after cleaning the sensors, take the vehicle to the dealership.
  • The dealer can perform a diagnostic scan to identify specific sensor issues or misalignment.
  • They may need to recalibrate the sensors or update the software, as some issues are addressed by technical service bulletins (TSBs). 

This video demonstrates how to clean the sensors and reset the CMBS warning light: 50sCarnivautoYouTube · Sep 1, 2025



Which Honda models are being recalled?


Several recent recalls affect various Honda models, including a steering gear recall for 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, and certain CR-V and HR-V models. A separate recall is for 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S for an engine stall risk due to a software issue. There is also a recall for 2016-2021 Honda Civic models with 18-inch alloy wheels because the wheels could detach. 
Steering Gear Recall

  • Affected Models:
    • 2023-2025 Acura Integra
    • 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
    • 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
    • 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
    • 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
    • 2022-2025 Honda Civic
    • 2022-2025 Honda Civic Hatchback
    • 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S
    • 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV
    • 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
    • 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid 

Engine Stall/Loss of Power Recall 
  • Affected Models:
    • 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S
    • 2023-2025 Honda Pilot
    • 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S 

Wheel Detachment Recall
  • Affected Models:
    • 2016-2021 Honda Civic
    • Note: This recall is specific to vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. Dealers will inspect and replace wheels and hubs if necessary. 

Other Recalls
  • 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid: Recalled due to a software issue that may cause the vehicle to stall. 
  • 2022-2024 Honda Civic: Recalled due to the steering rack possibly being incorrectly assembled, which could cause tire damage. 
  • 2023-2024 Honda Accord and HR-V: Recalled for a seat belt pretensioner issue. 
  • 2018-2020 Honda Fit and 2019-2022 Honda HR-V: Recalled for a rear-view camera display issue caused by a power circuit error. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.