Adaptive Cruise Control problems of the 2025 Honda Accord

Problem summary: while using the vehicle’s traffic assist / adaptive cruise control (system that controls acceleration and braking in traffic), the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated toward a vehicle directly ahead as if no lead vehicle was present. This created an imminent rear-end collision risk. The issue occurred twice in the same drive. Incident details: on 18 Dec 2025 at about 5-15mph/ “stop-and-go traffic”], I was driving with traffic assist / adaptive cruise control enabled, which normally manages throttle and braking in traffic. I was following a semi tractor (no trailer attached). The semi was approximately 15–20 feet in front of me. While the system was engaged and operating normally moments before, the vehicle accelerated forward as if the lane was clear, despite the semi being directly ahead. I had to apply the brakes manually to prevent a collision. A short time later in the same traffic situation, the vehicle did it again—it accelerated toward the same type of lead vehicle and I again had to brake to avoid rear-ending it. During the second event, I observed the instrument cluster / driver display showing the lead semi incorrectly identified as a passenger car instead of a truck, and the display showed that “car” accelerating away, which was inaccurate and did not match real conditions. This suggests the system may have misclassified or failed to track the lead vehicle, leading to unintended acceleration.

While driving in adaptive cruise control, a vehicle in the other lane was slowing down and turning right, but my car started applying the brakes for no reason. This has caused panic for me, since it was a 45 mph zone, and it was ok.

The issue involves the adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking systems. When engaged, the system intermittently and unexpectedly applies full braking force while I am changing lanes on the freeway, even when no vehicle is directly in front of my car. This has occurred multiple times at highway speeds, causing the car to slam on the brakes abruptly, which poses a serious safety risk particularly when other vehicles are following closely behind. The issue most commonly happens when the adaptive cruise control is active, but it has also occurred occasionally when the system is not engaged. There are no consistent warning messages or error indicators before the event, aside from the brief flashing of the emergency brake light at the moment of braking. The problem has not yet been inspected or confirmed by a dealer, manufacturer, or independent service center.

When traveling on an interstate highway in the left lane of a 2-lane highway with the adaptive cruise control turned on. Passing a tractor trailer going slower in the right lane, the car will apply the brakes unexpectedly. The dash will briefly show a "ghost" truck crossing into the left lane. The unexpected braking causes any vehicle behind the Accord to brake. Putting those vehicles and any behind them at risk. Smart Honda of des moines looked at the car on sept. 22, 2025 reported no error codes and nothing could be done. If the Accord hugs the far left shoulder, no "ghost" breaking occurs. If the adaptive cruise control is turn off and regular cruise control is turned on, no "ghost" braking occurs.

Subject: safety complaint – loss of drive power prior to recall resulting in crash (2025 Honda Accord hybrid) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2025 Honda Accord sport hybrid (VIN: [xxx]) involved in a crash on [xxx], which we believe is related to a recall issued later in January 2026. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being driven under normal conditions, below the speed limit, on an empty road. The driver suddenly experienced a loss of control, the vehicle became unresponsive, veered out of its lane, and did not respond to steering correction. The vehicle ultimately collided with an electric pole and was declared a total loss. At the time of the crash, no recall or warning had been issued. We reported the incident to Honda on October 23, 2025 (case #[xxx]), describing the loss of control and unresponsiveness. However, no mention was made of any potential defect or safety concern. In January 2026, we received a recall notice stating that if the icm cpu resets while the vehicle is in operation, it may cause loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. This description closely matches what occurred during our accident. We also informed the dealership, scott Honda (vineland, NJ), but our concerns were not investigated. Instead, the dealership attempted to sell us another vehicle without addressing the safety issue. We believe the defect existed prior to the recall and may have directly contributed to the crash. We are also concerned that the manufacturer did not warn us despite our earlier complaint describing similar symptoms. This incident resulted in the total loss of our vehicle and ongoing financial hardship, as we have been without a replacement vehicle for over six months. We respectfully request that NHTSA investigate the timing of the recall, the manufacturer’s awareness of the defect, and how pre-recall complaints like ours were handled. We are willing to provide all supporting documents. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5.