Automatic Emergency Braking problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander

Incident: [xxx] conditions: clear daylight, dry pavement, normal highway conditions crash/injuries: allstate claim #[xxx]; several people injured at approximately [xxx], I was driving my 2020 Toyota Highlander hybrid at about 55 mph in the slow/right lane. The vehicle ahead suddenly made a hard stop. I immediately and forcefully applied the brakes for an emergency stop. My front-seat passenger, [xxx], also saw the danger and yelled for me to stop at the same time. Based on our recollection, approximately five seconds elapsed between his warning and the collision. Despite the rapidly closing distance, the Toyota pre-collision system (pcs) did not appear to activate. There was no audible warning/beeping, no flashing red warning, and no “brake!” indicator on the dashboard. This was also observed by [xxx] and [xxx], who was seated in the second row and is particularly attentive to warning signals. The vehicle also did not appear to provide any automatic emergency braking or brake-assist intervention. Despite my immediate and forceful braking, the vehicle did not stop in time and collided with the vehicle ahead, causing significant damage and injuries. The forward-facing sensors and windshield were clean and unobstructed. There were no dashboard warning lights or known system malfunction indicators before the crash. I purchased the Toyota plus service package after completing the required maintenance during the initial coverage period. All scheduled maintenance and inspections were performed on time by certified Toyota technicians. I was repeatedly assured that the vehicle, including the braking system, was operating normally. I request that NHTSA investigate the possible failure of the pcs, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking/brake assist, and their integration with the braking system. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection is a good thing, but there's a problem. It stops the car too abruptly on the highway, leading to rear-end collisions. When you release the brake pedal, the car remains stationary. To get it moving, you need to press the accelerator pedal. There have been four instances of the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection being activated in the last 12 months. Two of them ended in rear-end collisions. In the other two cases, there were no cars behind.

On numerous occasions when applying the brakes on my vehicle there is a very noticeable "surge" when the vehicle slows to a near stop. It feels like there is a momentary loss of braking before the brakes re-engage. I have had the vehicle since new and it seems like the problem has become more noticeable over time. I have lost some confidence in the safety performance of the vehicle due to this dangerous issue.