Many consumers are reporting that certain 2017 and newer Nissan model vehicles equipped with special Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems (AEB/FCW) are malfunctioning. As a result, the affected vehicles stop and brake unexpectedly for no reason while in operation.
The AEB/FCW system is a safety feature that is supposed to detect obstacles and prevent a crash by automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent. The system automatically engages the brakes and stops the car if the driver fails to brake in time before a collision.
This radar system was supposed to assist drivers and increase safety. However, just like with any other vehicle, this system can experience defects thereby compromising its ability to work properly.
Which Nissan Vehicles are Affected by the Defective Brake System?
This defect affects the following 2017 – current Nissan models that are equipped with the AEB or FCW system:
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Armada
- Nissan Leaf
- Nissan Maxima
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Rogue
- Nisan Rogue Sport
- Nissan Sentra
There is also reason to believe that the Nissan Kicks and Nissan Versa are affected and experience the defective radar system.
What is wrong with the radar system?
The AEB/FCW systems work together to prevent collisions. The cars are equipped with a series of sensors, radar and cameras, which support the FCW system that issues visual and audible alerts if there is an obstacle ahead. If a collision is imminent, the AEB system will engage and activate the brakes automatically.
It’s alleged that a flawed radar module makes the system frequently activate itself and suddenly stop the vehicles for no reason. The radar modules are apparently creating false-positives and stopping the cars at random and unnecessary times. Drivers are caught off guard by the sudden and automatic actions of the defective system that have caused approximately 14 crashes and 5 injuries that are known to date.
The system is also flawed in that it frequently deactivates itself and a warning message flashes on the dashboard “front radar unavailable due to obstruction.” As a result, the radar system stops working resulting in the unavailability of both AEB and cruise control.
More than 1,500 complaints have been filed to date regarding the AEB malfunctions.
Many Emergency Braking Lawsuits Have Been filed
A series of emergency braking class action lawsuits have been filed regarding this faulty radar system.
Brashaw v Nissan North America, Inc.
This is the first class action lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California. The lawsuit claims that any Automatic Emergency Braking equipped Nissan has defective sensors in the front grille. The lawsuit includes all former and current owners / lessees of model years 2015 – 2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra and Pathfinder.
David Turner v Nissan North America, Inc.
This lawsuit filed in Tennessee alleges that the safety braking system in 2017-2019 Nissan vehicles equipped with the AEB system malfunctions suddenly and unexpectedly. Instead of providing protection to drivers, the lawsuit alleges that the system creates perfect conditions for rear-end and side collisions.
The lawsuits allege that the Nissan dealerships were issued technical service bulletins concerning the AEB malfunctions and that as a result, Nissan knows about the problems with the automatic emergency braking systems.
Common Nissan Consumer Experiences and Complaints
Many consumers with a variety Nissan model vehicles and model years are experiencing issues with the automatic emergency braking system and have reported a wide range of complaints including but not limited to the following:
- 2018 Nissan Altima Consumer
When I am driving with nothing in front of me, I will hear a beep, then a message comes up “Unavailable: Front Radar Obstruction.”
- 2019 Nissan Sentra Consumer
When it is raining, a warning comes on my dashboard “front radar unavailable due to obstruction” and the car beeps and the warning icon appears.
- 2018 Nissan Murano Consumer
When I am on the highway and either the car in front of me switches lanes or I switch lanes while a car is in front of me, the warning message pops up “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction.”
What can you do if you have experienced an issue with your Nissan AEB or FCW system?
If you have successfully opted out of one or more class action lawsuits that cover your specific vehicle, you may pursue a California lemon law claim.
Your vehicle is considered a lemon if the defects substantially affect its use, safety or value and an authorized Nissan repair facility cannot fix the issues within a reasonably number of repair attempts.
Under the California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation for your vehicle.
If you own or lease one of the affected vehicles and have experienced issues with the AEB or FCW system, you may have a lemon and you have rights! Our California Lemon Law Experts are here to help. If you have questions about the Nissan faulty radar system or your California lemon law rights, call us today for a free case evaluation.
