NHTSA Probes 553,000 Nissan SUVs for Braking Issues

Nissan Rogues are going rogue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation into 553,000 units of  Nissan Rogue SUVs following reports that the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking systems are engaging without warning or obstruction.

The agency opened the investigation on Nissan Rogue and Rogue Sport models from the 2017 and 2018 model years after a petition was filed by the Center for Auto Safety. According to the formal request, Nissan previously issued a Technical Service Bulletin and launched two “Quality Actions” and a “Customer Service Initiative” in an attempt to address concerns with the models.

If functioning properly, automatic braking systems activate when the driver does not slow down after the sensors identify obstacles ahead of the vehicle.

According to NHTSA, a total of 129 reports are claiming instances when the systems erroneously activated, three of which involve crashes and injuries.

When asked for a comment, Nissan did not immediately issue a response. Jason Levine, Center for Auto Safety Executive Director, said NHTSA’s investigation “should not delay Nissan taking more seriously the danger the phantom braking defect presents for everyone on the road.”

Earlier this year, Nissan recalled more than 75,000 units of the 2017-2018 Rogue and Qashqai models in Canada. The automaker said metal structures like railroad crossing or overhead signs could trigger the automatic emergency braking system to activate and that affected vehicles require a software update.

Nissan reported 750 complaints involving unintended activation of the braking systems, with 12 relating to crashes.

Since 2016, Nissan and several other automakers have an existing voluntary agreement with the NHTSA to make collision-avoiding braking systems a standard feature on light vehicles. The agreement targets a 99% implementation in all U.S. vehicle seats by September 2022.