Feds to investigate claims of ‘false positive’ braking events on Freightliner trucks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into several claims of errors involving the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system on Freightliner Cascadias.

According to NHTSA documents, an investigation was opened on May 26, 2023, in response to complaints from customers about the AEB system on 2017 — 2022 Freightliner Cascadia trucks inaccurately identifying objects and braking unexpectedly, which could pose a hazard to other drivers.

Authorities say that they have received 18 complaints from customers alleging that the AEB system has activated without an actual roadway obstacle, an event known as a “false positive.”

“The reports indicate the subject vehicle will apply the service brakes without warning or input from the driver. The applications range from momentary, partial application with little loss of speed to full application, which brings the vehicle to a complete stop in the travel lane,” the NHTSA report states.

The population of vehicles that could be affected is estimated at 250,000.

According to NHTSA documents, there are no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities that have occurred as a result of of the suspected AEB system defect.

Investigators are working to determine whether the alleged defect poses a significant real-world risk to highway safety.