NHTSA Complaint #11693080 — 2026 HONDA CR-V

I own a new 2025 Honda CR-V purchased from Honda of Concord (Hendrick Automotive Group, Concord, NC). At around 220 miles, the vehicle’s dashboard displayed major safety warnings: “Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem” and “Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem.” Soon after, a very strong burning smell—similar to fire or overheated brakes—came from the vehicle. When I brought it to Honda of Concord, the service advisor (Ashley Petisce) initially refused to accept or log my safety complaint. She only agreed to inspect the car after I stated that I would hold Honda and the dealership responsible if an accident occurred. Later that day, she also told me the burning smell was normal and would “go away after driving more,” which was alarming given the severity of the odor. After finally inspecting the car, the dealership found that both front rotors, pads, and calipers were defective and required replacement on this brand-new vehicle. When I requested that all related safety sensors (ACC, CMBS, radar, and cameras) be checked after the brake repair, the same advisor said she would “only check what policy allows,” meaning only the brakes, and no further sensor or system testing would be done. This raises serious safety concerns. The initial refusal to inspect could have resulted in brake failure or fire. The defective brake components indicate a potential manufacturing defect, and the disabled safety systems create an immediate crash-risk condition. The dealership’s refusal to confirm sensor functionality after the repair leaves the vehicle’s safety systems unverified. I request that NHTSA investigate whether other 2025 Honda CR-V vehicles have similar brake or sensor defects and whether Honda’s dealer network is properly following safety-reporting procedures.