Investigations
Collision Mitigation System Malfunction
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE12022 — closed, opened 2012-07-26 and involving the INFINITI INFINITI.
NHTSA investigation PE12022 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2012-07-26 and currently closed. The subject of record is INFINITI INFINITI, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for INFINITI. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2012-11-29 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE12022 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Nissan as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 2 unique reports alleging inappropriate autonomous brake ac..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related INFINITI files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Nissan as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 2 unique reports alleging inappropriate autonomous brake activation while driving. During PE12-022, Nissan identified a condition in model year (MY) 2013 Infiniti JX 35 that may result in inappropriate autonomous activation of emergency breaking by the Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA). According to Nissan, unique road environment anomalies can affect proper IBA operation and may cause IBA activation where it is not needed. ODI investigators were able to replicate the anomaly and found IBA interventions are extremely brief and may interrupt travelling speeds but do not stop the vehicle. Nissan developed a software countermeasure to address the condition and has initiated a customer satisfaction campaign to reprogram the Radar and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) control units on all affected vehicles. The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2012 and the owner letter mailing began on September 4, 2012. See the investigative file for copies of Nissan's bulletin and owner letter. The condition represents a low risk to motor vehicle safety and is adequately addressed by Nissan's service campaign. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.): 10465524, 10466330
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other INFINITI Investigations
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
Occupant Classification System Failure
Improper Frontal Air Bag Deployment
Steering column separation
Fuel level gauge system failure
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.