This is the first case I have heard of this fault actually causing a crash.
The faulty item is called a brake "simulator" . My understanding of its function is that when slowing down Ev's and Hybrids often utilise more 'regenerative' braking , and therefore need to use less actual brakes for the expected rate of slowing. But at other times , eg if the battery is already fully charged , the brakes will need to contribute more to the retardation.
I believe the brake 'simulator' automatically compensates for this by 'simulating' the same 'feel' on the brake pedal for the expected rate of slowing, regardless of how its being done.
Its never happened to me, but I accept that if the simulator suddenly failed the brake pedal and rate of braking may suddenly feel different , but the brakes should still work. For a long time Honda UK argued that a mandatory DVSA recall wasnt necessary because the brakes will still work , with warning lights that attention is needed .
I will repeat my opinion on this matter. I dont criticise Honda for there being a fault. No car is perfect and other manufacturers also have major safety recalls. Most recently Citroen and Nissan. But my opinion of Hondas customer care attitude and reluctance to accept liability did take a serious hit.
But then again I only hear about when Nissan, Citroen, Ford et al finally make their safety recalls public ,But they too might have previously delayed, and suppressed the problem or upset their customers. So any change of brand loyalty could be out of the frying pan into the fire .
