Report: NHTSA reviewing Honda Accord Hybrid sudden acceleration claim

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation in to mid-2000s Honda Accord and Civic hybrid models after receiving a complaint that originated from a fatal crash in July of 2005. In this instance, the driver of a 2005 Accord Hybrid said that she was driving over rumble strips on the side of a highway, and when she tried to apply the brakes, the car sped up and caused her to cross into oncoming traffic. NHTSA reports that the resulting accident caused the Accord's passenger to die, while the driver sustained disabling injuries.

It's no surprise that NHTSA is being particularly careful these days when receiving complaints citing unintended or sudden acceleration, especially after the series of Toyota recall fiascoes earlier this year. Using NHTSA's crash database, the Accord driver found 22 other incidents similar to hers, all of which involved Honda Accord and Civic hybrids. NHTSA plans to further research this individual complaint before starting an official investigation into these Honda vehicles. Hat tip to Frank W.!

[Sources: Bloomberg, AutoWeek]