Yes — in many Honda Civics you can temporarily disable Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with a dedicated control or through the vehicle’s settings, but permanent deactivation is not guaranteed and may not be possible on all trims.
Auto braking in the Honda Civic is part of the car’s active safety suite. Known as CMBS, it uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions and apply braking to reduce impact. While the feature can be helpful in busy traffic, some drivers worry about false activations or prefer a more driver-controlled experience in certain conditions. The method to disable CMBS, if available at all, varies by model year and trim, so checking the owner’s manual or consulting a dealer is essential before attempting any changes.
What CMBS does and why it matters
Collision Mitigation Braking System is designed to assist you in avoiding or mitigating rear-end collisions. It can apply gentle or firm braking if a collision is detected as imminent, even if you haven’t pressed the brake pedal. While this technology can reduce crash severity, it can also produce abrupt stops in certain driving scenarios such as heavy rain, sun glare, or complex parking situations. Understanding how it behaves helps drivers decide when and how to use or adjust it.
Can you disable CMBS in a Honda Civic?
Whether CMBS can be turned off depends on the Civic’s model year and trim. Some Civics offer a control to temporarily disable CMBS, while others do not allow permanent deactivation. If a disable option exists, it typically reverts to ON after the next ignition cycle or when you resume driving, so it is not a long-term change. Because CMBS is a safety system, manufacturers generally discourage turning it off for regular driving.
To determine your specific vehicle’s capabilities, refer to your owner’s manual or contact a Honda dealer. They can confirm whether a disable option exists for your trim and year, and explain any warranty or insurance implications of turning CMBS off.
Where to look for CMBS controls (model-year dependent)
Control locations and availability vary. In some Civics, you might find a CMBS OFF control on the lower left portion of the dashboard near the steering column, or you may access the option through the vehicle’s safety or driver-assistance settings in the instrument cluster or touchscreen. If your model year doesn’t provide a direct off switch, CMBS may be forced to remain on by design.
If you do locate a control, observe any indicator lights on the dashboard that show CMBS status, and be aware that disabling CMBS often does not provide a permanent setting.
Safe alternatives and best practices
Rather than disabling CMBS, consider adjustments that can reduce unnecessary interventions while maintaining safety. You can educate yourself on how CMBS typically responds in common driving situations, maintain a safe following distance, and use lane-keeping and other driver-assistance features in ways that complement your driving style. If you find CMBS movements disruptive in a specific scenario (for example, bright sunlight off a reflective surface), discuss with a dealer whether any permissible settings adjustments exist for your model year.
For drivers who must operate under unusual conditions—like certain off-road environments or automotive demonstrations—consult a dealership before making any changes. They can advise on safety, legality, and warranty implications.
Steps to verify model-specific options
To confirm whether your Civic can disable CMBS and how to do it, check the exact model year and trim in the owner’s manual. If the manual isn’t clear, contact a Honda service representative or your local dealer for official guidance tailored to your vehicle and its warranty terms.
In practice, CMBS is designed to protect you in most everyday driving situations. If you’re uncertain about how your system behaves, the safest approach is to keep CMBS enabled and adapt your driving style to the system’s responses rather than bypassing the safety feature.
Summary: CMBS in the Honda Civic varies by model year and trim. Some Civics offer a temporary disable option, but permanent deactivation is not universally supported and may carry safety or warranty considerations. Always consult the owner’s manual or a dealer for model-specific instructions, and prioritize keeping CMBS engaged for maximum protection.
The bottom line for readers: Protecting yourself and others on the road is paramount. If you’re curious about CMBS behavior in your specific Civic, seek official guidance from Honda and avoid making changes that could compromise safety.