Lane keep assist systems are designed to steer drivers to safety—not into danger. But when these systems fail to activate, trigger without warning or aren’t included at all, the results can be devastating.
Unlike lane departure warning, which simply alerts the driver, lane keep assist (LKA) actively engages the steering to keep the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. When it works, it can prevent head-on crashes, sideswipes and run-off-road accidents.
In fact, according to CrashStats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles equipped with lane keep assist were 24% less likely to be involved in crashes related to unintended lane departures.
However, when it malfunctions, it can cause the very outcomes it was meant to prevent.
At Lucas Law Firm, we represent individuals and families who have been seriously injured in crashes involving malfunctioning or missing crash avoidance systems. This post explores how lane keep assist works, the problems that arise when it doesn’t, the lawsuits already filed, and when these failures may give rise to a product liability claim.
What Is Lane Keep Assist—and How Does It Work?
Lane keep assist (LKA) is a crash avoidance system that goes beyond alerting the driver. It applies gentle corrective steering to keep the vehicle centered within its lane. LKA systems typically work by:
- Using a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings
- Measuring the vehicle’s position relative to the lines
- Engaging power steering if the car drifts toward a lane boundary
- Only activating when no turn signal is on and lane markings are visible
So, how does lane keep assist work in theory? It continuously monitors the road and steps in when a drift is detected—helping to prevent accidents caused by distraction, drowsiness or inattention.
But in practice, a lane keeping assist problem can lead to unexpected steering inputs, confusing alerts or no activation at all—turning a safety feature into a hazard.
Lane Keeping Assist Problems: When the System Becomes a Threat
Lane keep assist isn’t perfect—and when it malfunctions, people get hurt. Common problems include:
False Activations
Some drivers report that their vehicles jerk the steering wheel unexpectedly—even when the car is properly centered in the lane. This can cause drivers to:
- Overcorrect
- Drift into another vehicle
- Veer off the road or into oncoming traffic
Failure to Activate
In other cases, LKA simply doesn’t engage, even though conditions are ideal. A distracted driver expects the system to intervene—but it doesn’t.
Confusing Alerts or No Warning
Lane keep assist systems may not alert the driver before engaging, or they may shut down completely without notice due to calibration errors or sensor issues.
When these lane keeping assist problems cause a side-impact collision, rollover or head-on crash, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Real-World Lane Keep Assist Lawsuits
Manufacturers have already faced lawsuits over defective or unpredictable lane keeping assist systems:
Subaru EyeSight
A class action lawsuit alleged that the EyeSight system, which includes LKA, poses a risk of collision due to false activations and failures to engage. Drivers reported sudden steering corrections, putting them in danger rather than preventing it.
Honda Sensing
A separate lawsuit accused Honda’s sensing suite of producing false positives and false alarms, leading to unintended steering corrections and system shutdowns—with no proper warning to the driver.
These cases highlight the same core issue: When automakers roll out crash avoidance technology, they are responsible for making sure it works.
Crash Avoidance Systems at a Glance
Lane keep assist is part of a broader set of collision avoidance systems, including:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling. Unlike lane keep assist, it does not steer the car—just warns.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Uses sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. Alerts the driver—usually with a light or sound—when changing lanes would be unsafe.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Applies the brakes automatically if a crash is imminent and the driver doesn’t respond in time.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Warns the driver of an impending front-end collision so they can take evasive action. Often paired with AEB.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting throttle and braking automatically.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Warns the driver of approaching vehicles or pedestrians when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
When a crash avoidance system fails, especially a system that directly controls the steering, or isn’t included in a vehicle that reasonably should have had it, the manufacturer may be held accountable in a product liability lawsuit.
When to Contact a Defective Car Attorney About Lane Keep Assist Failures
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash where lane keep assist failed, activated improperly or wasn’t installed, don’t assume it was just “driver error.”
You may have a product liability case if:
- The crash occurred as a result of a vehicle drifting across the centerline or driving off of the marked roadway
- Your vehicle veered or jerked the wheel unexpectedly
- Lane keep assist failed to engage when it should have
- You were injured in a crash involving unintended steering input
- The feature was missing from your vehicle despite being available in similar models
- You suffered serious injuries—and something about the crash didn’t make sense
At Lucas Law Firm, we are personal injury trial attorneys who specialize in auto defect cases. We investigate LKA system data, collaborate with software and crash experts and prepare every case for trial. When crash avoidance technology fails, we hold manufacturers accountable.
Contact Lucas Law Firm today to speak with a lawyer who understands lane keep assist failures and their real-world consequences.
FAQ: Lane Keep Assist & Legal Claims
What is lane keep assist?
It’s a crash avoidance system that helps keep your car centered in its lane by applying gentle steering corrections.
How does lane keep assist work?
A camera tracks lane markings. If you begin to drift without signaling, the system can automatically steer the car back into position.
Is lane keep assist the same as lane departure warning?
No. Lane departure warning alerts you to lane drift, while lane keep assist actively corrects the steering.
What can go wrong with lane keeping assist?
The system may activate when it shouldn’t, fail to activate when it should, or shut down entirely without warning.
Can I sue if lane keep assist caused my accident?
Yes. If you were injured and the system malfunctioned—or your car lacked it when it should have been included—you may have a claim.