US safety agency closes probe into unwanted Chevy Impala braking without seeking a recall

A U.S. safety agency has ended an investigation into Chevrolet Impala electronic braking systems without seeking a recall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began looking into potential problems with nearly 106,000 2014 Impalas in April after getting two reports of unwanted braking.

Investigators analyzed crash data and witness statements to determine that the braking was caused by drivers inadvertently turning on the electronic parking brake. The agency says tests by GM found no evidence of mechanical or electrical failure in the parking brake switches.

Both Impalas that were reported were rental cars and neither had cruise control systems that can brake in emergencies.

GM did find a parking brake software problem that could lock the brakes after a car is started. It recalled nearly 133,000 cars including the Impala for that problem.