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2007 Honda Odyssey

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Odyssey years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Honda Odyssey are substantially higher than the model-year median of 249.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

672 reports with mileage · 158 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

38 crash reports15 fire reports48 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

139 reports
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38,000 miles · Sep 7, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DRIVING THE CAR THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS VERY SOFT AND THE VEHICLE FAILS TO STOP IN A NORMAL TIME. THIS CAR WAS ALREADY SERVICED FOR HONDA'S 2010 SOFT BRAKE REPAIR ON THE 2007-08 ODYSSEY. IT SEEMS THE SYMPTOMS OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL ARE STILL EVIDENT AS THIS RECALL RELATES TO AIR IN THE BRAKE LINE OVER TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10354115

13,176 miles · Aug 31, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

MY BRAKES ON MY HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 VAN FAILED LAST WEEK. THE VAN HAS ONLY 13K MILES ON IT. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP (CAPITOL HONDA, SAN JOSE, CA) TOLD ME THAT THE POWER BOOSTER ON THE BRAKES WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY SAID IT WAS VERY RARE. LAST MONTH, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE VAN SERVICED TO PREVENT A BRAKE PROBLEM CALL…

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MY BRAKES ON MY HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 VAN FAILED LAST WEEK. THE VAN HAS ONLY 13K MILES ON IT. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP (CAPITOL HONDA, SAN JOSE, CA) TOLD ME THAT THE POWER BOOSTER ON THE BRAKES WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY SAID IT WAS VERY RARE. LAST MONTH, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE THE VAN SERVICED TO PREVENT A BRAKE PROBLEM CALLED "SOFT BRAKE." I TOOK IT IN AND SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, THE BRAKES SEEMED TO GIVE WAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH CHILDREN INSIDE. I COULD HEAR A HISSING SOUND AND THE BRAKE FELT SPONGY. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I HAD "HARD BRAKE," NOT "SOFT BRAKE." THE DEALERSHIP CALLED HONDA AND HONDA AUTHORIZED A "ONE-TIME COMPLIMENTARY" FIX. I WRITE THIS IN THE HOPES OF PREVENTING A TRAGEDY AS THESE VANS ARE MOSTLY FAMILY VEHICLES--MULTIPLE CHILDREN ON BOARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10352908

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

2007 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES SYSTEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR MAY ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEMS MODULATOR. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE FINALLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BRAKES AFTER THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR BRAKE ISSUES. ON MAY 7, 2009 THE CONSUME…

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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES SYSTEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR MAY ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEMS MODULATOR. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE FINALLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BRAKES AFTER THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES FOR BRAKE ISSUES. ON MAY 7, 2009 THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, AND CONSEQUENTLY SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT. SHE WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND YET THE BRAKES WERE UNRESPONSIVE.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10347733

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2010
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH BRAKES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED EXTREME PRESSURE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKES, IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. ALSO, THE CLUTCH SHUDDERED WHEN DRIVING DOWN A HILL, IT NOT ONLY SHUDDERED, BUT IT MADE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKE AND RATTLE AS IF IT WERE FALLING APART.

NHTSA ODI #10340114

36,000 miles · Jun 23, 2010
Seat BeltsService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 DRIVER SEAT BELT STOPPED WORKING, DEALER AT FIRST WANTED TO SEND ME HOME WITHOUT SEAT BELT, AFTER I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR , THEY GAVE ME A RENT A CAR FOR REPAIRS. ALSO BRAKE SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY , MULTIPLE PREVIOUS MENTIONS TO THE DEALER THAT BREAKS ARE SOFT, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT ANY THING BAD AN…

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HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 DRIVER SEAT BELT STOPPED WORKING, DEALER AT FIRST WANTED TO SEND ME HOME WITHOUT SEAT BELT, AFTER I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR , THEY GAVE ME A RENT A CAR FOR REPAIRS. ALSO BRAKE SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY , MULTIPLE PREVIOUS MENTIONS TO THE DEALER THAT BREAKS ARE SOFT, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT ANY THING BAD AND NOTHING THEY CAN DO ALSO STEERING PUMP PROBLEMS WENT BAD AT 34,000 ,MILES AND THEY SAID IT WILL COST 700 DOLLARS TO FIX , STEERING VERY HARD AND NOT SAFE, UNABLE TO STEER QUICKLY AND AVOID OBJECTS ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339809

41,000 miles · Jun 7, 2010
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. HE JUMP STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT 5 MPH ABOUT 100 FEET AND HEAVY SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. HE JUMP STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT 5 MPH ABOUT 100 FEET AND HEAVY SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK ON 6/5/10 AFTER THE REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED AND ADVISED THEM THAT THE BRAKE REPAIR DID NOT WORK. HE STATED THE BRAKES WOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WOULD SHAKE . BUT THE PROBLEM WAS ALWAYS BLAMED ON THE CLUTCH. THE DEALER THEN TURNED THE ROTORS. UPDATED EVOQ 08/31/10*JB

NHTSA ODI #10334955

Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL AND SPONGY FEELING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL *TGW THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS RETURNED IN THE SAME CONDITION. A MONTH LATER, THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BUT THERE WAS STILL NO CHANGE. ON MAY 4TH, 2010, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEA…

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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL AND SPONGY FEELING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL *TGW THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS RETURNED IN THE SAME CONDITION. A MONTH LATER, THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BUT THERE WAS STILL NO CHANGE. ON MAY 4TH, 2010, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A BRAKE RECALL, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10334871

38,000 miles · Jun 3, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. MAIL STOP 500-2N-7A TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 RE: 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING DEAR HONDA, JUNE 2, 2010 I HAD A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH MILLER HONDA, 4477 VESTAL PARKWAY E, VESTAL, NY; FOR 9:00 AM. THE RECALL WORK FOR MY SOFT B…

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AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. MAIL STOP 500-2N-7A TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 RE: 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING DEAR HONDA, JUNE 2, 2010 I HAD A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH MILLER HONDA, 4477 VESTAL PARKWAY E, VESTAL, NY; FOR 9:00 AM. THE RECALL WORK FOR MY SOFT BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VIBRATION OCCURRING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH AND ABOVE, WAS TO BE DONE. FIVE HOURS LATER, APPROXIMATELY 2:05 PM I STOPPED BACK WITH THE LOANER CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW MUCH LONGER THE CAR WOULD BE TIED UP AND FOUND THAT WORK ON THE CAR HAD NEVER EVEN BEEN STARTED. I WAS TOLD A MECHANIC HAD CALLED IN AND THAT A PROBLEM WITH A NEW CAR REQUIRED SOME PRIORITY WORK SO MY CAR WAS NOT WORKED ON. HAVING WORKED AROUND AUTOMOBILE SHOPS FROM A TEENAGER ONWARD I AM NOT EXACTLY A NOVICE. BRAKE WORK IS NOT A JOKE AND THERE ARE SERIOUS STATE LAWS INVOLVED FOR A DRIVER TO KNOWINGLY DRIVE A CAR WITH FAULTY BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY MILLER HONDA FAILS TO REALIZE THAT BRAKES ARE A PRIORITY AND NOTHING TO FOOLED AROUND WITH. MILLER HONDA SPENDS A FORTUNE ON ADVERTISING ATTEMPTING TO ENTICE THE PUBLIC TO COME TO THEIR DEALERSHIP AND PURCHASE CARS FROM THEM. THEN THEY TURN AROUND AND TREAT PREVIOUS CUSTOMERS AND HONDA OWNERS AS DISPOSABLE ITEMS. WHAT EXACTLY THE THINKING IS BEHIND THEIR BUSINESS PLAN TOTALLY ESCAPES ME. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT I AM FREE TO HAVE MY HONDA REPAIRED BY ANY HONDA DEALER? SHOULD THIS INFORMATION BE ACCURATE, I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THERE IS ONE IN THE AREA THAT IS ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND JUST MIGHT HAVE A DESIRE TO SELL ANOTHER HONDA SOMEDAY. MILLER HONDA OF BINGHAMTON NEW YORK JUST DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10334397

25,000 miles · May 28, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAVE A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING LIGHTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THERE HAS TO BE DEFECT IN THE BRAKES CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 28K MILES AND THE PADS HAD MORE THAN 50% LEFT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOOKS LI…

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I HAVE A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING LIGHTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THERE HAS TO BE DEFECT IN THE BRAKES CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 28K MILES AND THE PADS HAD MORE THAN 50% LEFT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOOKS LIKE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332689

9,000 miles · Apr 24, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

I WAS DRIVING ODYSSEY ALONG WITH MY KIDS ON A SINGLE LANE CITY ROAD AT THE SPEED OF ~35 MILES/HOUR. I REAR ENDED THE CAR, WHICH RESULTED IN 3 CAR COLLISION. I GOT DISTRACTED FROM THE ROAD FOR 2-3 SEC, WHEN I GOT ATTENTION BACK ON THE I SAW A CAR STOPPED FOR LEFT TURN (NO LEFT TURNOUT). I PUSHED MY BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT…

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I WAS DRIVING ODYSSEY ALONG WITH MY KIDS ON A SINGLE LANE CITY ROAD AT THE SPEED OF ~35 MILES/HOUR. I REAR ENDED THE CAR, WHICH RESULTED IN 3 CAR COLLISION. I GOT DISTRACTED FROM THE ROAD FOR 2-3 SEC, WHEN I GOT ATTENTION BACK ON THE I SAW A CAR STOPPED FOR LEFT TURN (NO LEFT TURNOUT). I PUSHED MY BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT COULDN'T STOP MY VEHICLE, RESULTED IN REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE, WHICH PUSHED HIM, AND CAUSED A HIT TO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY FAILURE, BUT WHEN I SAW RECALLS RELATED TO THE SOFT BRAKE ISSUES, IT MADE ME RETHINK, THAT INCIDENT HAS SOFT BRAKES ISSUES HAS TO DO A LOT. IN PAST, I TALKED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE SOFTNESS OF THE BRAKES, THEY TOLD ME THAT VANS ARE BIGGER AND HEAVIER, SO IT TAKES TIME TO STOP THEM' INCIDENT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY VAN.. MY OLD BRAKES ARE STILL INTACT, AND I CAN STILL FEEL THE SOFTNESS.. BUT NOW WE DRIVE MUCH MORE CAREFULLY. NOW *TR

NHTSA ODI #10327281

Official recalls

4

14V112000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Mar 14, 2014

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 23, 2004, through September 4, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump strainer cover may deteriorate allowing fuel to leak out.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Parts to permanently repair the affected vehicles are not currently available. Honda will notify owners with an interim letter during May 2014. A second notice was mailed to owners October 6, 2014 when the remedy became available. Any vehicles that are currently leaking from the fuel pump cover will get a replacement, original cover. All vehicles, including those receiving the interim repair, will get an improved cover when they are available. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. The recall numbers associated with this campaign are JD9 (inspection and/or preliminary part replacement) and JE0 (final parts replacement).

13V500000 · Electrical System:software

Nov 1, 2013

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured August 8, 2006, through September 8, 2008. Due to a combination of system components and software, the Vehicle Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the brakes unexpectedly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.

Remedy: Parts to remedy these vehicles will not be available until the spring of 2014. Honda will send owners an interim letter notifying them of the issue and instruct them how to prevent unintended braking. A second notification will be sent when the parts become available. Interim notification was mailed in December 2013. The recall began on April 29, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit their website at www.recalls.honda.com. Honda's recall number is JC5.

10V504000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

Oct 22, 2010

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ODYSSEY AND ACURA RL VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS A LUBRICANT FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

10V098000 · Service Brakes, Air

Mar 16, 2010

HONDA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 ODYSSEY AND ELEMENT PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 28, 2006 AND AUGUST 21, 2008. AIR CAN ENTER THE VSA MODULAR PUMP DURING AN INITIAL SELF-CHECK PROCESS THAT OCCURS SHORTLY AFTER EACH TIME THE ENGINE IS STARTED. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ENOUGH AIR TO ENTER THE SYSTEM TO RESULT IN A BRAKE PEDAL THAT FEELS SOFT OR LOWER TO THE FLOOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE OWNER DOES NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED OVER A PERIOD OF MONTHS OR YEARS, THE SYSTEM CAN CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE ENOUGH AIR TO AFFECT BRAKING PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNER AND HONDA DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VSA MODULATOR BY REMOVING ANY EXISTING AIR IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM THEN APPLY SEALANT AND CAPS TO PREVENT AIR FROM ENTERING THE BRAKE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

PE13024 · Inappropriate Autonomous Braking

Opened Jun 25, 2013 · Closed Nov 4, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electronic Stability Control

In a letter dated October 31, 2013, Honda Motor Company (Honda) submitted a recall notice to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation describing a defect in the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system in approximately 344,187 model year (MY) 2007 and 2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles produced from August 8, 2006 through September 8, 2008 (NHTSA Recall 13V-500, Honda Recall JC5).The report describes a defect condition caused by a combination of VSA system components and software that is unique to the MY 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles.The condition may result in unexpected brake application by the VSA system with no brake lamp illumination.The braking forces resulting from the condition can approach the maximum braking capability of the vehicle.Honda's investigation determined that (1) if the yaw rate sensor off-set exceeds a certain value, (2) the sensor calibration is not completed before the vehicle starts moving after start-up, and (3) the vehicle is driven in a specific manner; the VSA system may build hydraulic pressure in the brake system resulting in heavy, unexpected braking without the driver applying the brake pedal.Honda estimates that the parts necessary to correct this condition will not be available until March 2014.Pending part availability, Honda will send interim letters to affected owners including instructions to avoid the defect condition using a procedure to ensure proper VSA system calibration after each vehicle start-up, as well as instructions about what to do if unexpected brake application occurs while driving.Once the remedy parts are available, Honda will send a second notice advising owners to bring their vehicle to their dealer for installation of a redesigned yaw rate sensor.This investigation is closed.

EA09014 · Air In Brake System

Opened Oct 19, 2009 · Closed May 11, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

By letter dated March 15, 2010, American Honda Motor Corp. (HMC) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 10V-098) to address a defect in approximately 412,000 model year (MY) 2007 and 2008 Honda Odyssey and Element vehicles equipped with an ABS/VSA/TCS modulator. The recalled Odyssey vehicles were built from August 2006 August 2008.The recalled Element vehicles were built from July 2006 to July 2008. According to Honda, during an initial self-check process that occurs shortly after each engine ignition cycle, the self-diagnostic software for the VSA modulator allows a vacuum condition that can exist for several hours, allowing air to enter the VSA modulator pump.Over time, and thousands of engine ignition cycles, it is possible for enough air to enter the system to result in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor.If the customer does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance.To correct the safety defect, Honda dealers will remove existing air in the brake system then apply sealant and caps to the VSA modulator to prevent air from entering the brake system, free of charge. The action taken by Honda is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE09024 · Air In Brake System

Opened May 13, 2009 · Closed Oct 19, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS RECEIVED 69 COMPLAINTS, AND HONDA HAS RECEIVED 613 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS, ALLEGING LOW/SOFT/SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2006 THROUGH 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY MINIVANS.TWENTY-SIX ODI COMPLAINTS WERE ALSO REPORTED TO HONDA, RESULTING IN A TOTAL COMPLAINT COUNT OF 656.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE CONDITION RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES, INCLUDING SOME REPORTS OF ROLLING PAST STOP SIGNS OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS.THERE ARE 14 ALLEGED CRASHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION RELATED TO LOW/SOFT PEDALS. IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-024, HONDA INDICATED THAT SMALL AMOUNTS OF AIR MAY ENTER THE BRAKE SYSTEM DURING INITIAL DIAGNOSTICS OF THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) MODULATOR WHILE THE PUMP IS BRIEFLY ACTUATED FOR SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED.THE AMOUNT OF AIR GRADUALLY INCREASES WITH EACH SUCCESSIVE ENGINE START CYCLE, RESULTING IN PROGRESSIVELY INCREASING BRAKE PEDAL STROKE.ACCORDING TO HONDA, THE CONDITION DOES NOT PRESENT A SIGNIFICANT RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY BECAUSE THE PEDAL STROKE GRADUALLY INCREASES, PROVIDING THE DRIVER WITH INFORMATION THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT IS CHANGING AND REQUIRES ATTENTION.HONDA HAS FURTHER INDICATED THAT THERE IS NO DETERIORATION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE CAUSED BY THE SUBJECT CONDITION, EVEN THOUGH THE PEDAL HEIGHT AND FEEL ARE DIFFERENT, UNTIL PEDAL STROKE HAS REACHED THE END OF TRAVEL AND THE DRIVER CANNOT PRODUCE ANY ADDITIONAL BRAKE LINE PRESSURE.HONDA STATES THAT IT IS UNAWARE OF ANY VEHICLES THAT HAVE REACHED SUCH A CONDITION AND HONDA TESTING USING A LEAKING FIELD RETURN MODULATOR INDICATES THAT IT WOULD TAKE OVER A YEAR BEFORE THE PEDAL TRAVEL WOULD REACH ITS LIMIT DURING HARD STOPS WITH 200 N (45 LBF) OF PEDAL EFFORT - THE NOMINAL FORCE REQUIRED TO REACH ABS BRAKING MODE. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT THE MY 2007-08 ODYSSEY VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT AT A RATE OF 0.67%.THE MY 2006 ODYSSEY VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT AT A SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER RATE (0.04%) THAN THE MY 2007-08 ODYSSEY.HONDA IMPLEMENTED A DESIGN CHANGE IN THE MY 2007 VEHICLES TO CHANGE THE VSA DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-014) FOR THE MY 2007-08 ODYSSEY VEHICLES TO CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.