NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
830 reports26,000 miles · Dec 24, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND MILES HE HAD TO REPLACE HIS BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS HAD TO BE ROTATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND MILES HE HAD TO REPLACE HIS BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS HAD TO BE ROTATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
NHTSA ODI #10557189
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
I FORGOT TO ADD THE RECALL NUMBER ON THE VSA DEVICE THAT LOCKS UP WITHOUT DRIVERS INVOLVEMENT AND CAUSES ACCIDENTS. I WAS TOLD BY HONDA IT IS 13-098 IN MY FORMER COMPLAINT TODAY. BOTTOM LINE, IF I DRIVE IT WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND IT LOCKS UP AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT, WHO IS LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ETC? IF I DON'T DRIVE IT I HAV…
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I FORGOT TO ADD THE RECALL NUMBER ON THE VSA DEVICE THAT LOCKS UP WITHOUT DRIVERS INVOLVEMENT AND CAUSES ACCIDENTS. I WAS TOLD BY HONDA IT IS 13-098 IN MY FORMER COMPLAINT TODAY. BOTTOM LINE, IF I DRIVE IT WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND IT LOCKS UP AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT, WHO IS LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ETC? IF I DON'T DRIVE IT I HAVE NO CAR UNTIL REPAIRED. DOES OR IS HONDA RESPONSIBLE TO PROVIDE US A CAR UNTIL OURS IS REPAIRED AND SAFE AGAIN. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND NOW TOM SCOTT HONDA IN NAMPA ID SAID THEY CAN'T REPAIR IT UNTIL SOMETIME NEXT YEAR BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET PARTS UNTIL THEN. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THIS VEHICLE IS BEING RECALLED BECAUSE THE BRAKES LOCK UP DO TO THE VSA DEVICE MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS IN WHICH PEOPLE ARE GETTING HURT. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556429
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
I RECEIVED A VEHICLE RECALL NOTICE IN DECEMBER 2013 AND WENT INTO TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AT TOM SCOTT HONDA IN NAMPA ID. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT 12/18/13 FOR THE REPAIR. I RECEIVED A CALL AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM STATING HONDA DOSE NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO CORRECT THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND WON'T UNTIL NEXT YEAR SOMETIME. WHAT ARE WE …
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I RECEIVED A VEHICLE RECALL NOTICE IN DECEMBER 2013 AND WENT INTO TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AT TOM SCOTT HONDA IN NAMPA ID. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT 12/18/13 FOR THE REPAIR. I RECEIVED A CALL AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM STATING HONDA DOSE NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO CORRECT THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND WON'T UNTIL NEXT YEAR SOMETIME. WHAT ARE WE AS CONSUMERS TO DO WHEN WE BEEN NOTICED OF THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND DON'T WANT TO DRIVE WITH THIS CONDITION. IS THE DEALER RESPONSIBLE TO PROVED US A CAR UNTIL OURS IS FIXED AND SAFE TO DRIVE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556422
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V504000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE REQUIRED PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY PART WOULD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 2014. THE CONTACT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V504000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE REQUIRED PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY PART WOULD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 2014. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10554820
70,125 miles · Nov 29, 2013
Engine
THE LARGE BOLT THAT GOES THROUGH THE BELT TENSIONER ROLLER INTO THE BRACKET ATTACHED TO THE MOTOR HAS SHEARED OFF TWICE IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 5000 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE WHEN DRIVING AT 50+ MPH AND MOST RECENTLY WHEN DRIVING 25MPH. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER A HONDA DEALER REPLACED THE TIMING…
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THE LARGE BOLT THAT GOES THROUGH THE BELT TENSIONER ROLLER INTO THE BRACKET ATTACHED TO THE MOTOR HAS SHEARED OFF TWICE IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 5000 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE WHEN DRIVING AT 50+ MPH AND MOST RECENTLY WHEN DRIVING 25MPH. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER A HONDA DEALER REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, T-BELT TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT. I'M UNSURE IF THEY REPLACED THE BOLT IN QUESTION AT THAT TIME. HOWEVER, WITHIN 500 MILES OF DRIVING THE BOLT SHEARED OFF. THEN A DIFFERENT HONDA DEALER REPLACED THE BROKEN BOLT, TENSIONER ROLLER AND SERPENTINE BELT ALL OF WHICH WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE BOLT FAILED. ONCE AGAIN AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 5000 MILES THE SAME BOLT HAS BROKEN. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS WELL AS BEING COSTLY. THE DEALER IS CLAIMING NO FAULT, YET THESE ARE PARTS THAT HONDA DEALERS ARE INSTALLING IN THEIR OWN SHOPS. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER AND AVOID POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10554124
50,000 miles · Nov 9, 2013
Electrical System
DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS BUT ALL 3 PASSENGER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING. WINDOWS WILL NOT WORK FROM DRIVERS CONTROL OR FROM INDIVIDUAL WINDOW CONTROLS. CHILD SAFETY IS NOT ENGAGED AND CONTROL IS UNLOCKED ON DRIVERS SIDE. I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM; SEEMS HONDA SHOULD TAKE CARE OF A PROBLEM THAT IS …
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DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WORKS BUT ALL 3 PASSENGER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING. WINDOWS WILL NOT WORK FROM DRIVERS CONTROL OR FROM INDIVIDUAL WINDOW CONTROLS. CHILD SAFETY IS NOT ENGAGED AND CONTROL IS UNLOCKED ON DRIVERS SIDE. I HAVE SEEN DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM; SEEMS HONDA SHOULD TAKE CARE OF A PROBLEM THAT IS OCCURRING IN GREAT NUMBERS ACROSS MANY OLDER AND NEWER ODYSSEY MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551618
1,000 miles · Nov 5, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL HAD SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE BRAKE PEDAL RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTICED THAT THE PEDAL HAD SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE BRAKE PEDAL RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA ODI #10550971
80,000 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Structure
HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 LIFTGATE NON-POWERED LIFT STRUTS FAILED INSTANTANEOUSLY. THIS CAUSED THE HEAVY LIFTGATE TO NO LONGER STAY ON THE OPEN/UP POSITION. HONDA (UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN) REPLACED BOTH STRUTS. WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS, STRUTS AGAIN FAILED AND WERE REPLACED BY HONDA. ON 11/3/2013 THIS STRUTS AGAIN FAILED INSTANTANEO…
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HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 LIFTGATE NON-POWERED LIFT STRUTS FAILED INSTANTANEOUSLY. THIS CAUSED THE HEAVY LIFTGATE TO NO LONGER STAY ON THE OPEN/UP POSITION. HONDA (UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN) REPLACED BOTH STRUTS. WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS, STRUTS AGAIN FAILED AND WERE REPLACED BY HONDA. ON 11/3/2013 THIS STRUTS AGAIN FAILED INSTANTANEOUSLY (USED WITHOUT PROBLEMS AROUND 2PM), FAILED AT 4:30PM. THIS IS LESS THAN TWO YEARS SINCE LAST REPLACEMENT FOR A MAJOR FUNCTIONALLY NECESSARY COMPONENT OF THE MINI-VAN. HONDA WAS CONTACTED AND CLAIMS THERE ARE NO KNOWN DEFECTS WITH THE STRUTS AND THAT THEY ARE "FAR" OUTSIDE THE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY WINDOW OF 12 MONTHS. IT WOULD SAME HONDA USES DEFECTIVE OR INFERIOR PARTS FOR THESE STRUTS. HONDA SUPPORT REP. TOLD ME THAT IF I FELT THE STRUTS WERE NOT HIGH QUALITY AND EFFECTIVE IN HOLDING THE LIFTGATE UP I SHOULD LOOK FOR 3RD PARTY MANUFACTURED STRUTS THAT FILLED MY NEEDS BETTER. VERY SURPRISED BY THIS RESPONSE THAT HONDA WOULD TELL ME TO GET "BETTER" PARTS OUTSIDE IF THEIR OWN LIFTGATE STRUTS ARE NOT UP TO THE JOB THEY ARE DESIGNED TO DO FOR YEARS WITHOUT FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550783
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2013
Service Brakes
MY VAN SEEMS TO BRAKE BY ITSELF... IT HAS DONE IT ON AND OFF SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.. DON'T REMEMBER FIRST TIME.. IT IS AT LOW SPEED AND IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER CONDITIONS.. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE TRACTION CONTROL BUT NOT SURE UNTIL I READ ABOUT OTHER VANS DOING THE SAME THING.. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550607
86,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering
APPROX 10/2/13 WAS DRIVING ON A ROAD I TRAVEL FREQUENTLY AND WAS ACCELERATING WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR LOST POWER AND SLOWED RAPIDLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE THEN ON 10/11/13 I WAS DRIVING A ROAD I TRAVEL ON DAILY WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR SLOWED BY ABOUT 30 MPH IN JUST A FEW SECONDS. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND REALIZED IT WAS ALR…
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APPROX 10/2/13 WAS DRIVING ON A ROAD I TRAVEL FREQUENTLY AND WAS ACCELERATING WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR LOST POWER AND SLOWED RAPIDLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE THEN ON 10/11/13 I WAS DRIVING A ROAD I TRAVEL ON DAILY WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR SLOWED BY ABOUT 30 MPH IN JUST A FEW SECONDS. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND REALIZED IT WAS ALREADY ENGAGED AND WAS WHY I WAS SLOWING DOWN. 10/16/13 - CAR WENT TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. DEALER FOUND SOURCE CODES DTC 26-1 LATERAL ACC SENSOR, AND DTC 27-1 STEERING ANGLE SENSOR BUT COULD NOT REPLICATE AND TOLD ME THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE FIX WAS. 10/17/13 - WAS DRIVING ON THE SAME ROAD AS ON 10/11 - CLANGING/GRATING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN AND THEN BRAKES ENGAGED, WAS ACCELERATING SLOWLY PRIOR TO THIS. SLOWED DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP, THEN SLOWLY ACCELERATED AGAIN. WITHIN A QUARTER OF A MILE IT HAPPENED AGAIN (WAS DRIVING SLOWER AT THIS TIME B/C I WAS WORRIED IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN), THIS TIME THE TRIANGLE W/ THE EXCLAMATION POINT ON IT FLICKERED (THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT CAME ON, ALL OTHER TIMES NO LIGHTS OR ANYTHING). TAKING IT BACK TO DEALER TOMORROW BUT UNLESS IT HAPPENS TO THEM WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. REPEATEDLY TOLD THEM OF THE INVESTIGATION BUT THEY SAID THEY DON'T KNOW THE FIX. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME DURING THESE OCCURRENCES BUT IF THEY HAD THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO HOW FAST THE CAR DECELERATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548306
Official recalls
4Mar 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).
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.
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.
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
3PE13024 · 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.
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