NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
830 reports63,045 miles · Jan 26, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I WAS DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 45 MPH ON LEVEL GROUND. BRAKES SPONTANEOUSLY ACTIVATED WITH MODERATELY HARD FORCE, SLOWING CAR TO 30 MPH, THEN RELEASING. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND ALL FOUR WHEELS APPEARED TO BE INVOLVED. ENGINE RPM DID DECREASE DURING THIS EVENT. THE SPONTANEOU…
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I WAS DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL OFF AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 45 MPH ON LEVEL GROUND. BRAKES SPONTANEOUSLY ACTIVATED WITH MODERATELY HARD FORCE, SLOWING CAR TO 30 MPH, THEN RELEASING. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND ALL FOUR WHEELS APPEARED TO BE INVOLVED. ENGINE RPM DID DECREASE DURING THIS EVENT. THE SPONTANEOUS BRAKING RECURRED TWICE WITHIN TWO MILES WITH THE SAME FAIRLY SPIRITED DECELERATION EXPERIENCED. THE VSA WAS SWITCHED TO THE OFF SETTING, AND NO OTHER EPISODES OF SPONTANEOUS BRAKING WERE NOTED FOR THE REMAINING ONE MILE OF THE JOURNEY. FUEL LEVEL AT 80%, CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED. NO ABERRANT SOUNDS WERE GENERATED. UPDATED 03/09/12 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10445526
58,583 miles · Dec 26, 2011
Steering
AFTER DRIVING APX. 50 MILES MOST OF THEM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UPON EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND WAITING TO MAKE A TURN I HEARD A LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DO SO. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AT TIMES AS IF YOU HAD LOSS POWER ASSIT. I PARKED THE VAN AND C…
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AFTER DRIVING APX. 50 MILES MOST OF THEM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UPON EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND WAITING TO MAKE A TURN I HEARD A LOUD WHINING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DO SO. THE NOISE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AT TIMES AS IF YOU HAD LOSS POWER ASSIT. I PARKED THE VAN AND CKECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL, LEVEL WAS GOOD, BUT IT LOOKED FOAMY. THE VAN SAT FOR APX. 3 HOURS I CHECKED THE FLUID AGAIN AND IT LOOKED NORMAL. AFTER STARTING THE VAN THE NOISE WAS NOT AS PRONOUNCED AND STEERING SEEMED OK, BUT AFTER MAKING THE 50 MILE RETURN TRIP HOME THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED. AFTER CHECKING THE INTERNET I FIND THIS IS A PROBLEM HONDA IS AWARE OF SINCE THEY HAVE ISSUED AT LEAST TWO SERVICE BULLETINS 07-005 AND 10-076 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I WOULD THINK ANY PROBLEM THAT WOULD AFFECT THE STEERING OF A VEHICLE AT SLOW OR HIGH SPEED SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. YOU COULD LOOSE THE ABILITY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN AT EITHER SPEED OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT IS NOT AS IF THIS IS DUE TO POOR OR LACK OF MAINTANCE, OR HIGH MILAGE. THE PROBLEMS SEEM TO HAPPEN WAY BEFORE A VEHICLE OF THIS COST AND PRECEIVED QUALITY SHOULD START HAVING PROBLEMS, TO A SYSTEM THAT AFFECTS IT'S SAFE OPERATION. SOME HAVE OCCURED DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR MY VAN, BUT IT HAS BEEN SERVICED BY A HONDA DEALER SINCE NEW. I HOPE HUMAN LIFE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE LOST OR SERIOUS INJURY OCCUR BEFORE THIS ON GOING PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. HONDA KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM IF THEY WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING, THEN SOMEBODY NEEDS TO MAKE THEM, AND FIX THE POWER STEERING PUMPS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10441234
68,700 miles · Dec 8, 2011
SteeringSuspension
2007 - 2010 HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS ARE TARGETED TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF A "WARRANTY EXTENSION" TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. I RECEIVED THE NOTICE FOR MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, SUFFERED WITH THE "HARD TO TURN" CONDITION (SEE TSB 10-076) AND ASSOCIATED PUMP WHINING NOISE THAT IS DESCRIBED IN TSB 07-00…
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2007 - 2010 HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS ARE TARGETED TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF A "WARRANTY EXTENSION" TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. I RECEIVED THE NOTICE FOR MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, SUFFERED WITH THE "HARD TO TURN" CONDITION (SEE TSB 10-076) AND ASSOCIATED PUMP WHINING NOISE THAT IS DESCRIBED IN TSB 07-005 (DEFECTIVE PUMP RESERVOIR). ALTHOUGH THE PUMP WAS EXTENDED WARRANTY REPLACED AT UNIVERSITY MOTORS (MISSOULA) I WAS REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE RESERVOIR ($66.08). MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE RESERVOIR DEFECT IS WHAT CAUSES THE PUMP TO FAIL. I BELIEVE THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE REQUIRED AND ALL OWNERS THAT HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE RESERVOIR (OR PUMP) SHOULD BE 100% REIMBURSED. AMERICAN HONDA AUTOMOBILE REFUSED TO REIMBURSE FOR THIS REPLACEMENT STATING THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO THE PUMP. PLEASE REVIEW HUGE COMPLAINT DATA BASE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10439069
61,500 miles · Dec 1, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS IN A LONG LINE OF CARS WAITING TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT AFTER AN EVENT. AT ONE POINT, AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES IN LINE, I BRIEFLY INCHED THE CAR FORWARD AND THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SPEED UNEXPECTEDLY STARTING INCREASING QUICKLY ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE SPEED HIT 5000 RPM AND …
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I WAS IN A LONG LINE OF CARS WAITING TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT AFTER AN EVENT. AT ONE POINT, AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES IN LINE, I BRIEFLY INCHED THE CAR FORWARD AND THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE SPEED UNEXPECTEDLY STARTING INCREASING QUICKLY ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE SPEED HIT 5000 RPM AND WITH MY FOOT STILL FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO PREVENT IT FROM POSSIBLY MOVING FORWARD. THEN I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY AFTER IT WAS RESTARTED, AND HAS BEHAVED NORMALLY IN THE TWO WEEKS SINCE THEN. PERHAPS COINCIDENTALLY, THE BATTERY FAILED TWO DAYS LATER AND WAS REPLACED. A HONDA DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG OR REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438023
20 miles · Nov 30, 2011
Power Train
BOUGHT THE 2007 ODYSSEY EX-L RES NAV NEW IN 2007, DID NOT NOTICE THE 40~50MPH JUDDER DURING THE 10 MINUTES TEST DRIVE. I DID NOTICE THAT WHILE DRIVING IT BACK HOME, BUT THAT WAS TOO LATE AND THE MONEY WAS WITH THE DEALER ALREADY. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL, EVEN THOUGH YOU CAN FIND LOTS OF COMPLAIN…
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BOUGHT THE 2007 ODYSSEY EX-L RES NAV NEW IN 2007, DID NOT NOTICE THE 40~50MPH JUDDER DURING THE 10 MINUTES TEST DRIVE. I DID NOTICE THAT WHILE DRIVING IT BACK HOME, BUT THAT WAS TOO LATE AND THE MONEY WAS WITH THE DEALER ALREADY. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL, EVEN THOUGH YOU CAN FIND LOTS OF COMPLAINTS FROM INTERNET. I SHOULD HAVE DONE MORE RESEARCH BEFORE I MADE THIS PURCHASE. TOO MUCH PENALTY TO TRADE IN FOR OTHERS. FROM THAT ON, I JUST AVOID THAT SPEED RANGE AS MUCH AS I COULD. AFTER DEALER UPDATED THE TRANSMISSION CODE LAST YEAR, THE VIBRATION STILL EXISTS AND JUST SLIGHTLY IMPROVED. BUT THE DOWN SHIFT IS KIND OF ROUGH WHEN CRUISING TO SLOW DOWN. SOMETIMES IT EVEN STUCK AT UNEXPECTED LOW GEAR WHEN DRIVING ON A DOWN HILL WHILE GAS IS OFF. EVEN THOUGH I ONLY HAVE 38K MILES ON IT SO FAR, BUT WORRY IT MIGHT NOT LAST LONG ENOUGH TO WORTH THE MONEY I PAID. ANY WAY, I JUST TOLD ALL MY FRIENDS GO GET A "TOYOTA SIENNA" AND DEFINITELY NOT HONDA ODYSSEY. HONDA/ACURA HAVE LOTS OF TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THEY NEED TO RECALL ALL THOSE CARS. THIS IS THE FIRST AND LAST HONDA FOR ME, NO MORE HONDA ....! *KB
NHTSA ODI #10437856
64,000 miles · Nov 17, 2011
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SHUDDER BEFORE DOWN SHIFTING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE TRANSMISSION BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT BELIEVED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SHUDDER BEFORE DOWN SHIFTING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE TRANSMISSION BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10436185
61,000 miles · Nov 9, 2011
Steering
POWER STEERING PUMP IS FAILING TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED (NOT INTERMITTENT). CONDITION MAKES IT DIFFICULT AND SLOW TO MANUEVER THE VEHICLE DURING PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE CONDITION WAS WHILE PARALLEL PARKING IN THE CITY DURING A TIME OF HEA…
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POWER STEERING PUMP IS FAILING TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED (NOT INTERMITTENT). CONDITION MAKES IT DIFFICULT AND SLOW TO MANUEVER THE VEHICLE DURING PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE CONDITION WAS WHILE PARALLEL PARKING IN THE CITY DURING A TIME OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. NOTE: POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP DUE TO AIR INGESTION PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS A ONE OWNER AND I CAN CONFIRM THAT ONLY HONDA POWER STEERING FLUID HAS EVER BEEN USED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10435088
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2011
Electrical System
MY WHOLE DASH BOARD STARTED BLINKING AND NO INFORMATION OF SPEED, FUEL AMOUNT, HOT OR COLD, OR THE MILAGE WAS ABLE TO BE SEEN. WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT IF STOPPED COULDN'T TELL YOU HOW FAST I WAS GOING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434782
65,000 miles · Oct 31, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING ACCORDING TO THEIR DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING ACCORDING TO THEIR DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10433666
52,206 miles · Oct 29, 2011
Structure
REAR LIFTGATE STRUTS ON 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY EXPERIENCED SUDDEN FAILURE CAUSING THE REAR LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY CLOSE ON ME WHEN STANDING UNDER IT. STRUTS ARE MANUFACTURED BY STABILUS PART # 6826UR 0810N 334/06 C7. THE PART NUMBER IS 74820-SHJ-A012. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL FOR THE 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. …
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REAR LIFTGATE STRUTS ON 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY EXPERIENCED SUDDEN FAILURE CAUSING THE REAR LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY CLOSE ON ME WHEN STANDING UNDER IT. STRUTS ARE MANUFACTURED BY STABILUS PART # 6826UR 0810N 334/06 C7. THE PART NUMBER IS 74820-SHJ-A012. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL FOR THE 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA08015. THERE IS NO RECALL NOTICE FOR THE 2007 SUDDEN STRUT FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10433517
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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