NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
830 reports35,000 miles · Nov 16, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. SHE EXPERIENCES SOFT-PEDAL DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THE BRAKE CYLINDER FOR HER MODEL TYPE WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY DESIGNED. THE TECHNICIAN DRAINED THE EX…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. SHE EXPERIENCES SOFT-PEDAL DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THE BRAKE CYLINDER FOR HER MODEL TYPE WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY DESIGNED. THE TECHNICIAN DRAINED THE EXCESS FLUIDS. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. SHE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WERE INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #10292321
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, I HAVE ROLLED THROUGH EITHER A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN ON THREE INSTANCES. I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE IN A MANNER THAT I BELIEVED WAS SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT ROLLED APPROXIMATELY 1 CAR LENGTH PAST THE TARGETED STOPPING POINT. TO DATE, I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THERE…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, I HAVE ROLLED THROUGH EITHER A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN ON THREE INSTANCES. I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE IN A MANNER THAT I BELIEVED WAS SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT ROLLED APPROXIMATELY 1 CAR LENGTH PAST THE TARGETED STOPPING POINT. TO DATE, I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES. I PLAN ON CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT SHOULD STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE READ THAT THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION FOR OTHER VEHICLES HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291923
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2009
Electrical System
MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY LOST IT'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONING - WHEN IT DID ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR COULD BE OPENED. THE OTHERS ARE AUTOMATIC AND WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I HAD TO PULL MY 2 GRANDCHILDREN FROM THE BACK THRU MY DOOR. IF THIS HAD BEEN A WRECK & THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BLOCKED BY DAMAGE, NO ONE COULD GET …
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MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY LOST IT'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONING - WHEN IT DID ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR COULD BE OPENED. THE OTHERS ARE AUTOMATIC AND WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I HAD TO PULL MY 2 GRANDCHILDREN FROM THE BACK THRU MY DOOR. IF THIS HAD BEEN A WRECK & THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BLOCKED BY DAMAGE, NO ONE COULD GET OUT, AND NO ONE COULD GET A DOOR OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE TO HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291790
22,100 miles · Nov 2, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE FEEL SQUISHY AND SOFT, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE. FOR EXAMPLE, COMING TO A STOP LAST WEDNESDAY AT A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUED TRAVELING UNTIL IT ALMOST TOUCHED THE FLOOR AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE ADJUSTED MY…
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THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE FEEL SQUISHY AND SOFT, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE. FOR EXAMPLE, COMING TO A STOP LAST WEDNESDAY AT A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUED TRAVELING UNTIL IT ALMOST TOUCHED THE FLOOR AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE ADJUSTED MY BRAKING TO ACCOUNT FOR LONGER TRAVEL OF THE PEDAL BUT THIS TIME IT JUST SEEMED A LITTLE TOO LONG. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AT TARRYTOWN HONDA, EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM ALONG WITH THE HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 07-045 THAT MIGHT BE APPLICABLE AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. SUCH A LONG PEDAL TRAVEL FOR BRAKING JUST DOESN'T FEEL NORMAL IN GENERAL BUT IT MAY BE THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. IN THAT CASE, ALL OWNERS SHOULD BE PROPERLY INFORMED SO THAT THEY CAN ADJUST THEIR BRAKING HABITS AND EXPECTATIONS.*TR
NHTSA ODI #10290630
41,200 miles · Nov 1, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
BOUGHT A HONDA ODYSSEY 07. AT 2722 NOSTRAND AVE, BROOKLYN. NY. 11210. ENGINE PINGING, TRANSMISSION IS INTERMITTENT JUDDER,DEALER SAID USES 93 OCTANE GAS FOR PINGING, JUDDER CAN'T FIND , THERE ARE BIG THING ABOUT HONDA ENGINE PINGING AND TRANSMISSION JERKING, BUT THEY DENIED TO FIX IT.....IT SHOW ON WWW. HONDAPROBLEMS.COM OR O…
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BOUGHT A HONDA ODYSSEY 07. AT 2722 NOSTRAND AVE, BROOKLYN. NY. 11210. ENGINE PINGING, TRANSMISSION IS INTERMITTENT JUDDER,DEALER SAID USES 93 OCTANE GAS FOR PINGING, JUDDER CAN'T FIND , THERE ARE BIG THING ABOUT HONDA ENGINE PINGING AND TRANSMISSION JERKING, BUT THEY DENIED TO FIX IT.....IT SHOW ON WWW. HONDAPROBLEMS.COM OR ODYCLUB.COM I HAD BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER FOR THE LAST TWO MONTH, AND PROBLEM STILL DIDN'T GET FIX...I SPEND ALL MY MONEY ON A PIECE OF JUNK....AND THEY IGNORE THE PROBLEMS..... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290496
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
THE BRAKES ARE VERY SOFT AND SPONGY...BEEN SAVED A COUPLE OF TIMES REGARDING REAR ENDING SOMEONE, BUT TODAY AT 20 MILES AND HOUR - I CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD ENOUGH DISTANCE TO STOP THE CAR AND WAS LITERALLY STANDING ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT JUST DIDN'T STOP TILL IT CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290001
58,000 miles · Oct 27, 2009
Power Train
HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILED (TORQUE NEEDS REPLACEMENT). IF THIS IS NOT REPLACED IN TIME THEN IT MAY FAIL WHOLE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING (WHEN CHANGING GEAR - AUTO) IT SHAKES THE VAN LIKE CRAZY. IMAGINE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FAILS AND THROWS THE VAN TO COMPLETE STOP OR IN DIFFERENT LANE. THE CAR…
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HONDA ODYSSEY TRANSMISSION FAILED (TORQUE NEEDS REPLACEMENT). IF THIS IS NOT REPLACED IN TIME THEN IT MAY FAIL WHOLE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING (WHEN CHANGING GEAR - AUTO) IT SHAKES THE VAN LIKE CRAZY. IMAGINE ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FAILS AND THROWS THE VAN TO COMPLETE STOP OR IN DIFFERENT LANE. THE CAR/TRUCK BEHIND ME MAY RUN OVER ME. WHEN I ASK THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPLACED AS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY HE GIVES US EXCUSES TO DELAY AND HAVE THE 60000 MILES MARKUP TO PASS. WE ARE SOME 200 MILES LEFT BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. HE SAYS WE CAN DRIVE IT IS OKAY. BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THE DEALER. WHEN I ASKED CAN YOU GUARANTEE THAT NOTHING WILL HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING HIS REPLY WAS A BIG SMILE. I ALSO ASKED TO GIVE US THE WARRANTY AFTER THEY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON THE HONDA PARTS - HE DENIES, SAYING I HAVE TO BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289972
36,377 miles · Oct 14, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY BRAKE PROBLEMS. ONLY HAVE 34,000 AND THE BRAKES ARE MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKE. FEELS LIKE THE CAR WILL NOT STOP. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER & WAS TOLD TO MUCH MOUNTAIN DRIVING. (HAS NOT BEEN IN THE MOUNTAINS.) THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS AND REPLACED BRAKE PADS. THE ROTORS WERE WRAPPED TO DO EXCESSIVE HEAT. …
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY BRAKE PROBLEMS. ONLY HAVE 34,000 AND THE BRAKES ARE MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKE. FEELS LIKE THE CAR WILL NOT STOP. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER & WAS TOLD TO MUCH MOUNTAIN DRIVING. (HAS NOT BEEN IN THE MOUNTAINS.) THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS AND REPLACED BRAKE PADS. THE ROTORS WERE WRAPPED TO DO EXCESSIVE HEAT. WE WERE ALSO TOLD THAT THIS IS A HEAVY VEHICLE AND THAT IS JUST WHAT THE BRAKES DO. AFTER 10 DAYS FROM THE REPAIR THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE IS ALREADY STARTING TO MAKE A RUBBING NOISE. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF CARS IN THE PAST THAT HAVE HAD MOUNTAIN MILES AND TOWING MILES ON THE CAR & HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287335
Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 DEFECTIVE OIL DRAIN PLUG HONDA'S DRAIN PLUG IS DEFECTIVE IN THAT IT GENERATES PERMANENT LEAKAGE UPON ITS REMOVAL IN THE EVENT OF AN OIL CHANGE. HONDA IS ACKNOWLEDGING THIS DEFECTIVE CONDITION OF THE DRAIN PLUG, AND IS REQUIRING THE CONSUMER TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF ITS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT BY REQUIRING THE RECURR…
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HONDA ODYSSEY 2007 DEFECTIVE OIL DRAIN PLUG HONDA'S DRAIN PLUG IS DEFECTIVE IN THAT IT GENERATES PERMANENT LEAKAGE UPON ITS REMOVAL IN THE EVENT OF AN OIL CHANGE. HONDA IS ACKNOWLEDGING THIS DEFECTIVE CONDITION OF THE DRAIN PLUG, AND IS REQUIRING THE CONSUMER TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF ITS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT BY REQUIRING THE RECURRING PURCHASE OF THESE REPLACEMENT DRAIN PLUGS EACH TIME THE OIL IS CHANGED. AGAIN, THIS LEAVES THE BURDEN OF THE DEFECTIVE PART ON THE CONSUMER, IN ADDITION TO ENABLING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENVIRONMENT, AS WELL AS ENDANGERING THE LIFE OF ONE'S VEHICLE IF THESE DRAIN PLUGS ARE NOT REPLACED UPON EACH OIL CHANGE. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR THIS BURDEN. HONDA SHOULD MANUFACTURE A SAFE NON-DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HAD TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING WHEN HONDA KNEW ALL ALONG AND DID NOT NOTIFY THE CONSUMER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287161
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2009
Service Brakes, Electric
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, AND HAVE A CONSISTENT AND PERPETUAL BRAKE PROBLEM. THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN REALLY SOFT AND GO ALMOST TO THE GROUND WHEN BRAKING. IN ADDITION, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, SUCH AS WHEN PULLING UP TO A STOP SIGN, THERE IS A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. IN MY EXPERIENCE THAT GRINDING NOISE IS…
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MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, AND HAVE A CONSISTENT AND PERPETUAL BRAKE PROBLEM. THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN REALLY SOFT AND GO ALMOST TO THE GROUND WHEN BRAKING. IN ADDITION, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, SUCH AS WHEN PULLING UP TO A STOP SIGN, THERE IS A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE. IN MY EXPERIENCE THAT GRINDING NOISE IS A BAD THING. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO MY DEALER, AND WE HAVE TAKEN THE VAN IN FOR BRAKE SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR THEM TO FIX THIS ISSUE, THIS IS NORMAL FOR HONDA ODYSSEYS. SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE MATERIAL OF THE BRAKE PADS BECAUSE THE CAR IS HEAVIER. BUT THIS CANNOT POSSIBLY BE NORMAL, AND THE BRAKES SHOULD NOT TAKE SO LONG TO ENGAGE. I HAVE A VERY HARD TIME GETTING THIS VAN TO BRAKE GOING DOWN HILLS AND AM CONSTANTLY AFRAID THAT THEY WILL NOT ENGAGE IN TIME FOR ME TO STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY, AND AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT HONDA HAS TAKEN NO ACTION TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THAT ALL OF THE RESEARCH I HAVE COMPLETED SHOWS THAT THERE ARE MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE FROM OTHER HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10286903
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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