BRAKE WITHOUT THE DRIVER PRESSING THE PEDAL. *TR
2008 Honda Odyssey
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Odyssey years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Honda Odyssey are substantially higher than the model-year median of 249.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Odyssey years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
421 reports with mileage · 78 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.
- Structure. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
62 reportsSO FAR, ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND NEARLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. ON EACH OCCASION IT HAPPENED DURING ACCELERATION AND SPEEDS WENT FROM NEARLY 40 TO 10-15 MPH EACH TIME. NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES IN ANY OF THESE INCIDENTS. *TR
BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED DURING ACCELERATION FROM 20-50 WHILE ENTERING BUSY HIGHWAY SLOWING VEHICLE NEARLY TO A STOP. MANAGED TO AVOID APPROACHING TRAFFIC AND LIMP OFF THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT. PROBLEM RECURRED AS I TOOK SIDE ROAD BACK HOME. PROBLEM ALSO RECURRED AS I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE FOLLOWING M…
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BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED DURING ACCELERATION FROM 20-50 WHILE ENTERING BUSY HIGHWAY SLOWING VEHICLE NEARLY TO A STOP. MANAGED TO AVOID APPROACHING TRAFFIC AND LIMP OFF THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT. PROBLEM RECURRED AS I TOOK SIDE ROAD BACK HOME. PROBLEM ALSO RECURRED AS I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE FOLLOWING MORNING. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM OR PROVIDE SOLUTION. PROBLEM PERSISTED AND VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP TWO MORE TIMES IN 2011 WITH NO RESOLUTION AS WELL. NOW 2013 WITH OVER 40,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE (OUT OF 36,000 MILE WARRANTY), PROBLEM PERSISTS. DRIVER HAS LEARNED TO PULL OVER AND TURN ENGINE OFF TO RESET ELECTRONICS NECESSARY TO TEMPORARILY OVERCOME THE ISSUE. STILL NO DIAGNOSIS OR RESOLUTION BY DEALERSHIP OR HONDA. THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE CAUSED BY WARPED BRAKE ROTORS, WORN BRAKE PADS, OR AIR IN BRAKE LINES. ECM/PCM SOFTWARE UPDATES IN APR AND MAY 2011 WERE FRUITLESS. I SUSPECT THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN EITHER A SENSOR, A PRIMARY CONTROL UNIT, OR SOFTWARE OPERATING SUCH. *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET ABOUT 40MPH WITH MY FOOT ONLY ON THE GAS PEDAL, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON, SLOWING ME DOWN RAPIDLY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOBODY BEHIND ME. THIS HAPPENED ON MY WAY HOME 2 MORE TIMES. THE SUBSEQUENT TIMES I WAS DRIVING SLOWER. THEE WERE NEVER ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THERE WAS NO SMELLS. AFTE…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET ABOUT 40MPH WITH MY FOOT ONLY ON THE GAS PEDAL, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON, SLOWING ME DOWN RAPIDLY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOBODY BEHIND ME. THIS HAPPENED ON MY WAY HOME 2 MORE TIMES. THE SUBSEQUENT TIMES I WAS DRIVING SLOWER. THEE WERE NEVER ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THERE WAS NO SMELLS. AFTER THE 3 TIMES DURING THAT 1 TRIP, IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT HONDA DEALERSHIP TODAY AND AM AFRAID THAT THEY WONT BE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. I AM TERRIFIED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF MY CONTROL. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY, IN FRONT OF A SEMI AND THE BRAKES GET SLAMMED ON AGAIN? *TR
CONTINUE TO HAVE SOFT BRAKES EVEN AFTER VSA RECALL. BRAKE DID TIGHTEN UP AND THE BECAME SOFT AGAIN. BRAKES STILL CONTINUE TO BECOME SOFT AFTER RECALL WORK. BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACES ALONG WITH NEW BRAKE FLUID AND BLEEDING OF BRAKE LINES. NO CHANGE AFTER WORK WAS COMPLETED. *TR
I BROUGHT THE ODYSSEY TO HONDA, SPOKE WITH SERVICE ADVISOR. I TOLD THE ADVISOR THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WAS TOO FAR, ABOUT 75% OF RANGE TO INITIATE BRAKING. THIS WAS THE SAME CONDITION THAT THE VAN WAS IN ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHEN THE ("AIR IN BRAKE SYSTEM" RECALL WAS APPLIED). I ASKED HONDA TO BLEED THE BRAKES AND RE-APPLY …
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I BROUGHT THE ODYSSEY TO HONDA, SPOKE WITH SERVICE ADVISOR. I TOLD THE ADVISOR THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WAS TOO FAR, ABOUT 75% OF RANGE TO INITIATE BRAKING. THIS WAS THE SAME CONDITION THAT THE VAN WAS IN ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHEN THE ("AIR IN BRAKE SYSTEM" RECALL WAS APPLIED). I ASKED HONDA TO BLEED THE BRAKES AND RE-APPLY THE SEALS CALLED OUT IN THE RECALL. HONDA REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE OR APPLY THE RECALL A SECOND TIME (AS A RECALL CONDITION). HONDA DID RECOMMEND THAT I PAY FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION AND SERVICE. HONDA'S RECALL REPAIR WAS INSUFFICIENT AND HAS LEFT THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME DANGEROUS CONDITION OF LEAKING AIR INTO THE BRAKES AS IT WAS BEFORE THE RECALL. I PLAN TO BLEED THE BRAKES MYSELF RATHER THAN PAY HONDA A SMALL FORTUNE TO DO SOMETHING THEY SHOULD BE DOING FREE OF CHARGE FOR THERE FAULTY DESIGN. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF NHTSA WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE TO DOCUMENT THE RECURRING PROBLEM, BEFORE I BLEED THE BRAKES. IN THE FUTURE I WOULD URGE THE NHTSA TO HOLD MANUFACTURERS LIABLE TO EITHER IMPLEMENT A REAL FIX, SUCH AS A NEW VSA MODULATOR THAT DOESN'T LEAK OR THAT THEY SHOULD REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURER TO APPLY THEIR 'BAND-AID FIX' RECALL OF BLEEDING THE BRAKES AND ADDING SEALS AS MANY TIMES AS THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS. BLEEDING THE BRAKES IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX, THIS NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON A REGULAR BASIS, ITS NOT A ONE TIME FIX. *TR
WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY SPONTANEOUSLY BRAKED. I QUICKLY LOOKED TO MAKE SURE THE PARKING BRAKE HAD NOT ENGAGED AND THAT NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. AFTER A MOMENT, THE BRAKES RELEASED. THEN THEY BRAKED AGAIN EVEN HARDER, SLAMMING ME AGAINST THE SEATBELT. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT FIV…
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WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY SPONTANEOUSLY BRAKED. I QUICKLY LOOKED TO MAKE SURE THE PARKING BRAKE HAD NOT ENGAGED AND THAT NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. AFTER A MOMENT, THE BRAKES RELEASED. THEN THEY BRAKED AGAIN EVEN HARDER, SLAMMING ME AGAINST THE SEATBELT. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT FIVE OR SIX TIMES. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 25 MILES/HOUR AND MANAGED TO LIMP THE COUPLE OF MILES LEFT TO GET HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, ALMOST EXACTLY LIKE THE FIRST TIME. WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP, BOTH TIMES THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE NOR DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *TR
I MERGED ON TO THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROX. 50MPH WHEN MY ODYSSEY MINIVAN STARTED TO BRAKE ON IT'S OWN. I LOOKED AT MY PANEL TO MAKE SURE I WAS IN 'D' (DRIVE AND NOT 1 OR 2) AND CHECKED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE, THEN THE VAN ACCELERATED AND THEN BRAKED A COUPLE TIMES THEN IT BRAKED REALLY HARD MAKING THE VAN DO A NOSE DIVE. THIS ALL HAPP…
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I MERGED ON TO THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROX. 50MPH WHEN MY ODYSSEY MINIVAN STARTED TO BRAKE ON IT'S OWN. I LOOKED AT MY PANEL TO MAKE SURE I WAS IN 'D' (DRIVE AND NOT 1 OR 2) AND CHECKED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE, THEN THE VAN ACCELERATED AND THEN BRAKED A COUPLE TIMES THEN IT BRAKED REALLY HARD MAKING THE VAN DO A NOSE DIVE. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN ABOUT A MINUTE OR LESS. I WAS NOT IN CONTROL OF THE VAN, IT DID ALL THIS ON IT'S OWN. I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY 2 YEAR OLD FROM PRESCHOOL AND I HAD MY 10 MONTH OLD REAR FACING AS WELL. IF THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD HAVE DONE, I WOULD HAVE. I HIT MY FLASHERS AND PULLED OVER. BUT LIKE I SAID, I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND I FELT LIKE A SITTING DUCK WITH MY BABIES IN THE BACK SO I STARTED DRIVING BECAUSE THERE WAS AN OFF RAMP JUST A LITTLE AHEAD OF ME, AND WHEN I REACHED APPROX 25MPH THE VAN DOVE ON THE BRAKES AGAIN. ONCE I WAS SAFELY OFF THE HIGHWAY, I CALLED AAA AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP. WE BOUGHT THE VAN 12/11 CERTIFIED USED. *TR
BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED WHILE FOOT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL - THE VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR AND THE BRAKES APPLIED FORCING YOU INTO THE SEAT BELT UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST TO A STOP. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT 300 FEET LATER. THE BRAKES APPLIED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL OR E-BRAKE. THIS IS …
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BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED WHILE FOOT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL - THE VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR AND THE BRAKES APPLIED FORCING YOU INTO THE SEAT BELT UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST TO A STOP. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT 300 FEET LATER. THE BRAKES APPLIED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL OR E-BRAKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 15,000 MILES IT HAPPENED - THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WE DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER THINKING IT WAS HUMAN ERROR OR A ONE TIME ISSUE. NOW THAT IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I FOUND 7 OR 8 OTHER ODYSSEY OWNERS FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE NHTSA WE KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE GOING ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE. CALLED HONDA AND THEY SENT 3 ENGINEERS TO LOOK AT VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. HONDA REPLACED ALL BRAKING SYSTEM PARTS WITH NEW PARTS, PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR ALL AT NO CHARGE. THEY HAVE NO ANSWERS TO WHAT CAUSED THE ISSUE BUT PLAN ON PUTTING THE PARTS FROM MY VEHICLE ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE SO THEY CAN DO MORE TESTS. HOPEFULLY THE NEW PARTS WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE. *TR
BRAKE IS SOFT ONLY 40,000 MILE VERY SOFT BRAKE HONDA DOES NOT WANNA REPLACE PARTS SO PLEASE HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE THANKS. *TR
Official recalls
414V112000 · 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.
12V062000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Feb 16, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ODYSSEY VEHICLES, THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HELP TO RAISE AND SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM MAY BE PRONE TO EARLY LIFE FAILURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE FLAW CAN RESULT IN A LEAK OF THE PRESSURIZED GAS, LEADING TO REDUCED STRUT PERFORMANCE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ODYSSEY VEHICLES, THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HELP TO RAISE AND SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM MAY BE PRONE TO EARLY LIFE FAILURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE FLAW CAN RESULT IN A LEAK OF THE PRESSURIZED GAS, LEADING TO REDUCED STRUT PERFORMANCE.
Consequence: STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ODYSSEY VEHICLES, THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HELP TO RAISE AND SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM MAY BE PRONE TO EARLY LIFE FAILURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE FLAW CAN RESULT IN A LEAK OF THE PRESSURIZED GAS, LEADING TO REDUCED STRUT PERFORMANCE.
Consequence: STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ODYSSEY VEHICLES, THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HELP TO RAISE AND SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A POWER LIFTGATE SYSTEM MAY BE PRONE TO EARLY LIFE FAILURES DUE TO A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE FLAW CAN RESULT IN A LEAK OF THE PRESSURIZED GAS, LEADING TO REDUCED STRUT PERFORMANCE.
Consequence: STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE 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
5PE13024 · 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.
EQ12010 · Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Opened Sep 28, 2012 · Closed Dec 31, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Please see the attached closing resume summary.It has been attached to this document as a PDF.
PE11034 · Unexpected Closing Of Power Liftgate
Opened Sep 23, 2011 · Closed Feb 29, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut; Structure:body:tailgate ; Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
Additional source detail variants (6)
Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
Structure:body:tailgate
The investigation found that the liftgate struts were failing prematurely and at an abnormal rate in certain model year (MY) 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring and 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and EX-L model vehicles equipped with power-operated rear liftgates (note: MY 2008 Odyssey EX-L was not equipped with a power liftgate).Unlike vehicles with non-powered (manual) liftgates, the subject vehicle's liftgate can be opened automatically (via the power liftgate motor) even when the struts are in a degraded condition and can no longer support it in the open position.Consumers standing or accessing the rear cargo area under the liftgate and expecting the liftgate will stay open, can be struck when the liftgate unexpectedly drops, or can be trapped under the liftgate as it power closes, both of which can occur when the system detects and reacts to degraded struts.By contrast, users of a manual liftgate assist in lifting it, and thus notice the lack of support as the struts degrade.Honda is conducting a recall to replace the liftgate struts in approximately 45,747 MY 2008 and early MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates built before a manufacturing change of the liftgate strut assembly that occurred on January 13, 2009 (see NHTSA Safety Recall No. 12V-062 for further details).The vehicles subject to the recall account for 101 complaints, 12 injuries, and 5,630 of the warranty claims shown above (i.e., the MY 2009 and 2010 vehicles built after the manufacturing change experience lower failure rates).In addition, and based on consumer complaints to NHTSA, Odyssey vehicles without power liftgates experience lower complaint and injury rates than the Odyssey vehicles equipped with power liftgates (subject vehicles).The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10442027, 10441232, 10437461, 10432557, 10430420, 10429962, 10412908, 10401388, 10395475, 10390216, 10343678, 10336744, 10294156
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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