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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 →

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.

37 crash reports8 fire reports38 injury reports

What owners actually said

499 reports
30,000 miles · Apr 15, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 40 MPH AND OVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WITH AN ACCOMPANYING RATTLING SOUND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 40 MPH AND OVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WITH AN ACCOMPANYING RATTLING SOUND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL AT SOME POINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 06/07/11*LJ UPDATED 06/13/11

NHTSA ODI #10395993

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2011
Child Seat

IN MY SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL, WHEN I INSTALL THE SEAT REAR FACING WITH SUPERLATCH, THE EDGE OF THE BELT ADJUSTER HITS THE SIDE OF THE BELT PATH. IF YOU SLIDE THE SEAT SIDE TO SIDE TO CHECK THE INSTALL, IT LOOSENS THE LATCH BELT. THE LATCH BELT IS ALSO RIGHT WERE MY DAUGHTER PUTS HER FEET, AND TWICE, SHE HAS LOOSENED THE BEL…

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IN MY SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL, WHEN I INSTALL THE SEAT REAR FACING WITH SUPERLATCH, THE EDGE OF THE BELT ADJUSTER HITS THE SIDE OF THE BELT PATH. IF YOU SLIDE THE SEAT SIDE TO SIDE TO CHECK THE INSTALL, IT LOOSENS THE LATCH BELT. THE LATCH BELT IS ALSO RIGHT WERE MY DAUGHTER PUTS HER FEET, AND TWICE, SHE HAS LOOSENED THE BELT WITH HER FOOT. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2008, MAKE=HONDA, MODEL=ODYSSEY). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395813

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2011
StructureInjury

INTERIOR OF VEHICLE COMPARTMENT LEAVES PASSENGERS (FOUR) LEAVING FEELING WEAK, WOOZY, UNABLE TO STAY ALERT, FEELING AS IF WE ARE GOING TO PASS OUT DURING VEHILCE OPERATION. WINDOWS MUST BE ROLLED DOWN FOR FRESH OXYGEN. VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY TAKEN TO LOCAL LYNNWOOD WASHINGTON HONDA DEALER FOR INSPECTION, REPAIR. REQUESTED MAI…

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INTERIOR OF VEHICLE COMPARTMENT LEAVES PASSENGERS (FOUR) LEAVING FEELING WEAK, WOOZY, UNABLE TO STAY ALERT, FEELING AS IF WE ARE GOING TO PASS OUT DURING VEHILCE OPERATION. WINDOWS MUST BE ROLLED DOWN FOR FRESH OXYGEN. VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY TAKEN TO LOCAL LYNNWOOD WASHINGTON HONDA DEALER FOR INSPECTION, REPAIR. REQUESTED MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR CONTACT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HONDA MAINTENANCE SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL FOR ADVICE ON VEHICLE EQUIPMENT TO CHECK, REPAIR, REPLACE, CORRECT OR FIX. INITIALLY, HONDA DEALER HAS ADVISED US, HE HAS NO IDEA WHY THERE IS GAS LEAK, CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK OR OTHER PRODUCTS LEAKING INTO COMPARTMENT. HONDA TSBS AND NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE REFLECTS MULTIPLE OTHER CASES OF SIMILAR REPORTS. WE FULLY EXPECT OUR LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS OUR CONCERNS AND APPROPRIATELY TAKE REMEDIATIVE STEPS TO FIX, REPAIR VEHICLE TO OUR SATISFACTION. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390399

40,000 miles · Mar 2, 2011
Power Train

2008 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH VCM. THE TRANSMISSION CHRONIC JERKING WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN 39-41, 49-51, 59-61, 69-71 MPH. COMPLAINED TO HONDA DEALER THREE TIMES, BUT THE MASTER MECHANIC DID NOT FIND ANY ISSUE. THIS HAPPENED SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10386132

1,000 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ONGOING SINCE APRIL 2008, AND THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THERE HAD BEEN NO REPAIRS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL 10V098000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR) BUT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,365.

NHTSA ODI #10384302

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2011
Visibility

2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES DESIGN DEFECT RELATED TO WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE WIPER BLADES ON HIS DAUGHTER VEHICLE, ONE OF THE WIPER ARMS THAT HAD ITS BLADE REMOVED CAME DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED IT.

NHTSA ODI #10383813

19,500 miles · Feb 8, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAVE A HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 MODEL - PROBLEMS ARE: 1. BRAKES ARE SORT OF GIVING A FEELING THEY ARE NOT RIGID AND FIRM. THE PEDAL SHAKES WHEN THE BRAKES RE APPLIED TO SLOW DOWN THE SPEED 2. THERE IS A FRICTION SOUND THAT IS ANNOYING ALL THE TIME AND THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY FOR LONG TIME AND THEN MOVED. 3.…

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I HAVE A HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 MODEL - PROBLEMS ARE: 1. BRAKES ARE SORT OF GIVING A FEELING THEY ARE NOT RIGID AND FIRM. THE PEDAL SHAKES WHEN THE BRAKES RE APPLIED TO SLOW DOWN THE SPEED 2. THERE IS A FRICTION SOUND THAT IS ANNOYING ALL THE TIME AND THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY FOR LONG TIME AND THEN MOVED. 3. WHEN RIDING IN SNOW CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL SHAKES ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381192

1,000 miles · Jan 27, 2011
Power Train

I OWN A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR LATER I RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO THE JUDDER FAILURE FROM HONDA ADVISING ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPGRADE. THE DEALER MADE UPGRADES TO THE VEHICL…

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I OWN A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR LATER I RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE PERTAINING TO THE JUDDER FAILURE FROM HONDA ADVISING ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPGRADE. THE DEALER MADE UPGRADES TO THE VEHICLE SOFTWARE. THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE WAS SUPPOSED TO REMEDY THE VIBRATIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING AT 47 ' 55 MPH. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE SOFTWARE WAS UPGRADED. AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER. BUT THE VEHICLE STILL VIBRATES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY TEST DROVE MY VEHICLE AND A DEALER'S 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH ME AND THEY FELT THE VIBRATION FROM BOTH VEHICLES. THE VIBRATION FROM MY VEHICLE WAS WORSE THAN THE DEALER'S VEHICLE. BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE HONDA PREVIOUSLY HAD RECALLED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,100. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10379312

1,000 miles · Jan 26, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR LATER THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE ADVISING HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPGRADE. THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE WAS SUPPOSED TO REMEDY THE VIBRATION…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR LATER THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTICE ADVISING HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPGRADE. THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE WAS SUPPOSED TO REMEDY THE VIBRATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE SOFTWARE WAS UPGRADED. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 240,100.

NHTSA ODI #10378785

39,686 miles · Jan 20, 2011
Power TrainCrashInjury

I HAVE A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WAS PREPARING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON STEPPING ON THE BRAKES. HAD TO PUT CAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. RPMS WERE UP TO 6. THAT WAS 2 1/2 WEEKS AGO. YESTERDAY 1/19/11 THE SAME THING HAPPENED UPON STEPPING ON THE BRAKE TO STOP FOR A CAR IN F…

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I HAVE A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WAS PREPARING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON STEPPING ON THE BRAKES. HAD TO PUT CAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. RPMS WERE UP TO 6. THAT WAS 2 1/2 WEEKS AGO. YESTERDAY 1/19/11 THE SAME THING HAPPENED UPON STEPPING ON THE BRAKE TO STOP FOR A CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN TO WHERE I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. I HAD TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE TO STOP THE CAR FROM EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION. BROUGHT THE CAR TO HONDA THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. CURRENTLY ITS AT THE DEALER WHERE I HAD IT TOWED BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS A DANGER TO THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378086

Official recalls

4

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

Mar 14, 2014

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

13V500000 · Electrical System:software

Nov 1, 2013

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

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

5

PE13024 · Inappropriate Autonomous Braking

Opened Jun 25, 2013 · Closed Nov 4, 2013

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

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

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.