NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
63 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 16, 2012
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control
VSA WARNING LIGHT WENT ON SUDDENLY DURING DRIVING. STEERING WHEEL FEELS NOT STABLE WHEN TURNING AFTER THE LIGHT IS ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE VSA MODULE AND THE COMPUTER IS LOST AND NEED REPLACE VSA MODULE FOR $1,600. IT IS NOT A PROBLEM CAUSED BY WEAR-AND TEAR AND HONDA SHOU…
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VSA WARNING LIGHT WENT ON SUDDENLY DURING DRIVING. STEERING WHEEL FEELS NOT STABLE WHEN TURNING AFTER THE LIGHT IS ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE VSA MODULE AND THE COMPUTER IS LOST AND NEED REPLACE VSA MODULE FOR $1,600. IT IS NOT A PROBLEM CAUSED BY WEAR-AND TEAR AND HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE ELECTRONICS MORE RELIABLE IN ODYSSEY MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10480736
75,000 miles · Jul 12, 2012
Electrical SystemFire
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED FOR OVER 8 HOURS FROM ITS LAST DRIVE TIME. NO KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION AND NO EQUIPMENT OR ACCESSORIES WERE OPERATING. THE WIRING UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT IGNITED AND THE RESULTING FIRE CONSUMED THE CABIN TOTALING THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465460
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2011
Electrical System
MY WHOLE DASH BOARD STARTED BLINKING AND NO INFORMATION OF SPEED, FUEL AMOUNT, HOT OR COLD, OR THE MILAGE WAS ABLE TO BE SEEN. WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT IF STOPPED COULDN'T TELL YOU HOW FAST I WAS GOING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434782
68,265 miles · Nov 26, 2010
Electrical SystemFire
THE ALTERNATOR FROZE UP CAUSING THE BELT TO SLIP AND GENERATE HEAT. A BURNING SMELL WAS THE FIRST DETECTION OF A PROBLEM. THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH. AS A PRECAUTION, THE CAR WAS RETURNED HOME. THE PLASTIC CASING ON THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY. THE FIRE DEPARTM…
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THE ALTERNATOR FROZE UP CAUSING THE BELT TO SLIP AND GENERATE HEAT. A BURNING SMELL WAS THE FIRST DETECTION OF A PROBLEM. THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH. AS A PRECAUTION, THE CAR WAS RETURNED HOME. THE PLASTIC CASING ON THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND RESPONDED TO CONFIRM THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE PART WAS REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10367867
10 miles · Nov 1, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior LightingInterior Lighting
I HAVE 2007 ODYSSEY EX-L WITH DVD. THE LIGHT IN CAR LIKE HEAD AND TAIL LIGHT, ROOM LIGHT ETC IS BLINKING ALL THE TIME EVEN I DRIVE MY CAR. I ALREADY WENT TO DEALER SHIP TWO TIMES, THEY JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE BATTERY DURING THE DAY TIME AND SAID EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE. AT NIGHT, MY BOY CAN'T READ A BOOK IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF BLIN…
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I HAVE 2007 ODYSSEY EX-L WITH DVD. THE LIGHT IN CAR LIKE HEAD AND TAIL LIGHT, ROOM LIGHT ETC IS BLINKING ALL THE TIME EVEN I DRIVE MY CAR. I ALREADY WENT TO DEALER SHIP TWO TIMES, THEY JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE BATTERY DURING THE DAY TIME AND SAID EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE. AT NIGHT, MY BOY CAN'T READ A BOOK IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF BLINKING. IT LOOKS THE GENERATOR HAS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10363516
50,405 miles · Oct 25, 2010
Electrical SystemVisibility
ON MY DAUGHTERS 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC UP FEATURE FOR THE DRIVERS WINDOW. ONCE THE WINDOW STARTS UP (CLOSING), IF YOU PUT DOWN PRESSURE ON THE WINDOW IT WILL REVERSE, DO DOWN A FEW INCHES AND STOP. BUT IF YOU PUT PRESSURE ON THE WINDOW, LIKE A CHILD LEANING OUT THE WINDOW, AND IT STARTS UP THE OVERRIDE FEATURE…
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ON MY DAUGHTERS 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY, IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC UP FEATURE FOR THE DRIVERS WINDOW. ONCE THE WINDOW STARTS UP (CLOSING), IF YOU PUT DOWN PRESSURE ON THE WINDOW IT WILL REVERSE, DO DOWN A FEW INCHES AND STOP. BUT IF YOU PUT PRESSURE ON THE WINDOW, LIKE A CHILD LEANING OUT THE WINDOW, AND IT STARTS UP THE OVERRIDE FEATURE WILL NOT STOP THE WINDOW AND MAKE IT GO DOWN A FEW INCHES. THE WINDOW WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSE, ONLY STOPPING WHEN THE MOTOR IS OVERPOWERED. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN UNTIL QUITE A BIT OF FORCE IS APPLIED TO WHATEVER IS BLOCKING THE WINDOW, AND IN THE CASE OF A SMALL CHILD IT COULD CAUSE QUITE A BIT OF INJURY. I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED A VEHICLE WITH AN AUTO-UP FEATURE FOR A WINDOW. WITH THE AMOUNT OF FORCE IT TAKES TO OVERLOAD THE MOTOR A CHILD CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10362349
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE (VSA) VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. *JB UPDATED 10/20/10
NHTSA ODI #10360878
50,044 miles · Jun 29, 2010
Electrical System
THE 50,000 MILES HONDA ODYSSEY ALTERNATOR CREATES SMOKES AND SPARKS. THE CAR SCHEDULE MAINTAINED AT DEALERSHIP AND ALSO NO AFTER MARKET PRODUCT INSTALLED IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10340580
41,000 miles · Jun 7, 2010
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. HE JUMP STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT 5 MPH ABOUT 100 FEET AND HEAVY SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. HE JUMP STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT 5 MPH ABOUT 100 FEET AND HEAVY SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STATED HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK ON 6/5/10 AFTER THE REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED AND ADVISED THEM THAT THE BRAKE REPAIR DID NOT WORK. HE STATED THE BRAKES WOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WOULD SHAKE . BUT THE PROBLEM WAS ALWAYS BLAMED ON THE CLUTCH. THE DEALER THEN TURNED THE ROTORS. UPDATED EVOQ 08/31/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10334955
69,000 miles · Apr 7, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
FAILURE OF FRONT A/C CONDENSER BY A SUPPOSED "ROCK" IMPACT RESULTING IN LOSS OF REFRIGERANT AND A/C SERVICE. I CONTEND THIS IS RELATED TO DESIGN DEFECT OF THE FRONT BUMPERS AND LACK OF GRILL IN LARGE OPENING. HONDA PROVIDED NO COMPENSATION AND EXTENDED WARRANTY REFUSED BY STATING "DEALER STATED ROCK IMPACT IS CONSIDERED A COLL…
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FAILURE OF FRONT A/C CONDENSER BY A SUPPOSED "ROCK" IMPACT RESULTING IN LOSS OF REFRIGERANT AND A/C SERVICE. I CONTEND THIS IS RELATED TO DESIGN DEFECT OF THE FRONT BUMPERS AND LACK OF GRILL IN LARGE OPENING. HONDA PROVIDED NO COMPENSATION AND EXTENDED WARRANTY REFUSED BY STATING "DEALER STATED ROCK IMPACT IS CONSIDERED A COLLISION UNDER WARRANTY" A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH MANY MODELS OF HONDA, NOT JUST ODYSSEY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324195
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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