NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
139 reportsClear category filter238,133 miles · May 14, 2025
EnginePower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 45-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for two hours. The contact then continued driving 20-25 MPH. The contact stated that the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The v…
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The contact owns a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 45-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for two hours. The contact then continued driving 20-25 MPH. The contact stated that the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with battery voltage, brake sensor, ECM and PCM failures. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 238,133.
NHTSA ODI #11660906
205,000 miles · Nov 4, 2024
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a burning chemical odor coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake fluid reservoir was empty. The brake fluid reservoir was refilled but later the contact discovered that the brake flui…
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The contact owns a 2007 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a burning chemical odor coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake fluid reservoir was empty. The brake fluid reservoir was refilled but later the contact discovered that the brake fluid reservoir was empty again; however, there was no visible signs of a brake fluid leak. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 205,000.
NHTSA ODI #11623395
114,256 miles · Dec 9, 2014
Service BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN UNKNOWN RECALL, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN UNKNOWN RECALL, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V504000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,256.
NHTSA ODI #10663049
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
I FORGOT TO ADD THE RECALL NUMBER ON THE VSA DEVICE THAT LOCKS UP WITHOUT DRIVERS INVOLVEMENT AND CAUSES ACCIDENTS. I WAS TOLD BY HONDA IT IS 13-098 IN MY FORMER COMPLAINT TODAY. BOTTOM LINE, IF I DRIVE IT WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND IT LOCKS UP AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT, WHO IS LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ETC? IF I DON'T DRIVE IT I HAV…
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I FORGOT TO ADD THE RECALL NUMBER ON THE VSA DEVICE THAT LOCKS UP WITHOUT DRIVERS INVOLVEMENT AND CAUSES ACCIDENTS. I WAS TOLD BY HONDA IT IS 13-098 IN MY FORMER COMPLAINT TODAY. BOTTOM LINE, IF I DRIVE IT WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND IT LOCKS UP AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT, WHO IS LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ETC? IF I DON'T DRIVE IT I HAVE NO CAR UNTIL REPAIRED. DOES OR IS HONDA RESPONSIBLE TO PROVIDE US A CAR UNTIL OURS IS REPAIRED AND SAFE AGAIN. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND NOW TOM SCOTT HONDA IN NAMPA ID SAID THEY CAN'T REPAIR IT UNTIL SOMETIME NEXT YEAR BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET PARTS UNTIL THEN. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THIS VEHICLE IS BEING RECALLED BECAUSE THE BRAKES LOCK UP DO TO THE VSA DEVICE MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS IN WHICH PEOPLE ARE GETTING HURT. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556429
95,362 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I WAS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND ACCELERATING WHEN SUDDENLY MY MINIVAN BRAKES BY ITSELF. IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE ELSE WAS CONTROLLING THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR ME. IT WAS HORRIFYING. IT PULLED OVER AND WAITED UNTIL I WAS OK TO DRIVE AGAIN. I CONTINUE DRIVING AND AGAIN WHEN I WAS ACCELERATING THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT AL…
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I WAS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND ACCELERATING WHEN SUDDENLY MY MINIVAN BRAKES BY ITSELF. IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE ELSE WAS CONTROLLING THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR ME. IT WAS HORRIFYING. IT PULLED OVER AND WAITED UNTIL I WAS OK TO DRIVE AGAIN. I CONTINUE DRIVING AND AGAIN WHEN I WAS ACCELERATING THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND BRAKED TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP. I DECIDED TO KEEP ON DRIVING TO GET TO THE NEAREST SAFEST PLACE TO PARK AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES UNTIL I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO CALL FOR A RELATIVE ASSISTANCE GETTING BACK HOME BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY THREE CHILDREN AND I DIDN'T WANT TO ENDANGER THEM. MY HUSBAND TOOK THE MINIVAN HOME AND IT DIDN'T DO IT AGAIN. I HAVEN'T DRIVE IT SINCE I'M TERRIFIED IT CAN DO IT AGAIN WHEN I'M DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED AND CAUSE AND ACCIDENT THAT CAN BE FATAL TO MY FAMILY, OTHER DRIVERS AND ME.
NHTSA ODI #10525447
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2013
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE RAYBESTOS'S ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ROTORS (MODEL #980290) THAT I BROUGHT AT O'REILLY AUTO PART STORE AND INSTALLED ON MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY IN 06/26/2011. LAST WEEK ON 06/23/2013 WHILE INSPECTING THE PULSATION ISSUES, I FOUND FINE CRACKS ON BOTH ROTORS. WITH CURIOSITY I SEARCHED "RAYBESTOS ROTOR CRACKS…
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THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE RAYBESTOS'S ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ROTORS (MODEL #980290) THAT I BROUGHT AT O'REILLY AUTO PART STORE AND INSTALLED ON MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY IN 06/26/2011. LAST WEEK ON 06/23/2013 WHILE INSPECTING THE PULSATION ISSUES, I FOUND FINE CRACKS ON BOTH ROTORS. WITH CURIOSITY I SEARCHED "RAYBESTOS ROTOR CRACKS" OVER THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THE BRAKE ROTOR SAFETY PUBLIC AWARENESS PUBLISHED AT THE RAYBESTOS SITE. BASED ON THE INFORMATION FROM RAYBESTOS, CERTAIN IMPORTED BRAKE ROTORS INCLUDING RAYBESTOS BRAND HAVE THIS ISSUE. I CHECKED THE BOX AND FOUND THE ROTORS WERE MADE IN CHINA. THEIR SITE PROVIDED NHTSA LINK TO FILE COMPLAINT.
NHTSA ODI #10524416
15,769 miles · Dec 7, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,769 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WOULD SELF-ACTIVATE RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP OR NEAR STOP; ONLY THEN WOULD THE BRAKES RELEASE. WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, IT CAUSED THE TIRES TO DRAG AS THEY WERE BEING FORCED TO ROLL. UNTIL THE CONSUMER COULD GET TO A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. ALSO, THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS WERE GENERATING HEAT.
NHTSA ODI #10487659
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
A LETTER FROM SENATOR WICKER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE SAFETY CONCERN ABOUT HIS 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY (DOT/I # S-2012-274) *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VAN HAD A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED HER TO BE REAR END…
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A LETTER FROM SENATOR WICKER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE SAFETY CONCERN ABOUT HIS 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY (DOT/I # S-2012-274) *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VAN HAD A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES LOCKING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED HER TO BE REAR ENDED.
NHTSA ODI #10484441
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2012
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE BRAKES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES EMITTED A SQUEALING AND GRINDING NOISE ON A REGULAR, BUT NOT CONSTANT ON A BASIS WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAD BEEN RECTIFIED. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER NOTICED WHEN HE …
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE BRAKES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES EMITTED A SQUEALING AND GRINDING NOISE ON A REGULAR, BUT NOT CONSTANT ON A BASIS WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAD BEEN RECTIFIED. HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER NOTICED WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH, THE VAN WOULD VIBRATE AND SHIMMY. HE ALSO NOTICED A CONSTANT AND UNUSUALLY LOUD WASHING-MACHINE-AGITATOR TYPE NOISE WHICH BECAME LOUDER WHILE RIDING IN THE MIDDLE SEAT AREA. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENTIRE VAN VIBRATED SO VIOLENTLY WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH AND OVER HE BECAME EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT, ROTORS AND BRAKES BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE TIRES WAS BADLY WORN. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10474801
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2012
Equipment Adaptive/mobilityPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
I AM GETTING A THUD SOUND FROM THE BACK OF MY 2007 ODYSSEY MINI VAN. WE CALLED HONDA AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE COME IN WITH THIS. THEY FOUND THAT THERE IS A GLAZING THAT HAPPENS WITH THE BRAKES AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE TO GRIND THE DRUMS AND IT MAKES IT GO AWAY FOR AWHILE. THEY SAID IF THE BRAKE SHOES ARE OK IT…
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I AM GETTING A THUD SOUND FROM THE BACK OF MY 2007 ODYSSEY MINI VAN. WE CALLED HONDA AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE COME IN WITH THIS. THEY FOUND THAT THERE IS A GLAZING THAT HAPPENS WITH THE BRAKES AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE TO GRIND THE DRUMS AND IT MAKES IT GO AWAY FOR AWHILE. THEY SAID IF THE BRAKE SHOES ARE OK IT WOULD RUN ABOUT $200.00. THIS IS CRAZY IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES OTHER THAN WEAR AND TEAR THEY SHOULD FIX IT FOR FREE. I HAVE PUT TWO SETS OF BRAKES ON THIS VAN SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND I HAVE NEVER HAD BRAKES GO SO FAST. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE A VERY POOR DESIGN. IF I HAD NOT BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT 1000 OF DOLLARS WITH ALL THE PROBLEM THIS 2007 HONDA HAS HAD. IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN I WOULD NOT BUY ANOTHER HONDA. THE WINDSHIELD WHISTLES, THE TRANSMISSION PART HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE COMPRESSOR MELTED, THE BATTERY WENT DEAD ON A TRIP BEFORE A YEAR WAS UP. THE BEARINGS IN THE WHEELS WENT BAD. THE AXLE WENT BAD. THE RIGHT REAR DOOR MOTOR WENT BAD. THE LEFT REAR DOOR WILL OPEN PART WAY AND SHUT. ALL IN ALL HONDA HAS GONE DOWN HILL. $37,000 AND ITS A PIECE OF JUNK. THANK GOD OTHER THAN THE BRAKES THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY VERY GOOD AND HAS FIXED EVERYTHING AT LEAST ONCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448083
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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