NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
830 reports50,450 miles · Jun 16, 2010
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE A CHILD FROM A BOOSTER SEAT AND SEAT BELT, THE BELT BECAME EXTREMELY TIGHT AROUND THE CHILD WITH EVERY ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT CUT THE SEAT BELT LOOSE BECAUSE THE CHILD WAS BEGINNING TO SUFFOCATE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE A CHILD FROM A BOOSTER SEAT AND SEAT BELT, THE BELT BECAME EXTREMELY TIGHT AROUND THE CHILD WITH EVERY ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT CUT THE SEAT BELT LOOSE BECAUSE THE CHILD WAS BEGINNING TO SUFFOCATE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,450.
NHTSA ODI #10336696
30,000 miles · Jun 16, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD HER VEHICLE SERVICED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V098000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). WHEN RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL JERK WHEN CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD HER VEHICLE SERVICED FOR THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V098000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). WHEN RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL JERK WHEN CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND SHE WAS ADVISED SHE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL CLUNKING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH OR GREATER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SHE SHOULD NOT BE TOO CONCERNED WITH THE NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000.
NHTSA ODI #10336680
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2010
Steering
NOTICED A TICKING NOISE AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING IN THE A.M. FOR OVER A YEAR. HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH STEERING WHILE PULLING INTO TIGHT SPOTS OR SHARP TURNS FOR A WHILE. HAVE ALWAYS EQUATE IT TO BAD TIRES (WHICH WAS RECENTLY REPLACED) OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE. ON A VISIT TO HONDA FOR ANOTHER REPAIR, HAD ASKED THEM TO LO…
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NOTICED A TICKING NOISE AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING IN THE A.M. FOR OVER A YEAR. HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH STEERING WHILE PULLING INTO TIGHT SPOTS OR SHARP TURNS FOR A WHILE. HAVE ALWAYS EQUATE IT TO BAD TIRES (WHICH WAS RECENTLY REPLACED) OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE. ON A VISIT TO HONDA FOR ANOTHER REPAIR, HAD ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO THE NOISE ISSUE. WAS TOLD THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS BAD. HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIR. WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR THAT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DOES NOT MAKES SENSE THAT WE'VE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR WELL OVER A YEAR THAT IT'S NOT A PART ISSUE. CAN NOT RECALL WHEN THE STEERING WAS EVER AS GOOD AS IT IS ONCE THE PUMP WAS REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335532
28,000 miles · Jun 8, 2010
Power Train
TRANSMISSION SHUDDER PERSISTS AFTER THREE SOFTWARE UPDATES AND TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. WARRANTY EXPIRES AT 60K, CURRENTLY AT 57K. DEALER HAS EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION IN DEALING WITH HONDA OF AMERICA IN FINDING A RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. BEFORE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED THE DEALER HAD TO TAKE A "SNAPSHOT" OF THE RPM DIFF…
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TRANSMISSION SHUDDER PERSISTS AFTER THREE SOFTWARE UPDATES AND TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. WARRANTY EXPIRES AT 60K, CURRENTLY AT 57K. DEALER HAS EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION IN DEALING WITH HONDA OF AMERICA IN FINDING A RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. BEFORE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED THE DEALER HAD TO TAKE A "SNAPSHOT" OF THE RPM DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. AFTER TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND THIRD SOFTWARE UPDATE THE DIFFERENCE IS GREATER. HOA NOW STATES THE RPM DIFFERENCE IS WITHIN NORMAL RANGE. WHEN ASKED WHY THE LESSER AMOUNT REPORTED BEFORE WAS ENOUGH TO WARRANT A REPLACEMENT OF TORQUE CONVERTER AND NOW NO FURTHER SERVICE IS NEEDED, HOA HAD NO ANSWER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335332
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
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL AND SPONGY FEELING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL *TGW THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS RETURNED IN THE SAME CONDITION. A MONTH LATER, THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BUT THERE WAS STILL NO CHANGE. ON MAY 4TH, 2010, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEA…
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER STATES EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL AND SPONGY FEELING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL *TGW THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS RETURNED IN THE SAME CONDITION. A MONTH LATER, THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BUT THERE WAS STILL NO CHANGE. ON MAY 4TH, 2010, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A BRAKE RECALL, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10334871
38,000 miles · Jun 3, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. MAIL STOP 500-2N-7A TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 RE: 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING DEAR HONDA, JUNE 2, 2010 I HAD A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH MILLER HONDA, 4477 VESTAL PARKWAY E, VESTAL, NY; FOR 9:00 AM. THE RECALL WORK FOR MY SOFT B…
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AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1919 TORRANCE BLVD. MAIL STOP 500-2N-7A TORRANCE, CA 90501-2746 RE: 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING DEAR HONDA, JUNE 2, 2010 I HAD A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT WITH MILLER HONDA, 4477 VESTAL PARKWAY E, VESTAL, NY; FOR 9:00 AM. THE RECALL WORK FOR MY SOFT BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VIBRATION OCCURRING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH AND ABOVE, WAS TO BE DONE. FIVE HOURS LATER, APPROXIMATELY 2:05 PM I STOPPED BACK WITH THE LOANER CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW MUCH LONGER THE CAR WOULD BE TIED UP AND FOUND THAT WORK ON THE CAR HAD NEVER EVEN BEEN STARTED. I WAS TOLD A MECHANIC HAD CALLED IN AND THAT A PROBLEM WITH A NEW CAR REQUIRED SOME PRIORITY WORK SO MY CAR WAS NOT WORKED ON. HAVING WORKED AROUND AUTOMOBILE SHOPS FROM A TEENAGER ONWARD I AM NOT EXACTLY A NOVICE. BRAKE WORK IS NOT A JOKE AND THERE ARE SERIOUS STATE LAWS INVOLVED FOR A DRIVER TO KNOWINGLY DRIVE A CAR WITH FAULTY BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY MILLER HONDA FAILS TO REALIZE THAT BRAKES ARE A PRIORITY AND NOTHING TO FOOLED AROUND WITH. MILLER HONDA SPENDS A FORTUNE ON ADVERTISING ATTEMPTING TO ENTICE THE PUBLIC TO COME TO THEIR DEALERSHIP AND PURCHASE CARS FROM THEM. THEN THEY TURN AROUND AND TREAT PREVIOUS CUSTOMERS AND HONDA OWNERS AS DISPOSABLE ITEMS. WHAT EXACTLY THE THINKING IS BEHIND THEIR BUSINESS PLAN TOTALLY ESCAPES ME. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT I AM FREE TO HAVE MY HONDA REPAIRED BY ANY HONDA DEALER? SHOULD THIS INFORMATION BE ACCURATE, I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THERE IS ONE IN THE AREA THAT IS ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND JUST MIGHT HAVE A DESIRE TO SELL ANOTHER HONDA SOMEDAY. MILLER HONDA OF BINGHAMTON NEW YORK JUST DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334397
59,000 miles · Jun 2, 2010
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE CHILDREN WERE GETTING OUT OF THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE, THE DOOR STOPPED MIDWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NOW THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE CHILDREN WERE GETTING OUT OF THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE, THE DOOR STOPPED MIDWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NOW THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 59,000.
NHTSA ODI #10334268
42,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Steering
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY- FOR THE PAST 6-8 MONTHS AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN PARKING AND TURNING, THE POWER STEERING APPEARS TO QUIT WORKING. WHEN YOU GET UP TO SPEED THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE ROADWAY FROM A DEAD STOP AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PARK OR LEAVE A PARKING SPOT. I FEAR BEING REAR ENDED OR WORSE. LOC…
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY- FOR THE PAST 6-8 MONTHS AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN PARKING AND TURNING, THE POWER STEERING APPEARS TO QUIT WORKING. WHEN YOU GET UP TO SPEED THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE ROADWAY FROM A DEAD STOP AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PARK OR LEAVE A PARKING SPOT. I FEAR BEING REAR ENDED OR WORSE. LOCAL DEALER "KNOWS OF NO PROBLEMS REPORTED". VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY (46,000 MILES). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334072
25,000 miles · May 28, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING LIGHTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THERE HAS TO BE DEFECT IN THE BRAKES CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 28K MILES AND THE PADS HAD MORE THAN 50% LEFT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOOKS LI…
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I HAVE A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING LIGHTLY AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THERE HAS TO BE DEFECT IN THE BRAKES CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 28K MILES AND THE PADS HAD MORE THAN 50% LEFT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND LOOKS LIKE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332689
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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