NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
830 reports13,900 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Equipment
MY AC QUIT WORKING IN MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THIS WAS IN JULY, 2008 WITH ONLY 13900 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A HOLE IN CONDENSER, AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE HONDA WAS MAKING THE GRILLE WIDER TO ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STAY COOLER. AND THAT THIS WAS A FREA…
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MY AC QUIT WORKING IN MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THIS WAS IN JULY, 2008 WITH ONLY 13900 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A HOLE IN CONDENSER, AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE HONDA WAS MAKING THE GRILLE WIDER TO ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STAY COOLER. AND THAT THIS WAS A FREAK THING. NOW, LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER, IT'S HAPPENED AGAIN! THEY WON'T FIX IT OR DISCOUNT IT DUE TO IT BEING "ROAD DAMAGE". I UNDERSTAND THAT NOW THEY ARE MAKING THEM WITH GRILLS FOR PROTECTION ON THE 2008 MODELS AND LATER. OBVIOUSLY THEY'VE REALIZED IT'S A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274031
15,000 miles · Jun 4, 2009
StructureInjury
THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOORS OF THE 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L ENTRAPPED MY 5 YEAR OLDS LEFT HAND AT THE BACK OF THE DOOR. HE HAS SWELLING, BRUISING, AND ABRASIONS. IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THERE IS PERMANENT DAMAGE. HOWEVER, THE PROXIMITY OF THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT TO THE REAR DOOR JAM IS CONDUCIVE FOR THIS TYPE OF INJURY. THE DOOR S…
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THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOORS OF THE 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L ENTRAPPED MY 5 YEAR OLDS LEFT HAND AT THE BACK OF THE DOOR. HE HAS SWELLING, BRUISING, AND ABRASIONS. IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THERE IS PERMANENT DAMAGE. HOWEVER, THE PROXIMITY OF THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT TO THE REAR DOOR JAM IS CONDUCIVE FOR THIS TYPE OF INJURY. THE DOOR SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REVERSE IF IT ENCOUNTERS ANY RESISTANCE TO CLOSING AT ANY PART OF THE DOOR. IT CURRENTLY ONLY STOPS IT'S MOTION IF THE FRONT PART OF THE DOOR ENCOUNTERS SIGNIFICANT FORCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272839
36,267 miles · May 31, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
I OWN A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY AND HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES FOR SOME TIME. THEY FEEL VERY SOFT AND "SPONGY" WHEN I STEP ON THEM; MY FOOT SINKS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND. THE BRAKES ALSO GRIND VERY HARD AND …
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I OWN A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY AND HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES FOR SOME TIME. THEY FEEL VERY SOFT AND "SPONGY" WHEN I STEP ON THEM; MY FOOT SINKS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BRAKES DO NOT RESPOND. THE BRAKES ALSO GRIND VERY HARD AND SOUND VERY LOUD WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL. ALSO, WHEN I TRY TO STOP OR SLOW THE VAN WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS (SUCH AS HIGHWAY DRIVING), MY STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE TAKEN THE VAN TO THE MECHANIC AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY BRAKE PADS ARE FINE (50% FRONT, 60% REAR), BUT THAT MY ROTORS HAVE WORN PREMATURELY. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY POWER STEERING--I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME MANEUVERING THE VAN IN TIGHT SITUATIONS (PARKING)--IT TURNS OUT THAT MY POWER STEERING PUMP WAS NOT OPERATING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (AT 36,267 MILES)--267 MILES OVER THE HONDA NEW CAR WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272433
16,200 miles · May 26, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MY BRAKE GOES NEARLY TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT IS PRESSED HARD. NORMALLY AT REST IT IS 5 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND WHEN I PUSH IT HARD IT GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO 2 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR. I BROUGHT IT INTO MY DEALER AND COMPLAINED THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH A NOTATION THAT IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AND THE P…
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MY BRAKE GOES NEARLY TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT IS PRESSED HARD. NORMALLY AT REST IT IS 5 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND WHEN I PUSH IT HARD IT GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO 2 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR. I BROUGHT IT INTO MY DEALER AND COMPLAINED THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH A NOTATION THAT IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AND THE PEDAL TRAVEL IS NORMAL. THE MECHANIC DROVE ANOTHER ODYSSEY AND FOUND IT TO BE THE SAME. NOTE THAT IF MY FOOT WAS OFF TO THE RIGHT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL,WHEN PUSHED HARD THAT IT WOULD HIT THE ACCELERATOR ALSO WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. IF THIS IS THE SAME IN ALL ODYSSEYS, IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269997
11,000 miles · May 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY MINIVAN. THE AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT A ROCK MUST HAVE HIT THE CONDENSER AND PUT A SMALL HOLE IN IT. BECAUSE IT WAS "DAMAGED" THE DEALER SAYS THE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CAUSE THE DAMAGE. THE REPAIR COST IS $900. FROM READING TH…
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY MINIVAN. THE AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT A ROCK MUST HAVE HIT THE CONDENSER AND PUT A SMALL HOLE IN IT. BECAUSE IT WAS "DAMAGED" THE DEALER SAYS THE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CAUSE THE DAMAGE. THE REPAIR COST IS $900. FROM READING THE STORIES ON THE WEB, IT SOUNDS LIKE I AM NOT ALONE IN HAVING EASY DAMAGE TO HONDA ODYSSEY AIR CONDITIONERS WITH DEALERS CLAIMING THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269124
20,200 miles · May 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PARKED MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS - DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES. I HEARD A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND FOUND OUT THE NOISE WAS FREON ESCAPING FROM THE COMPRESSOR (AIR CONDITIONER). THEY 'THINK' A SMALL ROCK MAY HAVE PENETRA…
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I PARKED MY 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER RUNNING ERRANDS - DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES. I HEARD A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AND FOUND OUT THE NOISE WAS FREON ESCAPING FROM THE COMPRESSOR (AIR CONDITIONER). THEY 'THINK' A SMALL ROCK MAY HAVE PENETRATED THE CONDENSER ALTHOUGH NO ROCK WAS FOUND. THIS COST TO REPLACE THIS PART IS $725 AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269038
20,000 miles · May 8, 2009
Equipment
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT STEAM ABNORMALLY EMITS IN HIS VEHICLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND A HOLE IN THE AIR CONDENSER. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT STEAM ABNORMALLY EMITS IN HIS VEHICLE AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND A HOLE IN THE AIR CONDENSER. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
NHTSA ODI #10268242
36,000 miles · Apr 15, 2009
Tires
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY - PROBLEM IS THE VEHICLE / TIRE DESIGN. THE VAN HAS THE MICHELIN PAX TIRES; THE COMBINATION OF THE VAN AND TIRES RESULTS IN RIDICULOUS POOR TREAD LIFE RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE REPLACEMENT COSTS. OUR VEHICLE HAS 36K MILES. WE HAVE HAD ONE TIRE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT HAD TO PAY OVER $100 IN LABOR ONLY TO R…
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY - PROBLEM IS THE VEHICLE / TIRE DESIGN. THE VAN HAS THE MICHELIN PAX TIRES; THE COMBINATION OF THE VAN AND TIRES RESULTS IN RIDICULOUS POOR TREAD LIFE RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE REPLACEMENT COSTS. OUR VEHICLE HAS 36K MILES. WE HAVE HAD ONE TIRE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT HAD TO PAY OVER $100 IN LABOR ONLY TO REPLACE THE TIRE. IN DECEMBER OF 2008, I REPLACED TWO FRONT TIRES (OVER $300 PER TIRE) PLUS PAID MONEY TO GET ALL 4-WHEELS ALIGNED (AS A SECURITY MEASURE TO MINIMIZE ANY POSSIBLE TIRE WEAR). 3-MONTHS LATER, MY TWO REAR TIRES HAD AN EXCESSIVE WEAR PATTERN ON THE INSIDE WALL. ONE OF THE TIRES IS ONLY 9-MONTHS OLD!! THE DEALER IS TELLING ME I NEED TO REPLACE BOTH TIRES AT A TOTAL COST OF $700 - THIS WEAR PATTERN WAS SOON AFTER THE DEALER ALIGNMENT. WHAT MAKES MATTERS WORSE IS THAT HONDA WILL NOT ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO REPLACE THE PAX TIRE SYSTEM WITH ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE SO THE CONSUMER IS FORCED TO PAY EXCESSIVE LABOR COSTS TO REPLACE TIRES THAT HAVE VERY POOR WEAR PATTERNS AND POOR TIRE LIFE. THE CONSUMER IS "STUCK" WITH CONTINUOUS REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT COSTS. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE OUR TIRES YET THE DEALER TELLS US THE TIRES MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO POOR WEAR ON ONE SIDE OF EACH TIRE (EVEN THOUGH THEY ADVERTISE THE TIRE AS A "SAFE PRODUCT"??). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265556
8,900 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Seat Belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, AN OCCUPANT WAS SECURED IN A SEAT BELT AND LOCATED IN THE THIRD ROW OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE OCCUPANT WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELT WEBBING WAS CUT TO RELEASE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, AN OCCUPANT WAS SECURED IN A SEAT BELT AND LOCATED IN THE THIRD ROW OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE OCCUPANT WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELT WEBBING WAS CUT TO RELEASE THE OCCUPANT. THE SEAT BELT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,500.
NHTSA ODI #10265268
39,000 miles · Apr 10, 2009
Equipment
2007 HONDA ODYSSEY - 3/28/09. NOTICED AC WAS NOT WORKING. ON 4/6/09 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE SERVICE REP INDICATED IT WAS A SMALL HOLE IN THE CONDENSER, MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY A ROAD HAZARD (ROCK), AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I PAID FOR THE $1060 REPAIR. AFTER THE …
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2007 HONDA ODYSSEY - 3/28/09. NOTICED AC WAS NOT WORKING. ON 4/6/09 I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE SERVICE REP INDICATED IT WAS A SMALL HOLE IN THE CONDENSER, MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY A ROAD HAZARD (ROCK), AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I PAID FOR THE $1060 REPAIR. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, I WAS TOLD BY COWORKERS IT IS A NOTORIOUS DESIGN ISSUE. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY A QUICK VISIT TO GOOGLE. THE DEALERSHIP MADE NO MENTION OF THE COMMON OCCURRENCE. HOPEFULLY WITH ENOUGH COMPLAINTS, HONDA WILL BE FORCED TO ADMIT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND OFFER SOME FORM OF HELP. PLEASE ADD ME TO THE LIST OF IMPACTED OWNERS. I INSTRUCTED THE SERVICE REP TO MOVE FORWARD WITH REPAIRS AT 9:30AM. BY 2:30PM I WAS PICKING UP THE VEHICLE. $1060, WITH $516 OF THAT FOR LABOR. IF IT'S DETERMINED TO BE A LIMITED PROBLEM, I HAVE NO ISSUES; HOWEVER, EVERYTHING I READ INDICATES A PROBLEM WHERE SIGNIFICANT OWNERS ARE BEING AFFECTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10264966
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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