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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.

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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

Engine complaints

40 reports
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150,000 miles · Mar 21, 2018
Engine

THERE WAS A PREVIOUS LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA FOR HONDA ACCORDS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE A 08 ODYSSEY THAT'S HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND IT GOT SO BAD I WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW MOTOR. I WENT TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP BACK IN NOVEMBER …

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THERE WAS A PREVIOUS LAWSUIT AGAINST HONDA FOR HONDA ACCORDS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE A 08 ODYSSEY THAT'S HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND IT GOT SO BAD I WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW MOTOR. I WENT TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP BACK IN NOVEMBER AND LAST MONTH WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL WAS BONE DRY. HOW'S THAT POSSIBLE IF IT'S NOT BURNING OR LEAKING OIL? HONDA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM YET REFUSED ME ANY HELP AND TOLD ME I HAVE TO BRING IT IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ON TOP OF REPLACING THE MOTOR ON MY OWN. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS I FOUND ONLINE WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME VEHICLE AND SAME PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY THEY KNOW ABOUT IT AND ARE KEEPING UP WITH HAVING TO CONSTANTLY ADD OIL, WHERE I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY I WAS DRIVING IT WITH NO OIL FOR ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW LONG. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND ITS NOT FAIR THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE. I'M A SINGLE MOM, 2 SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS, I DON'T HAVE OVER 3000 TO REPAIR A MOTOR THAT BROKE BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS NEEDS TO BE HEARD AND WE NEED TO GET HONDA TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE'S GONNA BE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GONNA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. HONDA IS A CROOKED DEALERSHIP AND DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. NOW I'M SITTING HERE STUCK WITH A VAN WHICH I PURCHASED WITH MY SON'S DISABILITY MONEY BTW, WITH A BAD MOTOR CAUSE OF A MISTAKE HONDA MADE WHEN MAKING THESE VANS. PLEASE GET MY STORY OUT THERE, LET THIS BE HEARD. I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME DO SOMETHING. THIS IS SAD AND WRONG AND I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. I'M ALSO GOING TO CONTACT THE BBB AND THE LOCAL ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. THEY'VE ALREADY HAD LAWSUITS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT FOR THE HONDA ACCORD, NOW WE NEED TO START ONE FOR THE HONDA ODYSSEY

NHTSA ODI #11080425

9 miles · Mar 13, 2018
Engine

ENGINE DAMAGE

NHTSA ODI #11078837

137,000 miles · Dec 21, 2017
EngineSteering

FOLLOWING A SERVICE IN WHICH MY TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, AND POWER STEERING PUMP WERE CHANGED, THE TENSIONER BOLT WAS SHEARED OFF TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED, THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM BEFORE. THE SECOND TIME THAT THE BOLT WAS SHEARED OF…

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FOLLOWING A SERVICE IN WHICH MY TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, AND POWER STEERING PUMP WERE CHANGED, THE TENSIONER BOLT WAS SHEARED OFF TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED, THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM BEFORE. THE SECOND TIME THAT THE BOLT WAS SHEARED OFF (BOTH EVENTS WERE WITHIN A WEEK OF THE SERVICING), THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD DONE RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMED TO HAVE HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS. AS STATE ABOVE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST WEEK WHILE I WAS DRIVING, ONCE ON A RAMP, ENTERING THE INTERSTATE AND ONCE TURNING RIGHT ONTO A MAIN ROAD FROM A PARKING LOT.

NHTSA ODI #11055934

140,000 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Engine

NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RUNNING LIKE IT HAS BEEN AND THEN IT GOT WORSE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO THEN BEFORE I COULD GET IT IN FOR SERVICE THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT TO MY HONDA DEALER AND THERE IS NO EXTERNAL OIL LEAK THEREFORE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OIL IS LEAKING INSIDE THE ENGINE AND BURNING A…

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NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RUNNING LIKE IT HAS BEEN AND THEN IT GOT WORSE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO THEN BEFORE I COULD GET IT IN FOR SERVICE THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT TO MY HONDA DEALER AND THERE IS NO EXTERNAL OIL LEAK THEREFORE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OIL IS LEAKING INSIDE THE ENGINE AND BURNING AND THAT IS WHY THE SMOKE IS COMING FROM BY TAILPIPE HOWEVER THE LIGHT INDICATOR WAS A LITTLE TO LATE BECAUSE THE DAMAGE IS ALREADY DONE AND NOW THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NO TELLING WHAT ELSE. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THIS A LAWSUIT INDICATING THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL SO I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND AS I TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME IT BROKE DOWN ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, HAD TO TOW IT HOME. CALLED HONDA MANUFACTURER AND MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THAT CLASS ACTION EVEN THOUGH IT IS A 2008 ODYSSEY. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE SITTING IN MY GARAGE THAT DOES NOT RUN AND HAS NO RESALE VALUE AND IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE HONDA IS GOING TO HELP OUT IN ANY WAY. IF YOU OWN A 2008-2013 HONDA YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL REGULARLY BECAUSE THE LIGHT INDICATORS OR NOT VERY RELIABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11005910

121,500 miles · Apr 7, 2017
Engine

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ERROR CODE P3497. ENGINE BURNS MORE OIL THAN NORMAL. HONDA ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN 11-033, YET REFUSE TO FIX THE CAR AT THEIR EXPENSE. I GET THE USUAL RUN AROUND OF "ADD MORE OIL EVERY NOW AND AGAIN."

NHTSA ODI #10971086

89,250 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Engine

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ON HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 EXL - SAME RUN-AROUND WITH HONDA STATING 1 QT OIL FOR EVERY 1400-1500 MILES IS "NORMAL". INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AND THEN THEY INITIATED A CONTROLLED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH JUST ENDED RECENTLY. AWAITING RESPONSE FROM HONDA CORP REGARDING NEXT STEPS AS SOFT…

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EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ON HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 EXL - SAME RUN-AROUND WITH HONDA STATING 1 QT OIL FOR EVERY 1400-1500 MILES IS "NORMAL". INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AND THEN THEY INITIATED A CONTROLLED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH JUST ENDED RECENTLY. AWAITING RESPONSE FROM HONDA CORP REGARDING NEXT STEPS AS SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR VCM DID NOT CORRECT.

NHTSA ODI #10970663

106,000 miles · Oct 2, 2016
Engine

PURCHASED VEHICLE USED FROM HONDA DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2016 WITH 102,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 106,000 MILES AND MY LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. UPON CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL IT SHOWS THE CASE AS BEING EMPTY OF OIL. I SHOW NO EVIDENCE OF AN OIL LEAK ON THE ENGINE OR ANY TELL TALE SIGNS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR OR DRIVEWAY. HIGHLY CONCERN…

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PURCHASED VEHICLE USED FROM HONDA DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2016 WITH 102,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 106,000 MILES AND MY LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. UPON CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL IT SHOWS THE CASE AS BEING EMPTY OF OIL. I SHOW NO EVIDENCE OF AN OIL LEAK ON THE ENGINE OR ANY TELL TALE SIGNS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR OR DRIVEWAY. HIGHLY CONCERNED THAT THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON THIS LATE IN THE DECLINE OF ENGINE OIL.

NHTSA ODI #10911034

99,500 miles · Sep 26, 2016
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

TURNING ONTO HIGHWAY, HEARD A LOUD BANG, CHECKED MY DASH, NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THOUGHT IT WAS A ROCK OR ROAD DEBRIS THAT HIT THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED TOWARD OUR DESTINATION AT 55 MPH, ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD THE ABS LIGHTED UP, THEN THE VSA, THEN THE TPMS, THEN THE SEATBELT LIGHT, THEN THE RADIO WENT OUT, THE GAUGES …

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TURNING ONTO HIGHWAY, HEARD A LOUD BANG, CHECKED MY DASH, NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THOUGHT IT WAS A ROCK OR ROAD DEBRIS THAT HIT THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED TOWARD OUR DESTINATION AT 55 MPH, ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD THE ABS LIGHTED UP, THEN THE VSA, THEN THE TPMS, THEN THE SEATBELT LIGHT, THEN THE RADIO WENT OUT, THE GAUGES WERE NEXT, FINALLY THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, I LET THE VEHICLE COME TO A HALT USING VERY LITTLE BRAKES. AS SOON AS I STOPPED THE ENGINE DIED AND NO LIGHTS WOULD COME ON, HAD TO MANUALLY UNLOCK AND MANUALLY OPEN THE DOOR. CALLED THE HONDA DEALERSHIP, SAID IT WOULD BE TOWED IN THAT DAY 24 SEPT 2016, THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER, IS OF CONCERN TO ME. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS A HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE GLITCH, WE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE JUST THIS PAST WEEK, TIMING BELT, REAR BRAKES, OIL CHANGE. ANY INPUT WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THIS STATEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10909579

70,000 miles · Sep 20, 2016
Engine

EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL BURNING. MY CAR BURNS ENGINE OIL SUCH A WAY THAT I HAVE TO CHECK THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL FREQUENTLY. ONCE I HAD TO FILL MORE THAN 4QTS TO GET THE OIL LEVEL TO NORMAL. MORE OVER THE INDICATOR NEVER SHOWS THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS LOW. I WENT ON SPEED BUMP AT THAT TIME THE INDICATOR JUST FLASHED ONCE THATS HOW I GOT …

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EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL BURNING. MY CAR BURNS ENGINE OIL SUCH A WAY THAT I HAVE TO CHECK THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL FREQUENTLY. ONCE I HAD TO FILL MORE THAN 4QTS TO GET THE OIL LEVEL TO NORMAL. MORE OVER THE INDICATOR NEVER SHOWS THAT THE OIL LEVEL IS LOW. I WENT ON SPEED BUMP AT THAT TIME THE INDICATOR JUST FLASHED ONCE THATS HOW I GOT A DOUBT AND CHECKED OIL LEVEL. IT WAS ALMOST EMPTY THAT TIME AND I HAD TO FILL MORE THAN 4QTS OF OIL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES FREQUENTLY.

NHTSA ODI #10908081

68,590 miles · Sep 2, 2016
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE MOUNTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND SIDE ENGINE MOUNTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,590.

NHTSA ODI #10903308

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.