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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

14 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

SPARK PLUGGED FOULED IN MAY. OIL CONSUMPTION WAS AT LEAST A QUART PER 1000 MILES AT THE TIME (EVERY FEW WEEKS OF DRIVING). HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUG AND EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION REMAINS THE SAME OR GREATER. I AM AFRAID THAT OIL CONSUMPTION WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. SPOKE TO HONDA MULTIPLE TIMES AND…

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SPARK PLUGGED FOULED IN MAY. OIL CONSUMPTION WAS AT LEAST A QUART PER 1000 MILES AT THE TIME (EVERY FEW WEEKS OF DRIVING). HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUG AND EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION REMAINS THE SAME OR GREATER. I AM AFRAID THAT OIL CONSUMPTION WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. SPOKE TO HONDA MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY EITHER SAY OIL CONSUMPTION IS NORMAL OR WAIT UNTIL FAILURE FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY TO KICK IN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553613

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I AM LISTING DETAILS PERTAINING TO TODAY BECAUSE I CANNOT RECALL THE PRIOR DATES (HOWEVER THEY WERE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR). BASICALLY THE VAN SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ITSELF. MY CHILDREN WERE PLAYING OUTSIDE AND THEY RAN INSIDE SAYING "MOM THE VAN IS ON". I WENT TO LOOK AND THE VAN IS RUNN…

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THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I AM LISTING DETAILS PERTAINING TO TODAY BECAUSE I CANNOT RECALL THE PRIOR DATES (HOWEVER THEY WERE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR). BASICALLY THE VAN SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ITSELF. MY CHILDREN WERE PLAYING OUTSIDE AND THEY RAN INSIDE SAYING "MOM THE VAN IS ON". I WENT TO LOOK AND THE VAN IS RUNNING BUT IN THE "OFF" POSITION. THERE IS NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. APPLYING THE BRAKE TURNED IT OFF. I DO NOT HAVE A REMOTE STARTER AND MY ONLY SET OF KEYS WERE INSIDE THE HOUSE. LET ME STRESS AGAIN THAT IT STARTED BY ITSELF AND WAS RUNNING WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. I AM CONCERNED NOW THAT THIS COULD OCCUR WHILE THE GARAGE IS CLOSED AND FILL OUR HOME WITH CARBON MONOXIDE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532382

84,000 miles · Jan 11, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

ON 12/17/2011, I TOOK MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY IN FOR SERVICE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CHECKED SINCE THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING AND WHAT FELT LIKE TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. BECAUSE I PURCHASE THE CAR NEW, HAD ALL OF MY SERVICES COMPLETED, AND BECAUSE THE VAN ONLY HAD 84,000 MILES, YOU CAN IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN SONS HONDA (SAME PLACE …

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ON 12/17/2011, I TOOK MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY IN FOR SERVICE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CHECKED SINCE THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING AND WHAT FELT LIKE TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. BECAUSE I PURCHASE THE CAR NEW, HAD ALL OF MY SERVICES COMPLETED, AND BECAUSE THE VAN ONLY HAD 84,000 MILES, YOU CAN IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN SONS HONDA (SAME PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED AND HAD ALL SERVICES COMPLETED) INFORMED ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $4,105. BECAUSE THE MILEAGE WAS OVER 60,000 MILES, WHEN I FILED A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT WITH HONDA CUSTOMER RELATIONS, I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10443470

3,000 miles · Jan 5, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE ENGINE CONSUMES ALMOST 1 QUARTZ OF OIL EVERY 1000-1500 MILES SINCE WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. DEALER INSISTS IT IS OK. NOW THE VEHICLE HAS 55000 MILES, BUT OIL HAS TO BE ADDED REGULARLY. THIS IS ABSURD. THE PROBLEM TENDS TO OCCUR TO VEHICLES EQUIP WITH VCM ENGINES. HONDA CORPORATION ADMITTED THERE IS A PROBLEM, SO HONDA CAME…

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THE ENGINE CONSUMES ALMOST 1 QUARTZ OF OIL EVERY 1000-1500 MILES SINCE WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. DEALER INSISTS IT IS OK. NOW THE VEHICLE HAS 55000 MILES, BUT OIL HAS TO BE ADDED REGULARLY. THIS IS ABSURD. THE PROBLEM TENDS TO OCCUR TO VEHICLES EQUIP WITH VCM ENGINES. HONDA CORPORATION ADMITTED THERE IS A PROBLEM, SO HONDA CAME OUT WITH A SERVICE BULLETIN 11-033 WHICH UPDATING THE PGM-FI SOFTWARE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ALONG WITH THE SERVICE BULLETIN TO HAVE THE VEHICLE UPDATE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO IT. CONSIDER THESE ENGINES WILL BE ON THE ROAD FOR YEARS TO COME. LACK OF OIL MAY SEIZE ENGINES, VEHICLES MAY STALL WITH COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS. THERE ARE HUNDRED OF THOUSANDS HONDA ENGINES CONSUME OIL MORE THAN NORMAL RATE, THEN HONDA DOES NOT HELP THE ENVIRONMENT AT ALL. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND MAKE HONDA RECALLS THEIR VEHICLES. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442567

107,200 miles · Nov 2, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER PULLEY SHAFT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL FOLLOWING ENGINE START IN A PARKING LOT. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED A FEW DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS SERVICED FOR REPLACEMENT OF TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP, WHICH REQUIRED REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION OF THE TENSIONER PULLEY. THE QUESTION IS WHETHE…

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FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER PULLEY SHAFT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL FOLLOWING ENGINE START IN A PARKING LOT. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED A FEW DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS SERVICED FOR REPLACEMENT OF TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP, WHICH REQUIRED REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION OF THE TENSIONER PULLEY. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THE SHAFT FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF OVERTORQUE FOLLOWING THE SERVICE, OR THE RESULT OF A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THE CONCERN IS A FAILURE IN TRAFFIC RATHER THAN AT LOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT. THIS SHAFT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434030

43,000 miles · Oct 17, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

FIRST INCIDENT (APRIL 2011) - WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE HAD IRREGULAR BEATS. THEN, A BLINKING CHECK ENGINE SIGN WAS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL HONDA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. (AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUAL). THE LOCAL DEALER SERVICE DEPT. REPLACED ONE SPARK PLUG AND CLEANED ANOTHER ONE. SECOND INCIDENT …

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FIRST INCIDENT (APRIL 2011) - WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE HAD IRREGULAR BEATS. THEN, A BLINKING CHECK ENGINE SIGN WAS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL HONDA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. (AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUAL). THE LOCAL DEALER SERVICE DEPT. REPLACED ONE SPARK PLUG AND CLEANED ANOTHER ONE. SECOND INCIDENT (OCT. 13, 2011) - THE SAME AS THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THIS TIME VEHICLE STABILITY ACTIVATION (VSA) WAS ALSO TURNED ON AS THE IRREGULAR ENGINE BEATS MADE THE VEHICLE VIBRATING SIGNIFICANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME LOCAL HONDA DEALER SERVICE DEPT. AGAIN. THE LOCAL DEALER SERVICE DEPT. INFORMED ME THAT THE SAME SPARK PLUGS (REPLACED AND CLEANED DURING THE FIRST INCIDENT) ARE MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN. AND THE SERVICE DEPT. INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THE SAME INCIDENT WAS OCCURRING AGAIN. SO IT NEEDS TO CONSULT WITH A NATIONAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT WITHIN HONDA ORGANIZATION. CONSEQUENTLY, I SUSPECT THAT THE INCIDENTS MAY BE DUE TO PROBLEMS IN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER CONTROLLED PROGRAM RELATED RATHER THAN THE SPARK PLUG ITSELF. I AM VERY CONCERNS ABOUT THE CURRENT SYMPTOM WITH MY VEHICLE WHICH MAY POTENTIALLY LEAD TO SUDDEN ENGINE STOP OR MALFUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEED TRAVEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430550

49,950 miles · Sep 30, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

CAR NEW TO ME 3/10 @ 34K MILES. I AM 2ND OWNER. ALL HONDAA RECALL NOTICES PERFORMED. ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE PER MANUAL AND THEN SOME. *TT COMPLAINT #1. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO "JUMP" INTO GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS AND FEELS LIKE IT IS BOGGIN OUT/JUMPY AT 60-70 MPH ON HIGHWAY. THIS HAS BEEN NOTICE…

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CAR NEW TO ME 3/10 @ 34K MILES. I AM 2ND OWNER. ALL HONDAA RECALL NOTICES PERFORMED. ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE PER MANUAL AND THEN SOME. *TT COMPLAINT #1. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO "JUMP" INTO GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS AND FEELS LIKE IT IS BOGGIN OUT/JUMPY AT 60-70 MPH ON HIGHWAY. THIS HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE SINCE 48K MILES, THERABOUTS. NO PROBLEM INDICATOR LIGHTS HAVE COME ON. THIS POWERTRAIN PROBLEM CONCERNS ME TERRIBLY AND WILL BE TAKING IT TO A HONDA DEALER TO INSPECT ASAP. I AM HOPING THEY CAN "SIMULATE AND IDENTIFY" THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO NOTICE THIS CONDITION. I FEEL FORTUNATE TO HAVE CAUGHT IT EARLY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH VIA CAR FORUMS AND TOO MANY OWNERS HAVE BEEN DISSED BY BAD TORQUE CONVERTERS, RELATED COMPONENTS, AND/OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. VERY COSTLY NEVER MIND A SAFETY ISSUE. EVERY DISCUSSION I READ PEOPLE SAY THAT HONDA WILL DO NOTHING FOR THEM, THAT THE DEALER GIVES THE RUN AROUND AND THAT THEY ARE SWITCHING TO ANOTHER MAKE. VERY DISAPPOINTING TO HEAR SINCE I AM A LONG-TIME HONDA DRIVER. HONDA SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL. TOO MANY INCIDENTS COMPLAINT #2. I HAVE NOTICED/CAN FEEL THE ECO SWITCH FROM 6 TO LESS CYLINDERS ON THE HIGHWAY SINCE DAY 1. I HAVE A 2000 ODYSSEY WITH 262K MILES AND IT GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE UNDER IDENTICAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (E.G., 20.5 VS. 20.0 MPG). I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS FEATURE IS WORKING PROPERLY. IF IT IS, THEN IT IS NOT AN IMPROVEMENT AND A WASTE OF MONEY. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10427987

36,138 miles · May 13, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWITCHED INTO LOW GEAR AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEY ALSO INSPECTED THE BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION, BUT THE DIAGNOSTICS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWITCHED INTO LOW GEAR AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEY ALSO INSPECTED THE BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION, BUT THE DIAGNOSTICS DID NOT GENERATE ANY FAILURE CODES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THEY CORRESPONDED WITH THE DEALER, BUT COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,138 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

NHTSA ODI #10400769

35,174 miles · Aug 18, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED AFTER RUNNING OVER A 1 INCH ROCK ON A PAVED ROAD AT 30 MPH. ACCORDING TO THE HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHO PERFORMED THE REPAIRS, THE ROCK WAS TOSSED UP BY THE TIRE INTO THE UNDERCARRIAGE, CAME THROUGH THE FAN AND STRUCK THE RADIATOR FROM BEHIND, PUTTING A HOLE IN IT AND STRANDING US…

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MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED AFTER RUNNING OVER A 1 INCH ROCK ON A PAVED ROAD AT 30 MPH. ACCORDING TO THE HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHO PERFORMED THE REPAIRS, THE ROCK WAS TOSSED UP BY THE TIRE INTO THE UNDERCARRIAGE, CAME THROUGH THE FAN AND STRUCK THE RADIATOR FROM BEHIND, PUTTING A HOLE IN IT AND STRANDING US IN THE MOJAVE DESERT IN JULY. ACCORDING TO HONDA CORPORATE THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC DEFECT OR DESIGN FLAW AND THE "VEHICLE PERFORMED AS DESIGNED." HONDA CORPORATE ALSO SAYS THAT THIS COULD BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS CHASSIS DESIGN BUT THEY DO NOT KEEP TRACK OF SUCH PROBLEMS IN ANYWAY AND ONLY TAKE ANY SORT OF ACTION TO ADDRESS RECURRING PROBLEMS WHEN FORCED TO DO SO BY THE NHTSA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350207

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingCrash

VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY TO AN UNCONTROLLABLE SPEED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE CRASHED ONTO GUARDRAIL AND DAMAGED ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE.

NHTSA ODI #10316526

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.