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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.

About this comparison →

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

Power Train complaints

41 reports
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35,000 miles · Jul 29, 2010
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FROM 20-45 MPH, THE JUDDER WOULD FAIL, CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO LOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL PERTAINING TO THE JUDDER FAILURE. THE DEALER MADE UPGRADES TO THE VEHICLE SOFTWARE BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FROM 20-45 MPH, THE JUDDER WOULD FAIL, CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO LOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL PERTAINING TO THE JUDDER FAILURE. THE DEALER MADE UPGRADES TO THE VEHICLE SOFTWARE BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO FIRST ADAPT TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATES BEFORE THE FAILURE WOULD BE CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #10346205

34,000 miles · May 26, 2010
Power Train

MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY HAS SIGNIFICANT LURCHING WHEN TRYING TO MAINTAIN ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED APPROX ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. HONDA REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED. HONDA JUST RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED A "SOFTWARE UPDATE" - HONDA BULLETIN #09-053 …

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MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY HAS SIGNIFICANT LURCHING WHEN TRYING TO MAINTAIN ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED APPROX ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. HONDA REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED. HONDA JUST RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED A "SOFTWARE UPDATE" - HONDA BULLETIN #09-053 (LOCK UP CLUTCH FUNCTION). THIS PROBLEM SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO ON-GOING COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE LEXUS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332414

22,000 miles · Apr 21, 2010
Power Train

THE CAR HAS BEEN VIBRATING WHEN ACCELERATING FOR ABOUT 10,000 MILES. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE AND IT IS 3X WORSE THEN BEFORE. I HAVE 33,000 MILES ON IT AND I WAS TOLD THE NEXT STEP IS FOR ME TO PAY FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUSH AND IF THAT DOES NOT FIX IT THEN THEY WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. WHY SHOULD I H…

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THE CAR HAS BEEN VIBRATING WHEN ACCELERATING FOR ABOUT 10,000 MILES. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE AND IT IS 3X WORSE THEN BEFORE. I HAVE 33,000 MILES ON IT AND I WAS TOLD THE NEXT STEP IS FOR ME TO PAY FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUSH AND IF THAT DOES NOT FIX IT THEN THEY WILL REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS UNDER WARRANTY, IF THEY ARE JUST DELAYING FIXING THE REAL ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10326767

19,000 miles · Nov 20, 2009
Parking BrakePower TrainService Brakes, AirCrash

BRAKES ARE TOO SOFT. HAD ACCIDENT TWICE ALREADY BECAUSE BRAKES DONT REACT LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE DOWN REALLY HARD. WITH THAT ALSO SAID TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE DAY 1. YOU HEAR A LOUD NOISE WHEN YOU CHANGE GEARS. WENT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS NORMAL. I DONT THINK THIS SHOULD…

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BRAKES ARE TOO SOFT. HAD ACCIDENT TWICE ALREADY BECAUSE BRAKES DONT REACT LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE DOWN REALLY HARD. WITH THAT ALSO SAID TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE DAY 1. YOU HEAR A LOUD NOISE WHEN YOU CHANGE GEARS. WENT TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS NORMAL. I DONT THINK THIS SHOULD BE MAKING LOUD GRUNTING NOISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10293039

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2009
Power Train

TRANSMISSION ERROR VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN DOWN SHIFTING THE GEARS. DEALER TOLD US IT WAS AN RECALL AND EXCHANGED THE TRANSMISSION BUT STILL HAD THAT PROBLEM.WAS REPAIRED AGAIN AND THIRD TIME IT STARTED HAVING SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289431

32,450 miles · Aug 12, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT RESTART IT AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. SHE TOOK TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT RESTART IT AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND, AFTER A FEW DAYS, THEY CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHEN SHE RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. AFTER ALL THE REPAIRS, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,450 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #10280235

4,000 miles · Oct 22, 2008
Power Train

2008 HONDA ODYSSEY HAS TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 4000 MILES/ 3 MONTHS OLD DUE TO LEAK. DEALERSHIP TRIED REPLACING FRONT CASE SEAL BUT DIDN'T FIX PROBLEM. SERVICE WRITER SAID THAT THIS IS KNOWN PROBLEM WITH HONDA AND THESE TRANSMISSIONS AND THAT THEY ALWAYS TRY REPLACING SEAL FIRST THEN REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10246381

975 miles · Sep 5, 2008
Power TrainCrash

TWO WEEKS AGO WE PURCHASED A 2008 ODYSSEY. SATURDAY MORNING, IT DROVE ITSELF INTO A SHED AFTER TRAVELING UP A HILL AND STILL IN PARK! SITUATION: I WAS UNHOOKING A TRAILER, MY SON WAS HELPING. I GOT IN THE VAN TO PULL THE TRAILER FORWARD A BIT AS WE WERE ON A HILL AND THE TRAILER WAS STUCK, SEEN AS IT WAS NOT LATCHED DOWN.. …

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TWO WEEKS AGO WE PURCHASED A 2008 ODYSSEY. SATURDAY MORNING, IT DROVE ITSELF INTO A SHED AFTER TRAVELING UP A HILL AND STILL IN PARK! SITUATION: I WAS UNHOOKING A TRAILER, MY SON WAS HELPING. I GOT IN THE VAN TO PULL THE TRAILER FORWARD A BIT AS WE WERE ON A HILL AND THE TRAILER WAS STUCK, SEEN AS IT WAS NOT LATCHED DOWN.. MY FAULT, AS SOON AS I MOVED IT UNHOOKED AND STARTED ROLLING AWAY, I SLAMMED THE VAN INTO PARK, GOT OUT AND RAN AFTER THE TRAILER, GOT THE TRAILER STOPPED, I THEN TURNED AROUND AND THE VAN WAS DRIVING OFF, NOT JUST SLOWLY BUT PICKING UP SPEED AS IT WAS DRIVING UP A HILL AND THEN DROVE INTO THE NEIGHBORS SHED. I RAN AFTER IT IN AN ATTEMPT TO CATCH IT, IT IS MY BELIEF THAT IT HAD TO HAVE BEEN GOING ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR. I GOT TO THE VAN AND IT WAS IN PARK. I HAD TO TURN THE KEY OF TO GET IT TO QUIT TRYING TO INCH IT'S WAY FORWARD. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY BASICALLY SAID NO KNOWN ISSUES SO YOU ARE SCREWED.. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA ND THEY WERE NOT REALLY WILLING TO ASSIST IN THE MATTER. I DO HAVE A CLAIM TICKET OPEN WITH THEM AT THIS TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10241044

3,000 miles · Aug 17, 2008
Power Train

2008 HONDA ODYSSEY LEASED ON MAY 27, 2008 AT PS HONDA (LONG ISLAND). CAR BROKE DOWN ON AUGUST 15 AT I-95 CT TPKE. CAUSE WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK AND CLUTCH GOT BURNED. UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN WILL IT BE FIXED. HONDA WESTPORT AND PS HONDA REFUSED TO SHOULDER CAR RENTAL. FILED A COMPLAINT AT AMERICAN HONDA ABOU…

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2008 HONDA ODYSSEY LEASED ON MAY 27, 2008 AT PS HONDA (LONG ISLAND). CAR BROKE DOWN ON AUGUST 15 AT I-95 CT TPKE. CAUSE WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK AND CLUTCH GOT BURNED. UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN WILL IT BE FIXED. HONDA WESTPORT AND PS HONDA REFUSED TO SHOULDER CAR RENTAL. FILED A COMPLAINT AT AMERICAN HONDA ABOUT THE NEW VAN THAT BROKE DOWN AND REFUSAL TO PAY CAR RENTAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238566

1,500 miles · Apr 28, 2008
Power Train

ON 4/28/08, THE VEHICLES THROTTLE STOPPED RESPONDING WHILE IN MOTION IN TRAFFIC AND THEN HAD TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE. WHILE THIS HAPPENED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE VSA LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ALL OF A SUDDEN DUE TO THIS IN TRAFFIC. SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PAST FOR 4 OTHER TIMES. HERE A…

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ON 4/28/08, THE VEHICLES THROTTLE STOPPED RESPONDING WHILE IN MOTION IN TRAFFIC AND THEN HAD TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE. WHILE THIS HAPPENED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE VSA LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ALL OF A SUDDEN DUE TO THIS IN TRAFFIC. SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PAST FOR 4 OTHER TIMES. HERE ARE THE DATES AND DESCRIPTION OF EACH EVENT. 1.ON 12/30/2008, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE VSA LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE CAME ON WITH WEIRD ENGINE NOISE AND I CALLED THE DEALER (AUTO WEST HONDA) IMMEDIATELY TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE PROBLEM. DEALER REQUESTED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO THEIR SERVICE CENTER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON 01/02/2008. 2.ON 01/13/2008, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSA LIGHT AND SLIDE DOOR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE REAR RIGHT SIDE SLIDING DOOR STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER PERFORMED REPAIR ATTEMPTS AND REPLACED THE RELAY UNIT. 3.ON 01/26/2008, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSA LIGHT AND THE SLIDE DOOR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THERE WAS NO ENGINE RESPONSE TO THE THROTTLE, VEHICLE WAS TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP THE SAME DAY. DEALER ATTEMPTED A REPAIR AND SAID ECM WAS REPLACED. 4.ON 04/11/2008, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSA LIGHT AND THE SLIDE DOOR LIGHTS CAME ON AND THERE WAS NO ENGINE RESPONSE TO THE THROTTLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP TILL 4/19/08. DEALER PERFORMED A REPAIR WITH ADVICE FROM HONDA TECH SUPPORT AND SAID THAT THE MULTIPLEX UNIT WAS REPLACED AND PROBLEM SHOULD NOT RE-OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225920

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.