2008 Honda Odyssey
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 499 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Odyssey model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 37 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 44 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 28, 2014
Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC (Delphi) is recalling certain replacement fuel pump modules, part number FG1155-11B1, sold for use in 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The affected fuel pump may send an incorrect fuel reading to the fuel gauge possibly causing the vehicle to run out of fuel. The fuel gauge will always read 3/4 full to full regardless of the actual level.
A vehicle that runs out of fuel and stalls has an increased risk of a crash.
Delphi has begun notifying dealers and distributors, and will replace the fuel pump modules, free of charge. Owners may contact Delphi customer service at 1-877-411-8770. Delphi's number for this recall is GL14-004.
Campaign 14E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMar 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.
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
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).
Campaign 14V112000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareNov 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.
The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
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.
Campaign 13V500000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateFeb 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.
STRUTS WITH DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CLOSURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
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.
Campaign 12V062000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, airMar 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 10V098000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2013
WE TRIED TO START OUR VAN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING 6/15/13 AND IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. AFTER JUMPING IT, WE REALIZED WE HADN'T LEFT ANY LIGHTS ON SO WE DROVE IT TO THE NEAREST HONDA DEALERSHIP. WE WERE TOLD THERE'S BEEN A RASH OF THIS ISSUE RECENTLY AND TO JUST MAKE SURE WE TURN OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER BEFORE TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND WE SHOULD BE OKAY. WE DROVE 2 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME AND STAYED OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR DIDN'T START AGAIN EVEN THOUGH WE HAD TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER. WE BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY FOR THE CAR THINKING IT WAS THE BATTERY. THE NEXT WEEKEND THE CAR DIED AGAIN. THIS TIME WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY TOLD US THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR RELAY WAS STUCK AND CAUSED THE A/C SYSTEM TO OVER PRESSURIZE RELEASING FREON INTO THE ATMOSPHERE AND DISCHARGING OUR BATTERY. THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS HAS BEEN A RECALL IN OTHER MODELS BUT NOT OUR VAN. I FEEL THAT, ALTHOUGH WE WERE NOT IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THE ODYSSEY AND ALL OTHER OWNERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 12, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HER GARAGE AND IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WITH THE SLIDING DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000...UPDATED 05/29/13 *BF UPDATED 06/12/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 21, 2012
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN SLOWING HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT STIFF AS IT APPLIED IT'S OWN BRAKES. THE EVENT OCCURRED OVER ONLY A SECOND OR TWO BEFORE THE BRAKES RELEASED AND THE CAR COULD ACCELERATE AGAIN. HOWEVER, MOMENTS LATER, THE BRAKES APPLIED AGAIN AND PROMPTLY SLOWED THE CAR DOWN TO A HALT, AGAIN OVER A MATTER OF A COUPLE OF SECONDS. DURING BOTH OCCURRENCES, AFTER IMMEDIATELY SWITCHING FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL FOUND THE BRAKE PEDAL IMPOSSIBLE TO PRESS UNTIL THE EVENT PASSED. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2011
2008 HONDA ODYSSEY SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD IN COLD WINTER EVENING WITH ALL ALARM LIGHTS IN THE DASH BOARD ON, AND COULD NOT START. IT DIDN'T RESPOND TO EVEN JUMP START. ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON ABOUT AN HOUR AND EVENTUALLY ALL OUT. POLICE SHOWED UP AT THE SCENE AND URGED TO TOW THE CAR AND LEAVE THE SITE DUE TO DANGER. UNFORTUNATELY, HE DIDN'T ISSUE A REPORT FOR THIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER TO CHECK WITH MY OWN EXPENSE. DEALER MECHANIC CHECKED IT NEXT DAY AND HE SAID THE BATTERY FAILED AND REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG, HE SAID. I ASKED IF THERE'S A RECALL FOR THIS AND ANSWERED NO. HE SAID THAT HE SAW THIS KIND OF ISSUE A FEW TIMES BEFORE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT THEN WHY IT IS NOT RECALLED YET. IT IS DANGEROUS AND COULD KILL MY FAMILY IF THERE'S A CAR BEHIND. IT IS ONLY 2YR AND 4M OLD NOW AND HAS 33,000 MILES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EXPERIENCING THIS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM ACTIVATION INDICATOR AND VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM CODE WAS RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON A THIRD OCCASION AND THE YAW SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR FAILED TO RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. ALSO, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE AND STRUTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,253.
Electrical system, May 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER; HOWEVER, IT CONTINUED TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NEW BATTERY IN JANUARY 2010; HOWEVER, THE FAILED RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,700.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2010
I OWN A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY PURCHASED IN 2009. A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER WE PURCHASED THE BRAND NEW MINI VAN, THE ACCELERATOR /THROTTLE STUCK AS I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, ( THE THROTTLE KICKED ON SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 30 & 40 MPH). THE BRAKES WERE NOT SLOWING US DOWN MUCH AT ALL AS THE ENGINE RACED ( FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL) AND WE NEARLY CRASHED IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT. ( I PUT THE VAN IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE ALONG WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET US TO STOP.) WE TOWED THE CAR TO HONDA & THEY HAD IT FOR FOUR DAYS. I DID NOT WANT IT BACK ! HONDA SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE COMPUTER SENSORS DIDN'T TRACK THE DISTURBANCE. WE ENDED UP PAYING OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET FOR A COMPLETELY NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED. ( WE HAVE THE OLD COMPUTER PART.) WE REPORTED THIS TO HONDA. I AM WRITING TO TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BECAUSE TOYOTA IS NOT THE ONLY CAR WITH AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM ! OUR HONDA DEALER SWEPT IT UNDER THE RUG BUT I AM SURE THERE HAS TO BE OTHER HONDA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE LIFE THREATENING SAME ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE DAY AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND TAKING THE KEY OUT, SHE COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE COULD NOT USE THE DOOR LOCKS AND SHE COULD NOT RE-START THE VEHICLE TO GET THE WINDOWS DOWN. THE ALARM ALSO WENT OFF BUT SHE COULD NOT STOP IT. AFTER 5 MINUTES, SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT AFTER THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO RESET ITSELF. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE REAR SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT FUNCTION. ONCE AGAIN, AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SHE HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,500.