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: structure
123 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jan 17, 2014
I OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE OF THE VAN. THE STRUTS THAT HOLD THE GATE OPEN FAILED AND HIT MY SON IN THE HEAD. MY VAN HAS A MANUAL LIFT GATE AND DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF 2008 VANS WITH AUTOMATIC LIFTS WHERE THE GAS WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE STRUTS AND CAUSING A SIMILAR FAILURE. I REQUEST THE NHTSA INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE OF THE MANUAL LIFT GATE AND REQUIRE HONDA TO FIX THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE. I FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IN A VEHICLE ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. I HAVE ANOTHER VAN (MERCURY VILLAGER) THAT IS ALMOST 18 YEARS OLD AND THE LIFT GATE STILL OPERATES AS NEW. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUSLY INJURY OR DEATH. THANK YOU. *TR
Structure, Dec 20, 2013
2008 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL HATCHBACK LIFT GATE STRUTS GAVE OUT AND FELL ON MY HEAD WHILE LOADING GROCERIES. THE HATCHBACK WILL OPEN AND CLOSE BUT THE STRUTS DO NOT WORK. IT FELL WITH NO WARNING OF AN ISSUE. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF ONE IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION. ESPECIALLY IF CHILDREN ARE NEAR. *TR
Structure, Dec 9, 2013
ISSUE IS THE SAME AS WITH RECALL NOTICE 12V062000. THE GAS FILLED STRUTS ARE NOT HOLDING THE LIFT GATE OPEN. ISSUE BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN WEATHER WAS COLD. RECALL SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO POWER LIFT MODELS AS THE SAME STRUTS ARE USED FOR OTHER MODELS. I READ MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE WHEN I RESEARCHED ONLINE. MY MODEL IS THE LX. *TR
Structure, Nov 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE WAS OPENED HOWEVER, IT INDEPENDENTLY AND ABRUPTLY CLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V062000 SRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Structure, Oct 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN PARK, THE TAILGATE WOULD NOT REMAIN OPEN. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE LOCK COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED WITH THE KEY OR MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V062000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Structure, Sep 11, 2013
THE LIFTGATE/TAILGATE ON THE HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 EXL DOES NOT STAY UP. IT FALLS DOWN DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE LIFTGATE AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO INJURE THE PERSON USING IT. THIS IS A NON POWERED LIFTGATE. HONDA DID HAVE A RECALL ON THE POWERED LIFTGATES FOR THE 2008 EXL, BUT NOT FOR THE NON POWERED ONES. *TR
Structure, Sep 3, 2013
TAILGATE STRUTS FAIL TO HOLD UP THE TAILGATE - 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY EX. DOOR IS VERY HEAVY, VERY HARD TO LIFT UP AND COULD EASILY HIT YOUR HEAD/BODY IF NOT MANUALLY HOLDING UP CAREFULLY. *JB
Structure, Aug 25, 2013
THE REAR DOOR NO LONGER STAYS OPEN. IT FALLS RIGHT AWAY AND HAS FELL ON MY HEAD AS WELL AS MY WIFE'S HEAD. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL BUT SEEMS LIKE IT ONLY APPLIES TO THE VANS THAT HAVE THE POWER DOOR IN THE REAR. *TR
Structure, Jul 19, 2013
THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS ON THE REAR LIFT GATE OF MY HONDA ODYSSEY MINIVAN HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED. THE REAR LIFT GATE TO THE MINIVAN NOW FALLS SHUT WITH A VERY DANGEROUS SPEED AND FORCE. THE LIFT GATE IS VERY HEAVY AND I AM CERTAIN IT WOULD SEVERELY INJURE MY 4 YEAR OLD BOYS IF IT WAS DROPPED OR ACCIDENTALLY LET GO. HONDA HAS RECALLED OTHER 2008 AND 2009 GAS-FILLED STRUTS FOR EX-L AND TOURING MODELS BUT CLAIMS THAT MY GAS-FILLED STRUTS ON MY EX MODEL ARE NOT AS COMMON OF A FAILURE. I'M NOT BUYING IT. IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Structure, Jul 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE TAILGATE FAILED AND WOULD NOT REMAIN OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. *TR
Structure, Jun 20, 2013
LIFT STRUTS ON BACK HATCH QUIT WORKING SUDDENLY WITH NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. *TR
Structure, Jun 10, 2013
PAINT IS PEELING FROM THE PRIMER. COMING OFF IN SHEETS. ROOF AREA. RUST SPOTS POPPING UP. MANY COMPLAINTS. CLASS ACTION SUIT HAS BEEN FILED. *TR
Structure, May 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED WITH AN ABNORMALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STRUTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, May 14, 2013
I TRIED TO OPEN THE TRUNK AND REALIZED IT FELT LIKE DEAD WEIGHT. I LIFTED IT, CLOSED IT SLOWLY AND TRIED AGAIN. I'M GUESSING THE PNEUMATIC LIFT IS NOT WORKING. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF I LIFTED IT AND LET IT GO WITHOUT REALIZING THE WEIGHT. FOR NOW, I CANNOT USE THE TRUNK. *TR
Structure, May 14, 2013
2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TAILGATE STRUTS ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TAILGATE STRUTS BROKE AND LOST THEIR GAS DUE TO LEAKAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR VEHICLES WITH POWER TAILGATES. HE BELIEVED EVEN THE VANS WITHOUT POWER TAILGATES, SHOULD BE RECALLED.
Structure, Apr 26, 2013
THE REAR TAILGATE STRUT FAILED ON MY ODYSSEY EX- IMPORTANT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM THE EX-L, WHICH WAS AFFECTED BY A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #12V062000). THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO THE EX NOR LX MODELS. PROBLEM IS THE EX-L, EX & LX MODELS SHARE THE SAME STRUT PART #74820-SHJ-A21, PRICE $63.91/EACH. THE PARTS INFORMATION IS RIGHT OFF HONDA'S OWN WEBSITE. THE RECALL MAKES NO MENTION OF FAILURES TO ANY MOTORS, GENERATORS OR POWER LOCKS. THE ONLY REFERENCE IS TO THE STRUT ITSELF. IF THE STRUT IS THE PROBLEM, WHY DOESN'T THE RECALL APPLY TO ALL '08 ODYSSEYS IF ALL ODYSSEYS SHARE THE SAME PART? I CALLED HONDA FOR AN EXPLANATION & THE REP SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR REPAIRS TO MODELS COVERED BY THE RECALL. SINCE MY VEHICLE WASN'T, THEY WOULDN'T PAY &, AS IT STANDS NOW, I'M OUT $213.71, WHICH IS THE COST FOR BOTH PARTS & LABOR. I BELIEVE I AM ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT OF THE FULL COST OF REPLACING THE STRUTS & I ALSO BELIEVE ALL '08 ODYSSEY MODELS SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM AS FAILURE OF THE PART POSES A SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY TO ANYONE STANDING UNDER THE DOOR, WHICH HAPPENS ALOT WHILE LOADING/UNLOADING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Apr 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR POWER LIFTGATE WOULD NOT REMAIN OPEN WHEN ACTIVATED AND WOULD CLOSE ABRUPTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT BOTH POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V062000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000...UPDATED 06/24/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY HONDA AT NO COST THE OWNER. UPDATED 06/28/2013 *JS
Structure, Apr 18, 2013
THE POWER SLIDING DOORS WILL SOMETIMES NOT CLOSE... ONE WILL START TO CLOSE WHEN WE PUSH THE LEVER, THEN SHUDDER OR JERK AND THEN REVERSE ITSELF SO THAT IT IS FULLY OPEN ONCE AGAIN. THIS STARTED FIRST WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR, AND HAS RECENTLY STARTED HAPPENING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AS WELL. WE BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER AND SEEMED QUITE FAMILIAR WITH THE SYMPTOMS, SUGGESTING THAT THE MIDDLE SET OF ROLLERS ON THE DOOR WERE CAUSING THE ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN EITHER THE MATERIAL OR THE DESIGN. *TR
Structure, Apr 17, 2013
POWER-TAILGATE STRUTS HAVE FAILED AND TRUNK WILL NOT REMAIN OPEN. WHEN MY WIFE LIFTED THE TRUNK IT NEARLY FELL ON HER AND HIT HER HEAD. THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING MODELS AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD EXTEND TO NON-TOURING MODEL AS WELL (I HAVE A LX 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRIM LEVEL). I CALLED HONDA AND THEY SAID THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT I BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD BE. IN ORDER TO REPAIR IT, I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. *TR
Structure, Apr 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE FELL RAPIDLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, AFTER IT WAS LIFTED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE STRUTS HAD LEAKED GAS, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE 71,061....UPDATED 05/22/13 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED. UPDATED 05/30/13
Structure, Mar 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAS-FILLED STRUTS THAT HELPED TO RAISE AND SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE OF TRANSPORTED EQUIPPED FAILED, CAUSING AN UNEXPECTED CLOSURE OF THE DOOR, WHICH STRUCK THE CONTACT BUT DID NOT RESULT IN ANY INJURY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V062000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Structure, Mar 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT PRESSURIZED GAS WAS LEAKING FROM THE STRUTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V062000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Structure, Mar 14, 2013
THE TAIL GATE OF MY 2008 ODYSSEY DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY THE GAS POWER STRUTS THAT HELP OPEN AND CLOSE THE TAIL GATE HAVE INTERNAL FAILURE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED SO THE HONDA DEALER SAYS. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE TAIL GATE SLAMS SHUT WITHOUT THESE STRUTS WORKING. HONDA HAS NOT INCLUDED MY CAR IN THE RECALL OF 2/2012. *TR
Structure, Mar 5, 2013
YESTERDAY (3/4/2013), I LIFTED OPEN THE TRUNK, ON MY HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 (EX-L). I NOTICED THAT IT WAS A LITTLE HEAVY TO LIFT. WHEN I LIFTED IT ALL THE WAY UP AND LET IT GO, IT IMMEDIATELY CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT HIT MY HEAD. THE TRUNK DOOR WOULD NOT STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION, AND COMES DOWN TO A HARD CLOSE IF NOT HELD OPEN BY HAND. SO FAR, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION FROM HONDA ON THE BELOW MENTIONED RECALL, THAT IS SAME AS THE ISSUE I AM FACING REPORT RECEIPT DATE: FEB 16, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V062000 COMPONENT(S): STRUCTURE POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 45,747 RECALL NOTIFICATION :HONDA. 2008- EARLY 2009 MODEL YEAR HONDA ODYSSEY EX-LAND TOURING MODELS POWER LIFTGATE GAS STRUTS. *TR
Structure, Mar 4, 2013
I WENT TO OPEN AND LIFT UP THE REAR LIFT GATE TO RETRIEVE ITEMS IN THE BACK. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE REAR GATE CAME DOWN ABRUPTLY AND STRUCK ME ON THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND HURT MY NECK AS WELL. *TR