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
499 reports, newest first.
Equipment, Sep 29, 2009
HELLO I WOULD LIKE TO BRING A VERY SERIOUS MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION. ON SEPT 26TH, 2009 BETWEEN 12:30 ' 1:00PM, I WAS DRIVING FROM BINGHAMTON, NY TO HICKSVILLE, NY WITH MY FAMILY I.E. MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN AGED FROM 18MONTHS, 3 YEARS AND 5 YEARS OLD WHEN THE FLOOR MAT OF MY HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 GOT STUCK UNDER THE RACE PEDAL. THIS MATTER CREATED A SERIOUS SITUATION AND SPED MY CAR OVER 80 MPH. I HAD TO KEEP ON TRYING AND PUSHING THE FLOOR MAT DOWN, FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE FLOOR MAT AWAY FROM THE RACE PEDAL. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS CRASH OR INJURIES; THEREFORE I WOULD LIKE TO BRING THIS MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION. I WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE IF I COULD PLEASE GET AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM YOU OF THIS REPORT FOR MY RECORDS. I HOPE YOU WILL BRING THIS MATTER UP WITH HONDA SO THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH HONDA ODYSSEY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON AN INCLINE, HE HAD TO EXERT GREAT FORCE TO DECELERATE. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR FIND AN ERROR CODE; THEREFORE, HE COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,500.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 22, 2009
SOFT/SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL THAT WHEN PRESSED LONGER IT WILL SINK TO THE FLOOR MAKING IT INEFFECTIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 22, 2009, crash, fire
SOFT/SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL THAT WHEN PRESSED LONGER IT WILL SINK TO THE FLOOR MAKING IT UNEFFECTIVE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 10, 2009
THE BRAKES ON OUR 2008 HONDAY ODYSSEY VAN ARE CLEARLY FAILING AND WE'VE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES AND THEY REPLACED TONS OF PARTS BUT THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. THEY ARE SPONGY AND YOU HAVE TO FLOOR IT TO GET THE VAN TO SLOW DOWN. THEY ALSO GRIND AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 18, 2009
THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY ARE TERRIBLE, VERY SOFT, SOMETIMES IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, THEY SAY THE BRAKES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THIS PROBLEM ONLINE I FOUND MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS IT GOING TO TAKE A DEATH TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 17, 2009
BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT/SPONGY AND OFTEN REQUIRES PUMPING TO GET AN ADEQUATE FIRM FEEL. WHEN VAN WAS NEW, LESS THAT 1000 MILES, I TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKES ARE NORMAL. WAS OFFERED TO DRIVE ANOTHER 2008 DEMO VAN WHICH THEY SAID WAS NORMAL. IT ALSO HAD A SOFT/SPONGY PEDAL. I THINK THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 12, 2009
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 19, 2009
ALMOST IN ACCIDENT WHEN BRAKES ON 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY WENT TO FLOOR, BRAKES ARE VERY SOFT. I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES FELT SOFT FEW WEEKS AGO, TOOK THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT IS NORMAL FOR HONDA VANS. I DON'T THINK SO THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Child seat, Jul 13, 2009
WE HAVE THREE DOREL/SAFETY 1ST ALPHA OMEGA CONVERTIBLE CAR SEATS (22469-BSE). AFTER TRYING NUMEROUS TIMES TO SECURE TWO OF THE SEATS IN A REAR FACING POSITION, MY HUSBAND AND I HAD TO USE THE ANCHOR STRAP TO KEEP THE SEATS SECURE. ACCORDING TO THE BOOK THAT COMES WITH THE SEATS, THE ANCHOR IS NOT TO BE USED IN THE REAR FACING POSITION. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT IS CERTIFIED IN CAR SEAT INSTALLATION. THE FIREMAN POINTED OUT TO US THAT THE LATCH BELT ON THE TWO SEATS WILL NOT STAY TIGHT. AFTER THE LATCHES WERE SECURE AND WE TIGHTENED THE STRAPS, THE FIREMEN WERE CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THE SEATS WERE SECURE AND THE BELT WOULD LOOSEN WITH THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE ON THE SEATS. THEREFORE, THESE SEATS CANNOT BE INSTALLED PROPERLY AND ARE DANGEROUS FOR MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN AS IS. I CONTACTED DOREL THIS MORNING, AND ALL THEY COULD OFFER WAS A NEW LATCH BELT FOR THE SEATS WITH PROBLEMS. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE TEN BUSINESS DAYS FOR ME TO RECEIVE THE NEW LATCH BELTS. WHEN I ASKED THE REPRESENTATIVE WHAT I SHOULD DO IN THE MEAN TIME, I WAS TOLD TO JUST USE THE SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE TO SECURE THE CAR SEATS. MY QUESTION TO DOREL AND TO YOU IS WHY WOULD I WANT TO JUST USE THE SEAT BELT WHEN THE SEAT IS NOT SECURE AND SHOULD BE USED WITH A LATCH SYSTEM. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2008, MAKE=HONDA, MODEL=ODYSSEY). *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jun 28, 2009
COMING DOWN MOUNTAIN AND TRIED TO STOP AT STOP SIGN AT BOTTOM OF MOUNTAIN; BRAKE WENT TO FLOOR; ONLY SOURCE OF STOPPING WAS THE PARKING ASSISTED BRAKE WHICH CAUSED SKIDDING. EVERY DAY DRIVING THE BRAKE NEVER RESPONDS UNTIL HALF WAY TO THE FLOOR OR LOWER. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY TEST DROVE AND DID NOTHING FURTHER TO CHECK BRAKES. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jun 28, 2009
BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPOT AND BRAKES FAILED (BRAKES WHEN APPLIED WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR) AND SWIPED ANOTHER VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID NOTHING BUT TEST DRIVE IT. *TR
Air bags, Jun 21, 2009
AIR BAG COVER ON PASSENGER SIDE OF DASH BOARD BUCKLES. THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND HONDA NOW CALLS IT AN "ACCEPTABLE PRODUCTION DEFECT". *TR
Visibility, May 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE REAR GLASS EXPLODED INTO TINY PIECES. GLASS SPRAYED ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STRIKE ANY OTHER OBJECTS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO FILE A CLAIM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Suspension, May 22, 2009
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW HONDA ODYSSEY (2008) IN DEC. 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS A STEERING PROBLEM AND WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT-HAND TURN THE VEHICLE PULLS RIGHT AND AFTER MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN THE VEHICLE PULLS LEFT. HONDA HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AFTER 4 ATTEMPTS. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM TWICE. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, AND THE STRUTS. NONE OF THESE SOLUTIONS HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, May 21, 2009
WE PURCHASED OUR 2008 ODYSSEY ON 7/5/08. AFTER DRIVING IT A WHILE WE NOTICED THE BRAKES APPEARED TO BE SOFT AND SPONGY. WHEN I FINALLY TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE, I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW MASTER CYLINDER (AT 2800 MILES), WHICH THEY REPLACED. AFTER I PICKED IT UP, I DROVE IT A FEW MILES AND THE BRAKES STILL FELT SOFT AND SPONGY, SO I DROVE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN DROVE THE CAR AND TOLD ME 'THAT'S THE WAY THE ODYSSEY BRAKES ARE.' WHILE ON A TRIP WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER HONDA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. WE HAVE A RIDGELINE AND THOSE BRAKES ARE NOT SOFT AND SPONGY. IT APPEARS THAT MANY OTHER ODYSSEY DEALERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Seats, May 4, 2009
MY CHILD FOLDED DOWN THE THIRD ROW SEAT IN MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY AND THE SEAT COLLAPSED AND FELL ON HIS HAND, BREAKING THREE OF HIS FINGERS. I CONTACTED HONDA AND NOTHING WAS DONE. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Electric, Feb 13, 2009
NEW 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY WITH LESS THAN 200 MILES, WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED 1. VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE BRAKING. HAPPENED EVERY TIME WHEN STOPPING AT STOP LIGHT OR WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE HONDA SERVICE DEPT. IDENTIFIED IT TO BE A WARPED MOTOR AND THEY HAD TO RESURFACE IT. THEY MENTIONED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTICED IN SOME OTHER VEHICLES TOO, BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. 2. PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COMES UP WHILE DRIVING EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THE HONDA SERVICE DEPT. HAS LOOKED AT IT TWICE NOW, AS RECENT AS 2/13/2009 AND HAVE MENTIONED THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENS... THAT IT ALSO HAPPENS IN ONE OF THE SERVICE TECH'S ODYSSEY VAN. THEIR SOLUTION TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WAS TO PLACE A HEAVY OBJECT ON THE PASSENGER SEAT! ON BOTH ISSUES, I HAD OPENED A CASE WITH HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE CASE #: N012009-01-0701207. THE FIRST TIME, THE CUST SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TRIED TO SHRUG OFF THE VIBRATION ISSUE AS NOT AN ISSUE. ON THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE REPRESENTATIVE SOUNDED CONCERNED AND MENTIONED THAT HE WOULD ALSO BE UPSET ABOUT THESE MULTIPLE ISSUES ON A NEW VAN. HE ASSURED THAT WITHIN 2 DAYS, A HONDA REPRESENTATIVE WILL CONTACT ME TO FOLLOW-UP ON THIS ISSUE. BUT, NEVER DID I RECEIVE ANY CALL BACK. DUE TO POOR RESPONSE FROM HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE, I HAVEN'T CALLED THEM BACK AS I DON'T GET ANY PROPER RESPONSE FROM THEM. I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN SOLD A "LEMON" AND THAT THE HONDA COMPANY SHOULD TAKE THIS VEHICLE BACK AND PROVIDE A NEW/DIFFERENT ODYSSEY VAN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2009
DRIVING MY HONDA ODYSSEY 2008. IN THE MORNING OF 2/5/09, ENGINE REVVED UP TO 3000 RPM WHILE I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT. I CHECKED TO SEE IF I WAS PUMPING GAS OR IF CARPET WAS STUCK BUT NONE APPLIED. CAR FINALLY SETTLED DOWN AND DROVE NORMALLY. IN THE EVENING IT STARTED AGAIN GOING UP TO 3000 AT A STOP (ACTUALLY RISING AS I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN) COULD BARELY CONTROL CAR. HAPPENED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT HAD REVVED UP TO 5, 000 RPM. COULDN'T STOP THE CAR - THOUGHT I WOULD HIT SOMEONE. THREW IT INTO PARK AND SHUT IF OFF. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY KEPT IT FOR THREE DAYS, DRIVING IT ALL OVER AND THIS DID NOT OCCUR. OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE CAR WOULD REV UP TO 1500 OR SO AT A STOP SIGN BUT NEVER PAID MUCH ATTENTION TO THIS AS IT WASN'T DANGEROUS. LAST THURSDAY, THANK GOD PEOPLE JUMPED OUT THE WAY OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. *TR
Parking brake, Feb 11, 2009
WE BOUGHT THE 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY NEW AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A METALLIC SCRAPING SOUND WHEN DECELERATING WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT IS MORE PRONOUNCED IN THE REAR SEAT. WE HAD THE HONDA SERVICE SHOP CHECK IT,AND THEY TOLD US THAT IT WAS NORMAL. ALSO,WHEN BRAKING,THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF TRAVEL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL,AND A SPONGY FEEL TO THE PEDAL,MAKING THE DRIVER FEEL THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT GOING TO STOP IN TIME. AGAIN THE HONDA SERVICE PEOPLE SAID THAT WAS NORMAL..I FEEL THAT IT TAKES EXCESS PRESSURE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Feb 9, 2009
THE BRAKES GO TO THE FLOOR, MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING AT THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES. SEVERAL TIMES I ENDED UP IN THE INTERSECTION. THE 08 ODYSSEY IS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 4, 2009
2008 HONDA ODYSSEY 5 DOOR TOURING MODEL FAILED TO STOP WHILE AT SLOW MANEUVERING SPEEDS, FORCING THE DRIVER TO JAM ON THE BRAKE AND SWERVE TO MISS VEHICLE IN FRONT, LANDING UP ON THE MEDIAN STRIP OF A BUSY SIX LANE HIGHWAY. SOME ENGINE ACCELERATION WAS EXPERIENCED DURING THIS MANEUVER, ADDING TO THE BRAKING FORCE THAT WAS REQUIRED. THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT ENGAGED DURING THE INCIDENT. A SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED A MONTH LATER IN A PARKING LOT, WITH A SUBSTANTIAL REVVING OF THE ENGINE AS THE CAR ENTERED A PARKING SPOT REQUIRING HARD BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT ENGINE SHUT DOWN. FINALLY A SIMILAR, BUT LESSER ACCELERATION WAS EXPERIENCED BY ANOTHER DRIVER (SAME CAR) WHILE BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO REST IN ITS PARKING POSITION IN THE GARAGE. ALL INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR HAD BETWEEN 5,000 AND 6,000 MILES. THE DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND NO INDICATION OF A FAULT IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. (RECORDS OF SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAULTS WERE FOUND BUT BELIEVED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCIDENT WHEN ANOTHER CAR WAS STARTED WITH JUMPER CABLES FROM THE ODYSSEY.) BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS BELOW THAT REQUIRED TO ENGAGE THE SPEED CONTROL FUNCTION. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER ACKNOWLEDGED THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE COMPLAINT, BUT INDICATED THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER HE COULD DO WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF A FAULT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 23, 2009
2008 HONDA ODYSSEY LX, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS NEARLY TO THE FLOOR. SOFT PEDAL. VAN DOES NOT STOP EASILY. WE HAVE HAD TWO NEAR MISSES WHERE THE VAN DID NOT STOP AS NORMALLY EXPECTED. THE VAN WAS TAKEN BACK TO LEHIGH VALLEY HONDA AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BRAKES WERE NORMAL. I AM AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE AND CHILDREN IN THIS VAN AND HONDA WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS VAN OR ANY OTHER HONDA VANS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2009
THE AC STOPPED WORKING ON OUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS THEY ADVISED A LEAK WAS FOUND ON THE AC CONDENSER WHICH WAS CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS. THEY INDICATED THAT TYPE OF DAMAGE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND HANDED ME A REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR $764.92. I DECLINED THE REPAIR BID AND TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME ONLY TO FIND OUT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND THE SAME STORY GIVEN BY THE DEALERSHIPS. AFTER FINDING THIS INFORMATION I CONFRONTED THE DEALER AND ATTEMPTED TO BARGAIN WITH THEM GLADLY OFFERING TO PAY FOR THE LABOR TO INSTALL THE NEW CONDENSER BUT NOT FOR THE PART. NEEDLESS TO SAY MY EFFORTS WERE FUTILE AND I WAS REFERRED TO HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE. IN JANUARY I FILED A CASE WITH HONDA WHO AFTER ABOUT A WEEK CONTACTED ME AND INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS THEY WERE COULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. I CERTAINLY CAN NOT HOLD HONDA RESPONSIBLE FOR ROAD DEBRIS DAMAGE SUCH AS A CRACKED WINDSHIELD OR PUNCTURED TIRE. HOWEVER, I STILL HOLD THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF SUCH CRITICAL AND FRAGILE PART IN A PLACE WHERE IS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO GET HIT BY ROAD DEBRIS. WITH YEARS OF CAR DESIGN EXPERIENCE YOU WOULD EXPECT A COMPANY LIKE HONDA WOULD TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT AND EXPECT THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR THEIR DESIGN FLAW. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2009
NOTHING HAS FAILED YET, BUT THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY ARE WAY TOO SOFT. I HAVE TOLD SEVERAL SERVICE PEOPLE WITH MY DEALERSHIP, INCLUDING THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND THEY DON'T SEEM CONCERNED. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I HAVE OWNED 7 NEW HONDA'S AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A BRAKE FEEL THIS WAY. *TR