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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2018
THE CAR KEEPS GIVING A "TIGHTEN FUEL CAP" WARNING..I HAVE CHECKED AND REPLACED THE FUEL CAP WITH A HONDA GEM FUEL CAP AND I STILL GET THE WARNING...I HAVE READ THAT THERE IS A SEAL ON THE FUEL TANK/PUMP ASSEMBLY THAT PERISHES WHICH MUST SURELY BE A FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD. THIS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE CAR IS AT IDLE OR MOVING AND STAYS ON FAIRLY CONSTANTLY.
Steering, Engine, Dec 21, 2017
FOLLOWING A SERVICE IN WHICH MY TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, AND POWER STEERING PUMP WERE CHANGED, THE TENSIONER BOLT WAS SHEARED OFF TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED, THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM BEFORE. THE SECOND TIME THAT THE BOLT WAS SHEARED OFF (BOTH EVENTS WERE WITHIN A WEEK OF THE SERVICING), THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD DONE RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMED TO HAVE HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS HONDA ODYSSEY OWNERS. AS STATE ABOVE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST WEEK WHILE I WAS DRIVING, ONCE ON A RAMP, ENTERING THE INTERSTATE AND ONCE TURNING RIGHT ONTO A MAIN ROAD FROM A PARKING LOT.
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2017
THE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR CAME OFF THE TRACK AND FELL OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WAS BEING OPENED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE CAR'S TRACK. I SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT ROLLED THE WINDOW DOWN AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WHILE WITHIN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE DOOR STILL FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR TO EXIT AND ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LOCK WOULD TURN WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE DOOR, BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (PEARSON HONDA, 14001 HULL STREET RD, MIDLOTHIAN, VA, 23112), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE PANEL AND ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE PANEL, BUT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT DID NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Service brakes, Nov 27, 2017
MY VAN HAS SOFT BRAKES. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. FROM ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT IS QUITE NORMAL FOR ODYSSEY. WHEN I CHECKED WITH HONDA CUSTOMER CARE, THEY AID THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEY FIXED IT AND SINCE I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. OBVIOUSLY THE FIX THAT THEY DID IS NOT WORKING NOW. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VAN WITH WIFE AND TWO KIDS. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE FOR THIS ISSUE?
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 13, 2017
VSA AND ENGINE INDICATORS KEEP COMING ON. NOW I'M TOLD I HAVE TO REPLACE VSA MODULATOR FOR $1700
Power train, Oct 19, 2017, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION: MY WIFE WAS TURNING THE CAR AROUND IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING WHILE IN REVERSE. MY WIFE PRESSED THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND. IT STARTED SLIPPING IN PLACE UNTIL IT HIT THE FENCE. MY WIFE CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE UNTIL THE ENGINE RPM RETURNED TO NORMAL. MY WIFE INDICATED THAT SHE HAD EXPERIENCE A SIMILAR ISSUE LAST WINTER WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW COVERED ROAD, BUT THE ACCELERATION STOPPED QUICKLY. AT THAT TIME, SHE THOUGHT THE CAR JUST SLIPPED DUE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Structure, Oct 17, 2017
THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF OF THIS VEHICLE IS PEELING OFF IN DROVES. LARGE AREAS OF VEHICLE ARE DOWN TO BARE METAL ON BOTH ROOF AND HOOD OF VEHICLE. HONDA SHOULD REPAINT THESE VEHICLES AT NO CHARGE TO CUSTOMER. PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS.
Structure, Oct 5, 2017
2008 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L WITHOUT POWER LIFT GATE. THE REAR HATCH STRUTS PART # 74820SHJA01 FAILED IN A DANGEROUS WAY. THEY WERE WORKING PERFECT THE TIME BEFORE WITH NOW SIGNS OF ANY LEAKING OR WEAKNESS AND THE VERY NEXT TIME THEY FAILED CAUSING THE REAR DOOR TO SLAM DOWN IN AN UNCONTROLLED MANNER. I CHECKED THE VIN FOR THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V062000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE11034 DATE FEB 16, 2012 STRUCTURE: BODY: HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS BUT STATE MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, BUT I FIND IT STRANGE THAT THE FAILURE ACTED IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE RECALL. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A FUEL STATION, THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND ALL THE DOORS LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. A BABY WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN ALMOST 90% DEGREE WEATHER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY BROKE THE TAILGATE WINDOW GLASS TO PREVENT GLASS FROM FALLING ON THE BABY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Engine, Jul 17, 2017
NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RUNNING LIKE IT HAS BEEN AND THEN IT GOT WORSE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO THEN BEFORE I COULD GET IT IN FOR SERVICE THE OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I DROVE THE CAR STRAIGHT TO MY HONDA DEALER AND THERE IS NO EXTERNAL OIL LEAK THEREFORE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OIL IS LEAKING INSIDE THE ENGINE AND BURNING AND THAT IS WHY THE SMOKE IS COMING FROM BY TAILPIPE HOWEVER THE LIGHT INDICATOR WAS A LITTLE TO LATE BECAUSE THE DAMAGE IS ALREADY DONE AND NOW THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NO TELLING WHAT ELSE. THE DEALER NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THIS A LAWSUIT INDICATING THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL SO I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND AS I TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME IT BROKE DOWN ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, HAD TO TOW IT HOME. CALLED HONDA MANUFACTURER AND MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THAT CLASS ACTION EVEN THOUGH IT IS A 2008 ODYSSEY. NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE SITTING IN MY GARAGE THAT DOES NOT RUN AND HAS NO RESALE VALUE AND IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE HONDA IS GOING TO HELP OUT IN ANY WAY. IF YOU OWN A 2008-2013 HONDA YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL REGULARLY BECAUSE THE LIGHT INDICATORS OR NOT VERY RELIABLE.
Structure, May 30, 2017
MY DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF. IT WAS ON ONE MINUTE AND THEN THE NEXT IT COMPLETELY FELL OFF. WE WERE IN A PARKING LOT AND I WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR. I PULLED ON IT AND IT JUST POPPED RIGHT OFF. AS A RESULT IT SCRATCHED UP THE SIDE OF MY CAR VERY BADLY.
Structure, May 29, 2017
I HAD JUST TAKEN MY CHILDREN TO A WATER PARK. UPON RETURNING TO MY VEHICLE AT THE PARK'S CLOSING, I OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WITH NO PROBLEM. WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE IT, IT WOULD NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY, AND WHEN I GAVE IT ANOTHER HARD PULL, IT CAME COMPLETELY OFF. THE CENTER SIDE ROLLER HAD COME COMPLETELY OFF TRACK. I WAS ABLE TO HOLD THE DOOR UP WITH SOME DIFFICULTY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE SIDE ROLLER BACK IN TRACK. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE SIDE ROLLER APPARATUS FROM THE DOOR, GET THE UPPER ROLLER SOMEWHAT BACK ON TRACK, AND GET THE DOOR CLOSED. OTHERWISE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED. AS HEAVY AS THAT DOOR WAS, IT COULD HAVE REALLY HURT MY CHILD IF IT HAD FALLEN INWARD ON HER, AND I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT IT DID NOT HURT ME. VEHICLE WAS OBVIOUSLY STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
Structure, May 17, 2017
THE PAINT HAS BEEN PEELING AND FLAKING FOR YEARS NOW AND IT GOT WORSE NOW. THE CLEAR COAT IS NO LONGER THERE. THERE'S A RECALL FOR THE BLUE COLOR, BUT NOT THE OTHERS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THERE. PAINT IS PAINT. COLOR IS DIFFERENT ONLY WHEN THE COLOR PIGMENT IS ADDED. IS THERE A RECALL FOR BLUE, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR ALL OTHERS. I BELIEVE THE COLOR (WHITE) OF MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE PERIOD AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL FOR IT. THANKS.
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 5, 2017
MY VSA LIGHT CAME ON AND IS AN ADDED FEATURE FOR STABILITY TO PREVENT OVERTURNING, THE COST TO REPLACE THE MODULE IS OVER 1200 DOLLARS. MY YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL HAS HAD RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT MY VIN # PULLS UP NO RECALLS. I HAVE TWIN TODDLERS AND FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE I WOULD LIKE REPAIRED ON THE MANUFACTURES SIDE, NOT OUT OF MY POCKET, THANKS
Steering, Apr 19, 2017
LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. AT TIMES, THERE ARE VERY SCARY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THIS IS GOING ON FOR A WHILE AND MY LOCAL DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE IT UNDER THE WARRANTY.
Structure, Apr 17, 2017
AFTER DRIVING HOME IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM FOUND LARGE CHUNKS OF PAINT MISSING FROM THE HOOD AND ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK TO A PAINT SHOP WHO SAID IT IS PAINT FAILURE. CAN SEE PAINT BUBBLING UP NEXT TO THE PEELED AREAS.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Engine, Apr 7, 2017
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ERROR CODE P3497. ENGINE BURNS MORE OIL THAN NORMAL. HONDA ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN 11-033, YET REFUSE TO FIX THE CAR AT THEIR EXPENSE. I GET THE USUAL RUN AROUND OF "ADD MORE OIL EVERY NOW AND AGAIN."
Engine, Apr 5, 2017
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ON HONDA ODYSSEY 2008 EXL - SAME RUN-AROUND WITH HONDA STATING 1 QT OIL FOR EVERY 1400-1500 MILES IS "NORMAL". INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT AND THEN THEY INITIATED A CONTROLLED OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH JUST ENDED RECENTLY. AWAITING RESPONSE FROM HONDA CORP REGARDING NEXT STEPS AS SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR VCM DID NOT CORRECT.
Air bags, Mar 3, 2017
SRS AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT FAILED. WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR APPEARS PERIODICALLY, BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED.
Air bags, Feb 23, 2017, crash
THE AIRBAG SENSOR WILL NOT GO OFF OF THE DASHBOARD AND WHEN MY HUSBAND RAN THE SCAN ON MY CAR, NOTHING CAME UP. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME NOW AND IN OCTOBER I WAS IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF, BUT THE ICON IS STILL ON, ON MY DASH. THE ICON IS ON AT ALL TIMES BUT THERE ARE DAYS WHEN IT DOESN'T COME ON AT ALL.
Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2017
REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FILLS HALF WAY WITH WATER. HAD IT REPLACED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO AT MY EXPENSE, HAPPNEDED AGAIN. SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW.
Steering, Feb 1, 2017
I HAVE A POWER STEERING PROBLEM, I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND ESPECIALLY AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT'S VERY HARD AND IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS! I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A POWER STEERING PUMP THIS WAS DECEMBER 13TH 2016 I NOTICED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE POWER STEERING ISSUE THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED VERY SOON THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE ISSUE! IT WILL DEFINITELY BE REPLACED BECAUSE I HAVE INSPECTION COMING UP BUT IT SURELY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED! *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2016
VEHICLE PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2013. REAR TAILGATE GAS STRUTS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN MAY 2014 DUE TO COMPLETE FAILURE. SAME OEM WAS REINSTALLED BY DEALER AND HAS FAILED AGAIN LESS THAN 18 MONTHS LATER.