Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | ||||||||||||||||
| 10V098000 | HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) | from 07/28/2006 to 06/12/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 412000 | 05/03/2010 | ODI | HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) | 03/16/2010 | 03/16/2010 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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 Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Honda's recall no. r30.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | ||||||
| EA09014 | HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) | 10/19/2009 | 05/11/2010 | Air in brake system | 10V098000 | |
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | |||
| 01/01/2012 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2007 honda element. the contact stated that the vehicle jerk and lunged forward after the brake pedal was applied. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have diagnostic performed. the manufacturer was not made of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 88,708. pmb | |||
| 01/01/2012 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2007 honda element. the contact stated that the vehicle jerk and moved fowarward after the brake pedal was applied. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have diagnostic performed. the manufacturer was not made of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 88,708. li | |||
| 05/31/2010 | 70000 | 1 | |
| The honda element has a recall for a soft, spongy brake pedal that has to be pushed to the floor to get the brakes to engage. there is a recall for this symptom, related to the vehicle stability assist module. the recall work was done, and the pedal feel improved, but after time, the issue returns. my brakes are soft and spongy and i get no brakes unless the pedal goes most of the way to the floor. it feels as if the car is not going to stop each time i brake. *tr | |||
| 05/31/2010 | 70000 | ||
| The honda element has a recall for a soft, spongy brake pedal that has to be pushed to the floor to get the brakes to engage. there is a recall for this symptom, related to the vehicle stability assist module. the recall work was done, and the pedal feel improved, but after time, the issue returns. my brakes are soft and spongy and i get no brakes unless the pedal goes most of the way to the floor. it feels as if the car is not going to stop each time i brake. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | |||
| 08/03/2011 | 58000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2007 honda element. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 10v098000 (services brakes, air). after the repairs, the malfunction indicator light and the check engine light began to illuminate on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the error codes were removed from the system. the dealer stated that the vehicle was not experiencing any other failures. the warning lights continued to illuminate. the contact felt that the recall repairs were responsible for the subsequent failures. the failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,380. sm. | |||
| 08/03/2011 | 58000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2007 honda element. the contact had nhtsa recall campaign id number: 10v098000 (services brakes, air) performed on the vehicle. since the repair the malfunction indicator light and engine light started illuminating on the instrument panel. the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the error codes were removed from the system. the dealer stated there was nothing else wrong with the vehicle. the contact stated the lights are still illuminating on the instrument panel. the contact feels the recall has caused other problems with their vehicle. the failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 58,380.rl | |||
| 01/10/2007 | 500 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2007 honda element. while driving approximately 5 mph and depressing the brakes, the vehicle would not stop. the contact stated that extreme pressure had to be applied to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to stop. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v098000 (service brakes, air) in which the vehicle was previously repaired. approximately two weeks after the repairs were performed, the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 500. | |||
| 01/10/2007 | 500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2007 honda element. while driving approximately 5 mph and depressing the brake pedal the contact noticed the vehicle would not stop. the contact stated extreme pressure had to be applied to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to stop. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v098000 (service brakes, air) which the vehicle was included in and had repairs performed. approximately two weeks after the repairs were performed failure continued. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 500. ds | |||
| 03/31/2010 | 22000 | ||
| Premature failure of rear passenger disc brake at 22000 miles. loud grinding noise noticed coming from rear passenger wheel. brought to dealer immediately. rear passenger rotor and both rear pads needed to be replaced, front brakes fine upon inspection. after arguing with the service department got the repair bill down from $505 to $65. upon further research, i feel that the dealer just treated the symptom and not the cause of the problem and this is likely to occur again. not sure if this is related to the recent braking recall for honda elements and oddysseys or not, but just wanted to make a record of my experience for those who may have had to cover the full cost of their repair. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | |||
| 03/31/2010 | 22000 | ||
| Premature failure of rear passenger disc brake at 22000 miles. loud grinding noise noticed coming from rear passenger wheel. brought to dealer immediately. rear passenger rotor and both rear pads needed to be replaced, front brakes fine upon inspection. after arguing with the service department got the repair bill down from $505 to $65. upon further research, i feel that the dealer just treated the symptom and not the cause of the problem and this is likely to occur again. not sure if this is related to the recent braking recall for honda elements and oddysseys or not, but just wanted to make a record of my experience for those who may have had to cover the full cost of their repair. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 04/04/2012 | 74174 | ||
| Breaks repaired in '11 at dealer after '07 element break recall. no noticeable difference in break softness, breaks are still soft and require a lot of muscle to stop the car. scared, and refuse to drive '07 element with my children in the car for fear of not being able to stop on time. own a 2011 accord, after driving the '07 element for a day or two, i am slamming on the breaks of the accord due to habit of having to floor/mash the breaks to stop at a stop sign. thank goodness for good accord seat belts. :) please fix this issue. many teenagers will be receiving this car as first time driving car. very dangerous. not safe with current corporate approved fix. | |||
| 09/01/2008 | 15000 | ||
| This complaint is about my 2007 honda element ex. in 2008 i started experiencing very soft brakes, and complained to the dealer. the dealer proceeded to replace the vsa modulator twice, and bleed the brakes over 12 times and it came back worse than when i took it in. took it to another dealer who replaced the modulator again, bled brakes, felt better temporarily but the issue returned. honda finally issued a recall for the soft brake pedal issue that involved simply gluing caps over vents on the vsa modulator (not redesigning a critical part of the vehicle's safety system mind you). i had the recall performed and my brakes have again become soft (sometime dangerously soft). this was all while my car was under warranty. my car is now no longer under warranty and honda of north america doesn't seem to have an issue with the fact their fix didn't fix anything. i've got a baby on the way and don't feel safe having my wife drive my car. this is a serious issue that honda isn't taking seriously, especially in light of other companies recent quality control issues and recalls. | |||
| 05/07/2010 | 38000 | ||
| Honda's recall service for soft brakes was not performed properly by the honda dealer. steps 13 and 14 on service bulletin, pertaining to installation of the caps where the air intrusion is believed to come from calls for a continuous bead of white silicone to be spread around the outside of replacement caps using a special tool. the white silicone should be visible around both caps on the modulator. according to the service manager and tech they put just enough silicone to affix the cap and didn't see a need for any more. i can only assume the other steps in the service bulletin were performed but am not confident to what extent. the brake fluid was left low so it was evident at least some bleeding of the brakes was performed. the power steering reservoir was removed to access the modulator and had only a small amount of fluid left in the reservoir when the vehicle was returned to me. i have made a request to honda america to address my concerns. | |||
| 09/17/2006 | 900 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2007 honda element. while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed the brake pedal would fall into the floorboard intermittently. the dealer made unknown repairs to the vehicle yet the failure persisted. the contact stated the vehicle had been to the dealer several times in an attempt to correct the failure to no avail. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 900 and the current mileage was 16,900. | |||
| 03/31/2010 | 22000 | ||
| Premature failure of rear passenger disc brake at 22000 miles. loud grinding noise noticed coming from rear passenger wheel. brought to dealer immediately. rear passenger rotor and both rear pads needed to be replaced, front brakes fine upon inspection. after arguing with the service department got the repair bill down from $505 to $65. upon further research, i feel that the dealer just treated the symptom and not the cause of the problem and this is likely to occur again. not sure if this is related to the recent braking recall for honda elements and oddysseys or not, but just wanted to make a record of my experience for those who may have had to cover the full cost of their repair. | |||
| 03/24/2007 | 71000 | ||
| Travel west on va route 50 @ speed of 55 mph, attempting to slow down for traffic light. applied brakes, they did not slow down car. slammed brake pedal to floor, car skidded to stop just shy of hitting car in front of me. | |||
| 11/15/2009 | 27000 | 1 | |
| Driver side rear brake premature failure / wear. was driving and heard terrible noise from rear of vehicle. smoke coming from rear brake on driver side. pad had worn completely through only after 27,000mi. pass. side rear brake was ok when inspected. appears rear driver side caliper froze causing uneven wear. *tr | |||
| 06/03/2009 | 30000 | 1 | |
| Brakes are spongy on 2007 honda element. brake pedal travel has increased, especially on hard braking. this has developed mostly in the last couple of months. no accidents, but a couple of close calls because the car does not stop as quickly as it should. *tr | |||
| 03/27/2009 | 30000 | 1 | |
| Braking system premature wear and soft, mushy brake pedal. this issue was addressed by me with 5 honda dealerships, all claiming no manufacturer responsibility. their statement: user variances; driver sensitive dates, names and parts, as well as photographs, are available. specifics: 2007 honda element sc. at 30k miles, rear brakes needed complete re-do, including rotor turn. at 23k miles, same, to fronts. on rear, march, 2009, on rear system, 1 pad of 4 pads found to be seized to caliper housing by corrosion; lack of lubricant. intensive communications with honda, torrance ca. indicated they feel no responsibility. later, investigations into soft, ineffective brake pedal found fp# not admitted by honda at any time; inter net investigation through element owners forum found fp#57110-scv-a72, and tsb 07-045. modulator, brakes, part # 9125782. my contention: my feeling is that this modulator, responsible for sending the proper fluids to each wheel caliper for proper braking and mechanical performance, has caused thousands if not millions of brake systems to wear unevenly and prematurely, and same number of customers to pay for these repairs themselves due to a honda part failure in the system. safety: further, vehicle stability and anti lock brake mechanisms are affected negatively, while honda denies responsibilities for their part and manufacturing. note: my vehicle is to be repaired today, april 14, 2009, at honda expense. i have already paid in excess of $ 200 for repairs on the vehicles brake system; negotiations continue for reimbursement to me, with total honda denial. *tr | |||
| 06/27/2007 | 4700 | 50 | 05/09/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2007 honda element. the contact stated that the braking system is poor on his vehicle. the brakes only work for the front wheels. the contact has taken the vehicle to several dealers and they have changed the rear brake pads, front brake pads, and the master brake pump. however, the failure persists. the vehicle was taken to a brake shop and was told that the cause of failure was the electronic power brake system. the current and failure mileages were 4,700. updated 02-01-08 *bf updated 02/01/08 *tr | |||