Honda recalling 412,000 Odyssey and Element for brakes

Honda announced today that it will be recalling approximately 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years in the U.S. to modify the Vehicle Stability Assist modulator. The recall addresses the risk that brake pedals may feel soft and slip closer to the floor over time.

“Honda has received customer complaints of brake pedals that feel “soft” or that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops,” Honda said in a statement. “In affected vehicles, this condition tends to very slowly increase over time.”

Honda said that some VSA modulators were assembled in a manner that could allow air intrusion, making it possible for air to enter the modulator during the VSA self-check mode.

While only a little amount of air can enter the system during each check, over a period of months or years, the air will accumulate and can result in the “soft brake pedal” or “low brake pedal” condition symptoms associated with this issue.

The Japanese automaker said that once owners of these vehicles receive written notification of the recall from Honda, they should contact their authorized Honda dealer to schedule an appointment for repair. Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.

– By: Omar Rana