Honda Recalls Odysseys, Elements

TORRANCE, CA - Honda said it will recall 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 (VSA) modulator. 

Honda said it 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. In affected vehicles, this condition tends to very slowly increase over time.

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 miniscule 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," Honda explained. "Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly."

Once owners of these vehicles receive recall notification from Honda, they should contact their authorized Honda dealer to schedule an appointment for repair, the automaker said. Notification to customers will start at the end of April.