Honda has announced a product recall that impacts over 344,000 Odyssey minivans of the 2007-2008 model years. The recall intends to fix a problem that can cause the vehicle to brake suddenly. A text abstract of Honda’s original recall summary is enclosed at the bottom of this blog.
On Friday, November 1st, American Honda Motor Co. issued a public statement explaining that a software and components problem could cause hydraulic pressure to build in the braking system following an engine restart. The hydraulic buildup can suddenly be released, resulting in heavy and unexpected braking without the brake lamps illuminating. Though 22 complaints about the issue had been reported earlier this year, Honda stated it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the malfunction.
Replacement Parts Not Available Until 2014
Honda announced it will replace the “yaw sensor” on affected minivans, but the part isn’t currently available. The fix involves installing a new sensor, but those sensors won’t be available until the spring of 2014.
In the meantime, Honda has issued instructions on how to prevent the problem from occurring. Honda advises drivers to start their minivans with the wheels facing straight ahead. Doing so will allow the system to properly calibrate. Any customers who experiences unexpected braking should manually apply the brakes, stop the vehicle, then turn off and restart the engine. Tapping on the brake pedal “will immediately stop the self-braking action,” Honda noted.
After receiving 22 customer complaints on the problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation in June. The NHTSA report findings stated the problem could cause “the vehicle speed to drop by as much as 30 mph in a very brief amount of time.”
Another separate but related recall this past March affected nearly 183,000 2005 Honda Pilots, Acura MDX sport utilities and Acura RL sedans. It was set off by a different, yet similar problem with Vehicle Stability Assist that also potentially triggered spontaneous braking.
Honda Odyssey Recall (Text Abstract)
RECALL Subject: Brakes may Unexpectedly Apply, 1 INVESTIGATION(S)
Report Receipt Date: NOV 01, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V500000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 344,187
All Products Associated with this Recall
Details:
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
SUMMARY:
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.
CONSEQUENCE:
The vehicle may suddenly and unexpectedly brake hard, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind.
REMEDY:
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 is expected to begin in early December 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda’s recall number is JC5.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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