Component
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The VSA modulator in your Odyssey or Element is a crucial part that helps control your vehicle's brakes. Over time, air can seep into this system, causing the brake pedal to feel spongy or lower to the floor.
Risk if Unfixed
If you don't have your brakes serviced regularly, air can build up in the system, making your brakes less effective over time. This could lead to a situation where you can't stop your vehicle quickly enough, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will fix the issue for free by removing the air from the brake system, sealing it to prevent future air leaks, and applying protective caps. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →