Honda recalls 412,000 vehicles over brake component

By Mark Kleis - Posted March 16th 2010

When it rains, it pours, and Honda is doing their part to make that adage remain true. Honda has announced that it will be recalling 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Element CUVs, both 2007-2008 model years, in order to fix the Vehicle Stability Assist modulator – a component in the vehicles’ braking systems.

According to Honda Motors, the issue was reported by customers that experienced a “soft brake pedal” as well as the brake pedal’s position being lower to the floor. As the complaints suggest, the issue tends to gradually worsen, eventually creating a genuine reduction in braking capability.

Honda explained that some VSA modulators were assembled incorrectly, allowing for possible air intrusion into the system during VSA self-check mode. Although Honda has verified that the leak was incredibly minor, over the course of several years it could eventually add up to enough air in the system to create a reduction in braking power.

Honda says that not all of the 412,000 recalled vehicles will need to be repaired, but they want to inspect each vehicle and eliminate the possibility of a safety concern. Honda will begin sending out notification to owners in April.