Personal Injury Law

Honda Recalling Element and Odyssey Due to Brake Defect

By Paul Napoli

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the company is recalling certain Odyssey and Element vehicles due to a defect affecting the brake pedal.

Each time the consumer starts the engine a self-check process occurs, in which the self-diagnostic software for the VSA modulator can permit air to enter the brake system. Over time, it is possible for enough air to enter the system to result in a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor. 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.

The recall affects about 412,000 Odyssey and Element 2007 and 2008 model year vehicles manufactured between July 28, 2006 and August 21, 2008.

Honda and the NHTSA have received a total of 610 complaints claiming the brake pedal became low/soft/spongy, including some reports of the vehicle rolling past stop signs or traffic lights. There are ten crashes allegedly related to this defect.

Under the recall, Honda dealers will repair the VSA modulator by removing any existing air in the brake system and then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from entering the system in the future.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one killed in an auto accident as the result of a safety-related defect, contact Napoli Bern Ripka LLP immediately. We will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one's wrongful death. Visit www.napolibern.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on March 29, 2010 (boomark / email).