Recall 10V098 affects 412,000 2007-2008 Honda Element and Odyssey vehicles for air entering the brake system. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 412,000 2007-2008 Element and Odyssey vehicles because air can enter the VSA modular pump after engine startup, leaving the brake pedal soft or lower to the floor. If the system keeps accumulating air, braking performance can suffer and crash risk rises; the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected brake system on 2007-2008 Honda Element and Odyssey vehicles includes the VSA modular pump, part of the vehicle stability assist system. That pump helps manage brake pressure when the system checks itself after the engine starts and when stability control needs brake intervention. In normal operation, brake fluid stays sealed and free of air so pedal pressure transfers cleanly to the brakes.
On affected vehicles, air enters the VSA modular pump during the initial self-check shortly after the engine is started. If enough air collects in the hydraulic brake system, the pedal loses its firm feel because air compresses more than brake fluid. That leaves less direct pressure at the brakes when the driver presses the pedal.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once air has entered the system, the brake pedal can feel soft or sit lower to the floor than usual. Treat that change in pedal feel as a sign to stop driving and arrange service.
Who's affected?
Covers both Element SUVs and Odyssey minivans from the 2007 and 2008 model years, all tied to the brake system.
| 2007 Honda Element | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2007 Honda Odyssey | brake system |
| 2008 Honda Element | brake system |
| 2008 Honda Odyssey | brake system |
| Units affected | 412,000 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Air can build up in the brake system when the vehicle goes without brake service for months or years. Enough air in the system affects braking performance and increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon, especially if brake service has been delayed. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2008 Honda Element or Odyssey is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free VSA modulator repair that removes air from the brake system and seals it against new air entry.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V098 when you call.
- Tell the dealer if the brake pedal feels soft or sits lower to the floor.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician repairs the VSA modulator by removing trapped air from the brake system, then applying sealant and caps to keep air from entering the system again. Honda's filing says the safety recall began on May 3, 2010, and the repair is performed free of charge. Tell the service desk this is recall 10V098 for 2007-2008 Element and Odyssey vehicles, and ask them to confirm your VIN before the appointment.
Timeline
| March 16, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V098?
Recall 10V098 covers 412,000 2007-2008 Honda Element and Odyssey vehicles with a VSA modulator issue that can let air enter the brake system. That air can leave the brake pedal feeling soft or lower to the floor. Honda dealers repair the VSA modulator for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2008 Honda Element or Odyssey is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V098. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the VSA modulator repair. Reference recall number 10V098 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this safety defect at no cost. Honda dealers remove existing air from the brake system, then apply sealant and caps to the VSA modulator to prevent air from entering the brake system.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V098?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance. If air keeps accumulating in the brake system over months or years without brake service or maintenance, braking performance can be affected, increasing crash risk. A Honda dealer repair removes the air and seals the VSA modulator.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a brake pedal that feels soft or lower to the floor. That symptom matches the defect Honda described for recall 10V098. Even if the pedal feels normal, the VIN decides whether the recall applies, so confirm your specific Element or Odyssey before assuming it is clear.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V098000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-999-1009 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V098 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V098000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →