Recall 13V500 affects 344,187 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles for unexpected VSA braking. Repair is free at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 344,187 2007-2008 Odyssey minivans because the Vehicle Safety Assist system can apply the brakes unexpectedly. The vehicle can suddenly brake hard without brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash from behind, and the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Vehicle Safety Assist System on the 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey is Honda's stability control system. It watches how the van is moving and, when it senses a loss of control, it is designed to help by reducing power or applying brake pressure at the wheels. Under normal operation, that brake intervention happens only when the system decides the vehicle needs help staying stable.
On affected Odyssey vans, the problem is not a worn brake pad or a leaking line. Honda traced the defect to the way certain system components and the control software work together. That combination can command the VSA system to apply the brakes when the driver has not asked for braking and the van is not in a stability-control event.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be the brakes applying unexpectedly while driving.
Who's affected?
Both model years share the same electrical system software component.
| 2007 Honda Odyssey | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2008 Honda Odyssey | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 344,187 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden hard brake event without brake lights gives following drivers less time to react and increases the risk of a rear-end crash. If the vehicle brakes unexpectedly, ease out of traffic when safe and contact a Honda dealer for recall instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer and ask whether the JC5 VSA software remedy is available for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 13V500 and Honda recall JC5 when you call.
- Follow Honda's interim instructions to prevent unexpected VSA braking until the dealer confirms the repair is complete.
- Bring the owner notice if Honda mailed one, and keep a copy of any dealer paperwork.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Honda technician installs the recall remedy parts for the Vehicle Safety Assist System issue that can apply the brakes unexpectedly. Honda first sent interim instructions before the parts were ready, then opened the recall repair after parts became available. If the dealer still shows campaign 13V500 open for your VIN, the recall work is free. Ask the service desk to confirm that the completed repair addresses the unintended braking condition described in the Honda recall.
Timeline
| November 1, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 29, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V500?
Recall 13V500 covers 344,187 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey vehicles with a Vehicle Safety Assist System software issue that can apply the brakes unexpectedly. The vehicle can brake hard without brake lights, increasing the risk of a rear crash. Honda opened the recall repair on April 29, 2014.
What should I do if my 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Odyssey is included in recall 13V500. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the recall repair. Reference recall number 13V500 and Honda recall number JC5 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Honda opened this recall repair on April 29, 2014. A franchised Honda dealer handles the repair for included 2007-2008 Odyssey vehicles.
Is it safe to drive my Honda Odyssey with this recall?
The recall describes an unexpected braking risk, so confirm your VIN before assuming your Odyssey is clear. The defect can cause hard braking without brake lights, increasing the risk of a rear crash. If your VIN is included, ask a Honda dealer for current service instructions.
What if I bought my Honda Odyssey used?
The free recall repair still applies to a used Odyssey. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey is included, then call a franchised Honda dealer with recall number 13V500 and Honda recall number JC5.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V500000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-999-1009 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V500 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V500000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →