"Soft brake pedal" recall: Owner experiences

[Jim N]

The new VSA modulator arrived on Tuesday and my E was ready by 2pm. I still think they should've had a modulator in stock. The dealer did a free wash, multi point inspection and topped off fluids.

I felt like a new student driver trying to get out of the dealer lot. Such a big change from what I've been used to the last 3 years.

I took a couple of photos of the new modulator. Does anyone know the old VSA part #? I assme the new one has a different part # and is more air tight.

Replacing the VSA modulator is NOT the recall repair. That is the repair from the old, pre-recall service bulletin (#07-045). I had that "repair" performed last year, and my brakes felt great too, for a while.... The symptoms were beginning to return by the time the recall was issued this year, and that "repair" involves the caps and sealant on the modulator. I don't think they have since re-engineered the modulator to eliminate the the necessity for the recall procedure, but who knows?

Jim

[CA2UTINMYE]

Originally Posted by Jim N

Replacing the VSA modulator is NOT the recall repair. That is the repair from the old, pre-recall service bulletin (#07-045). I had that "repair" performed last year, and my brakes felt great too, for a while.... The symptoms were beginning to return by the time the recall was issued this year, and that "repair" involves the caps and sealant on the modulator. I don't think they have since re-engineered the modulator to eliminate the the necessity for the recall procedure, but who knows?

Jim

The VSA modulator is a $1100 retail part so they're probably not going to replace it unless the recall fix (caps and sealant) doesn't work.

I didn't write down my original part # for my 2007, but the info I found indicates it should have been 57110-SCV-A51 the new replacement part # is 57110-SCV-A52 which is what they installed.

[Type X]

I got my 08 a month ago, put my vin in the ownerlink and it said i was part of the recall but status was fixed.

So i should be good to go.

The pedals seem ok but i haven't driven my element in years so its hard to base it off anything lol

[Twilightzero]

I had mine done a few months ago and it's definitely more responsive on the brakes since then FWIW.

[gnoblin]

Repeat Message. I urge anyone who had the recall work done and the soft pedal problem still exists, to file a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency @ nhtsa.gov. There is a simple form under "Recalls and Defects" that will take less than 10 minutes to complete. You will need your VIN # and current mileage.

The recent recall of certain Honda vehicles regarding "Ignition key can be removed when not in Park" was issued based on 16 complaints filed with NHTSA. A recall of this problem had been issued at least once before.

According to NHTSA document I viewed on their web site, the soft pedal recall fix satisfied them and they closed the case.

Those of us with the problem recurring, know that Honda only made a temporary patch. My E going back to the dealer on Monday for addition work.

[gnoblin]

Left my E at dealer yesterday, they called mid morning said it was ready. Spoke with service manager who stated "air in system". He could not give an answer how it got air back in the system since the recall work done on Apr, 30, "UNLESS there was air trapped in the system". I still believe Honda is only patching the problem. There seems to be a defect in the modulators used as far back as 2003 in certain Honda models. The part number is still the same which means they have not be re engineered.

I have a normal firm brake pedal for the second time since I bought my E. The recall worked for a while, then slowly the pedal returned to the normal soft pedal issue. Time will tell. When the issue returns, back to nhtsa.gov to file my 3rd complaint.

[CA2UTINMYE]

Originally Posted by gnoblin

I still believe Honda is only patching the problem. There seems to be a defect in the modulators used as far back as 2003 in certain Honda models. The part number is still the same which means they have not be re engineered.

The 2003-2006 Elements seem to share the same ABS part# 57110-SCV-A01 and has never been updated.

The 2007 and 2008 4WD EX AT Elements share the same VSA part#. The original part # should be 57110-SCV-A51 The newer replacement part # is 57110-SCV-A52. I don't know if Honda "re-engineered" the VSA, but there is a newer part available.

[Shari]

That is interesting about the VSA part.

I did an all day drive a couple of days ago.......

After the last brake bleeding, the brakes were working great... until... that drive home. Twice, I had to stop at lights and sitting there the brake pedal started hitting the floor again an getting more and more soft. Sigh ~~
Seriously not impressed.

There is something else going on with the braking system Honda is not telling us.
To bad the company doesn't have the honor to do the right thing.

Will have to call the Dealer tomorrow to make yet another appointment to have my Element seen to next week This is getting old, really fast.

In the next month or two.. I will be driving across the country and at this point I have no faith in a Honda car to get me there safely.

[gnoblin]

9 days since my 2008 E was in shop for redo on the recall. Soft pedal issue has returned, pedal hits the floor. Filing my 4th complaint with NHTSA, sooner or later they will force Honda to find a permanent repair not the temporary patch they are currently doing.

[gnoblin]

My 08 E back to dealership this morning for soft pedal issue. Picked it up 3 hours later, Service Advisor says the Tech found a bubble of air in the right rear brake line. Brake pedal feels firm for now. The next time it happens, I will file for reimbursemnt under my State's Lemon Law.