"Soft brake pedal" recall: Owner experiences

My '08 developed soft brake - almost going to the floor - very soon after I bought it, they replaced the M/C and that worked (probably due to the bleeding) for about a month then the pedal travel began to gradually increase.

Eventually it got to the point that I was very annoyed with it, especially after a trip to the mountains in Georgia where it was down right scary. I took it back and they again told me that they would replace the M/C. Later that day the called and told me they were going to replace the VSA modulator as well. I got car back and the brakes were perfect again like power brakes should be. That was 6 months ago but once again, this time after about 4 months the brakes are gradually getting more travel before they engage an the pedal is mushy.

Hopefully this time with the actual recall they can get it right.

Ironically enough, the reason I joined this forum like a year ago was because of the brake issues I was having with my 2007 Element EX. When I originally took it in to the dealer (this would be like september 2008 ) they had the car for 2 weeks, replaced the vsa modulator 3 times and bled the brakes over a dozen times, and when I got it back it was significantly worse than before. I went to another honda dealer who was much better, and they replaced the vsa modulator again, and wound up bleeding the brakes twice. It was much better, but has since been getting soft again. They told me (in late 2008 ) the same explanation the OP stated (vsa modulator recycle letting a small amount of air into the system) so they've known (as in Honda) about this issue since at least then. They've also claimed to have an updated part "on the way" since then. I actually got in touch with a lemon law attorney as it was out of service for over a month and back in 4 times for the same issue.

Soft brake pedal 2007-2008 Elements

Traded my 04 EX Element for a new 08 EX in April 09. Returned to the dealership after stopping at 2nd traffic light, advised Service Rep about the spongey brakes and the pedal hitting the floor. I was told that was normal. Since day 1 have felt compelled to pump the brake pedal to get a firm pedal when stopping. Complained a 2nd time a month later, same song second verse. In July I returned my E to the dealership armed with Honda Service Bulletin 07-045. I advised the Rep, I wanted the Service Mgr to road test my E for brake defect. Service Mgr wrote "the brakes are within Honda specs at this time". I have filed a formal complaint with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation regarding the brake safety defect and Honda's lack of action regarding repairs, they have known about the brake defect since 2007 when the Service Bulletin was issued. I have received a confirmation of receipt of the complaint.

For anyone compare Element braking with other Honda SUV/CUV/truck, here is fact on the front & rear disc size & % area increase from Element for all past & current Honda SUV/CUV/truck. Just remember, larger contact area between disc & pad will always has more braking power, other factor being the same.
I can only find 2004 & on info on Honda website, so I only included 2004+ model.

Model (front disc in inch, % area increase from 11.1) [rear disc in inch, % area increase from 11.1]

Element 2003-2010 (11.1, 0%) [11.1, 0%]
CR-V 2004 (11.1, 0%) [11.1, 0%]
CR-V 2005-2006 (11.8, +13%) [12.0, +17%]
CR-V 2007-2010 (11.7, +11%) [12.0, +17%]
Crosstour 2010 (11.7, +11%) [12.0, +17%]
Pilot 2004-2008 (11.8, +13%) [12.3, +23%]
Pilot 2009-2010 (13.0, +37%) [13.1, +39%]
Ridgeline 2006 (12.6, +29%) [13.1, +39%]

IMHO, our Element has last generation of Honda braking system, when 2005+ CR-V & all other Honda SUV/CUV/truck has move on to next gen, & Element will "feel soft" compared with 2005+ CR-V or other Honda SUV/CUV/truck.
Personally, I would take a larger disc any day compare to any other method to increase braking power, but I still won't trade my Element for anything else, with exception of next gen Element if when it is out with larger disc.

Had the service completed today

Hi all, Im new to the forums (kinda). Ive been lurking for a while, and finally bought my Element on April the 9th, 2010,

When I bought it, there were locking lug nuts on it, and after I got it home, I realized that I didn't have the key to the lug nuts.

I went back to the dealer today to get that issue address, and they said they could do the recall service while I was there.

I watched the tech do it, but didn't have my camera on me.

I'm taking the liberty of using EOC Member Einstein's Head Adjustment photo to show you exactly what was done.

Basically, the tech went into the parts office and returned with a little plastic cap in a plastic bag that was clearly from the factory. He also had a tube of some white gunk.

He proceeded to remove a little plastic cap off the side of the VSA module and replace it with a new one. Before putting the new one on, he applied some of the white gunk to the inside of the cap. The cap in question is not pictured in the image below, but is in the location that I'm pointing to.

Then, they told me that I was all set to go, and I had to insist that they bleed the brakes, which they billed Honda for.

Shizzo said:

Hi all, Im new to the forums (kinda). Ive been lurking for a while, and finally bought my Element on April the 9th, 2010,

When I bought it, there were locking lug nuts on it, and after I got it home, I realized that I didn't have the key to the lug nuts.

I went back to the dealer today to get that issue address, and they said they could do the recall service while I was there.

I watched the tech do it, but didn't have my camera on me.

I'm taking the liberty of using EOC Member Einstein's Head Adjustment photo to show you exactly what was done.

Basically, the tech went into the parts office and returned with a little plastic cap in a plastic bag that was clearly from the factory. He also had a tube of some white gunk.

He proceeded to remove a little plastic cap off the side of the VSA module and replace it with a new one. Before putting the new one on, he applied some of the white gunk to the inside of the cap. The cap in question is not pictured in the image below, but is in the location that I'm pointing to.

Then, they told me that I was all set to go, and I had to insist that they bleed the brakes, which they billed Honda for.

Click to expand...

Honda tech put in his post the procedure from Honda on how the dealers are
supposed to do this.

the repair procedure is a brake system bleed using the HDS to cycle the front VSA solenoids with the front bleeders loose and a hose from the bleed screws run into a clean jar, followed by a manual (assisted pedal pump) bleed of all 4 brakes.

There are two caps that will be glued over two plugs that seal the sides of the VSA modulator.

No parts replacement, just a "special" bleed procedure with one bottle of Honda DOT 3 brake fluid and the installation of the two plugs using a special Dow Corning Toray SE 9186 White RTV Silicone.

Your dealer either didnt know what they were doing, or were trying to cheap
out on you. Honda is going to pay for the bleed no matter what, its part of
the recall.

I go in on Monday for mine to get done, Im going to print up a copy of the
instructions to let the service department I know what I am talking about.
I just tell them I get this info off the web, or that I have a friend who works
for Honda out of state. They usually dont like it, but at least I they know
they cant walk all over me!! I'll post up how it goes on Monday night.

Just got my "Recall" work done

Hi All,
Just got my recall work done at Big Island Honda in Hilo and I am sad to say their workmanship was a little subpar. First, when I walked in there were four employees who were standing behind an imaginary wall at the service counter (like they thought either we couldn't see them, or thought we improving out health by breathing their air conditioning), with myself and another customer standing there watching them chit chat about non-work activities for a good 2-3 minutes before they settled down, 2 walked back into the shop area and one helped us while the other clicked away at the keyboard of a terminal without looking up. Second, the technician that drove the car onto the lift apparently had a pen in his belt and left ball point pen parks on the seats. I showed that to the manager and they brought a detailing expert over to clean my seats. While the E was on the lift, the bled the fronts with the suction method, but the back brakes were just bled out to dribble out and onto the ground. After lowering the E, the tech went to the hose, filled a bottle of water and splashed water onto the wheel area, I guess to "clean" the area where the brake fluid leaked out. I watched them perform the bleed operation, but couldn't see see what they were doing once the hood was opened.

On a positive note they did wash the car for free, and I got my plastic caps installed. I did not notice any pedal "softness" or difference at all, but I guess that is good. I was about to perform a brake bleed anyway, but since the recall announcement came out I waited and got it bled for free.

Had my 08 done yesterday at Honda of Seattle. Seems like they did a good job. They were very responsive when I came in. I had called them on Saturday to make the appointment and was surprised that they could get me in on Monday morning. Also, I didn't have a letter sent to me since I just bought the car on the 8th and they didn't even ask to see it, which was a relief. They did do the brake bleed also, I asked.

I was very surprised at how different the brakes felt after I got the car back. It was very firm and responsive. I didn't realize how mushy it really was since my previous car was an 88 Westy which are NOTORIOUS for their crappy brakes. In comparison, the E's brakes felt fantastic before the work! LOL!

Thanks to this forum, I found out about the recall and got it taken care of.

Cheers!