Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Honda Odyssey brakes problems
critical 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
3injuries
3fatalities
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe three distinct brake-system problems on the 2018 Honda Odyssey.
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) false engagement dominates complaints. The system applies brakes unexpectedly during normal driving—sharp curves, intersections, gentle turns—when no collision threat exists. Some owners report it happening multiple times daily. The system resets every engine start and cannot be permanently disabled; owners must turn it off each cycle. Multiple owners report near-misses or actual rear-end accidents caused by this behavior. Dealers acknowledge the issue but claim it's normal operation.
Mechanical brake issues include soft or spongy brake pedal that bottoms out with minimal stopping power (particularly after acceleration), full-force pedal presses required, and front-end shaking during braking at higher speeds. One owner notes a 2012 Odyssey recall for warped rotors and suspects the same problem on their 2018; the dealer denied a current recall exists.
Camera failures disabling the brake-safety system appear in four complaints. The windshield monocular camera or multipurpose camera fails, throwing error codes and disabling all Honda Sensing features including automatic emergency braking. One dealership quoted $2,000 to replace the camera. Another dealer claimed ignorance about how to perform a recall repair related to this issue.
One owner reported the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking failed to activate before a front-end collision.
Same Honda Odyssey brakes reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) false engagement
The automatic emergency braking system applies full brakes without any collision threat present—during normal curves, intersections, and lane maneuvers. System resets to 'on' at every engine start and cannot be permanently disabled, requiring manual turn-off each cycle. Owners report multiple incidents daily in some cases, with near-misses or actual rear-end accidents.
When: Within months of ownership; ongoing throughout vehicle life. Incidents reported across multiple model years (2018–2023).
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected full brake application during curves with no forward obstacle; Braking while making left turns at intersections; Autonomous braking in the middle of intersections on green light; Braking when car approaches on opposite side of curve; System cannot be permanently disabled; resets each engine start; Beeping alert followed by brake application
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer response: 'That's how it works.' No repair offered. Some dealers acknowledged the behavior but stated it is normal operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated CMBS cannot be permanently turned off.
Soft or low brake pedal with reduced stopping power
Brake pedal feels spongy and travels to the floor with minimal effort, delivering poor braking performance. Typically occurs on first brake press after acceleration; second press restores normal pedal firmness and braking. Cycle repeats with each acceleration.
When: Multiple incidents throughout ownership; one complaint at ~36,170 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: First brake pedal press feels soft and extends to floor with minimal braking power; Second brake press restores normal firmness and stopping power; Occurs immediately after acceleration; Increased pedal stroke required; Cycle repeats with each acceleration event
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Front-end shaking during braking at speed
Steering wheel and front end shake or vibrate when braking, particularly at speeds above 30 MPH. Shaking intensity increases with speed. One owner notes their 2012 Odyssey had a recall for warped rotors and suspects the same issue.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership. One 2012 Odyssey had a recall for this issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking or vibration in steering wheel and front end while braking; Shaking not noticeable below 30 MPH; Severity increases with higher speeds; Occurs with full antilock vibrations in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised rotor and brake pad replacement; owner reported being told no current recall exists despite one existing on 2012 model.
Windshield monocular or multipurpose camera failure
The front-facing camera used for Honda Sensing features fails, generating error codes and disabling all safety systems including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. One owner reports being quoted $2,000 for camera replacement. Another dealership could not explain how to perform a recall repair.
When: Mileage and timing not specified in narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Camera failure error codes displayed; Loss of all Honda Sensing features; Automatic emergency braking disabled; Adaptive cruise control disabled; Safety system warning lights
Codes mentioned: Multipurpose camera error codes, Front camera failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Camera replacement quoted at $2,000 by one dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall was issued but at least one dealer (AutoNation Chandler, AZ) stated they did not know how to perform the repair.
Brake system warning message—cause undetermined
Instrument panel displays 'Brake Problem Failure' warning while driving. Condition recurs upon starting and driving the vehicle. Failure began after an unknown recall repair was completed. Dealer was unable to determine the cause.
When: At ~36,170 miles, recurred after recall repair completion.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Brake Problem Failure' message appears on instrument panel; Warning appears at 40–50 MPH; Recurs upon vehicle start and during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; dealer unable to determine cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to dealer for assistance but no resolution documented.
Abnormal noise from brake system
Abnormal noise originating from the brake system. Dealer test-drove vehicle and confirmed hearing the noise but could not identify the cause. Issue occurred very early in ownership.
When: Within months of ownership, at ~2,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from brake system
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; cause undetermined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified and case was opened by dealer (Atlantic Honda, Bay Shore, NY).
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system failure to activate
In a front-end collision scenario, the forward collision warning system and automatic emergency braking both failed to activate, despite owner reporting that 'this system has never failed on me and car has always stopped every time.' Owner took fault for the collision.
When: During undisclosed driving incident.
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision warning did not activate before collision; Automatic emergency braking did not engage; Owner took fault for front-end collision with pregnant wife and daughter in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The multipurpose camera failed showing lot of error codes. This affects the braking system putting my family and kids in risk. Honda is asking 2000$ to fix the camera.
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 Honda Odyssey?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Honda Odyssey?
It's a serious issue. 18 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 3 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 22,045 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Honda/Odyssey.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.