At the shop, Honda brake issues have a recognizable signature. 3,739 documented complaints across 141 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2008 Honda Accord tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 7 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Honda vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 2,206 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 28,348 miles. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin HONDA / BRAKES
141 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Honda brakes problems
3,739 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Honda vehicles for brakes issues. 8 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
3,739
Recalls
8
Year-models
141
Avg fix
$450
308crashes
10fires
169injuries
7fatalities
Worst-affected Honda model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2008 Honda Accord
541 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2009 Honda Accord
217 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2007 Honda Odyssey
208 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2018 Honda Accord
147 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2008 Honda Odyssey
139 complaints · ~$450 severe
2018 Honda CR-V
121 complaints · ~$450 severe
2010 Honda Accord
115 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2017 Honda CR-V
91 complaints · ~$450 severe
2010 Honda Civic
81 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 Honda Pilot
73 complaints · ~$450 severe
2006 Honda Odyssey
64 complaints · ~$450 severe
2019 Honda CR-V
62 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 Honda Odyssey
62 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2019 Honda Accord
53 complaints · ~$450 severe
2014 Honda Accord
53 complaints · ~$450 severe
2013 Honda Accord
49 complaints · ~$450 severe
2016 Honda Civic
46 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 Honda Accord
46 complaints · ~$450 critical
2007 Honda Accord
45 complaints · ~$450 severe
2006 Honda Civic
44 complaints · ~$450 severe
2009 Honda Civic
43 complaints · ~$450 severe
2006 Honda Accord
43 complaints · ~$450 severe
2013 Honda Odyssey
41 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2012 Honda Odyssey
41 complaints · ~$450 severe
2014 Honda Odyssey
40 complaints · ~$450 moderate
Active recalls — Honda brakes 12 on file
Honda (American Honda Motor Co
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 odyssey and Acura rl vehicles
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during december 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Honda Odyessy vehicles modified to be equipped with an in-floor wheelchair ramp conversion
If the rear wheel speeds cannot be correctly monitored, the anti-lock brake system may not engage properly to prevent the wheels from locking up, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the rear wheel speed sensor harnesses, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Honda has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007 and 2008 odyssey and element passenger vehicles manufactured between july 28, 2006 and august 21, 2008
If the owner does not have any brake service or maintenance performed over a period of months or years, the system can continue to accumulate enough air to affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owner and Honda dealers will repair the vsa modulator by removing any existing air in the brake system then apply sealant and caps to prevent air from entering the brake system free of charge. The safety recall began on may 3, 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
On certain minivans, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) uses a sensor on each wheel to detect wheel speed
The driver could experience a loss of brake force and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear wheel speed sensors. If an incorrect gap is detected, the sensor will be removed and the knuckle checked for cross threading damage. If damage is found, the knuckle will be replaced. If no damage is found, the sensor will be reinstalled correctly. The recall began on november 12, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Honda (America Honda Motor Co
Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
American Honda Motor Co
With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's recall number is JA4. Acura's recall number is JA5.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co
A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 st1300 motorcycles manufactured from november 15, 2007,through may 27, 2010, model year 2008 through 2010 st1300a motorcycles manufactured from november 7, 2007, through april 6, 2010, and model year 2009 st1300pa police motorcycles, manufactured from november 18, 2008, through december 8, 2009
The rider will experience a loss of rear brake performance or function which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealer will replace the rear brake reservoir hose free of charge. The safety recall began on july 30, 2011. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2014 CTX700 motorcycles manufactured March 6, 2013, through April 11, 2013
The anti-lock function may not perform properly allowing for wheel lock up and skidding, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the ABS modulator, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall number is JB0.
On certain vehicles, the wheel speed sensor housing uses an o-ring seal to prevent leakage to or from the wheel bearing
This could cause a wheel to fall off of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear ABS sensors and wheel bearings for damaged parts and replace them free of charge. The recall began on september 25, 2007. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co
A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM6.
Common questions
How many Honda brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
3,739 complaints across 141 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 8 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Honda lineup.
Which Honda model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2008 Honda Accord leads with 541 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 Accord (217) and 2007 Odyssey (208).
What does it cost to fix Honda brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Honda lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Honda brakes recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Honda vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Honda.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.