US upgrades probe of brakes in some Honda Odysseys
WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators this week upgraded their investigation of complaints of potential brake problems in Honda Motor Co's 2007-08 Odyssey minivans that may have contributed to 10 crashes -- the fourth notable probe or recall involving a major automaker in the past month.
Up to 343,000 Odysseys, one of the most popular minivans in the United States, are covered by the review, according to details of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigative report that was dated Oct. 19.
The safety agency and the manufacturer have received about 600 complaints alleging "soft" or "spongy" pedal action on the anti-lock brakes. Vans in some cases took longer to stop and some rolled through stop signs or traffic lights, the government said.
Safety regulators and Honda have reported 10 crashes with seven injuries, none fatal.
NHTSA's preliminary analysis was launched in May and included 2006-08 vans. But investigators determined the matter overwhelmingly concerned the later models.
Safety documents show that investigators have upgraded their probe to an engineering analysis, which can precede a recall. The government gave no indication a recall would be the next step, however.
Investigators are looking at whether air is entering the braking system, causing the problem. Honda has said air may indeed accumulate after the engine is started but that the condition would not worsen braking performance even if the height and feel of the pedal is different at times.
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US upgrades probe of brakes in some Honda Odysseys | Stocks | Reuters
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