CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007-2009 was, at one point, the best selling minivan in the United States. But 2007 owners got the short end of that deal.
Peeling paint, a whining steering pump and an easily breakable A/C condenser are all top complaints about the 2007 model year. And anyone who doesn't think a busted minivan A/C is a big deal has never taken a summer road trip with kids.
In January, 2013 my power steering began going out. I went to my Honda mechanic, who said that several people have complained that their power steering pumps went out, but Honda won't do a recall. At that time I had the hoses and o rings replaced. On October 11, 2013, I had to go back to my mechanic because now the pump completely failed. I am so frustrated that so many people have had to deal with this problem and Honda won't have a recall. I will try to get reimbursement from Honda America for this.
The noise started when we would make hard right and left turns at low speeds. We took it to the dealer and had them take a look at it while they conducted the $500.00, 30,000 mile service. They stated it was a bent door latch that was fixed on the spot by re-bending it. The problem was noticed a week later when I was driving the vehicle in the parking lot of a local supermarket. The high pitch wine when making L/R turns was louder than ever. I am in the military and had to go to training for a couple of months so, I was not able to take it in right away. When I returned, I noticed a shake in the wheel when I was driving. I took it back in and spoke with the actual mechanic who was going to service the vehicle. He stated it was a seal associated with the power steering that went bad and caused air and other contaminants to leak into the fluid. He stated it was a well known problem with Honda Odysseys and he would replace the seal for free. I also needed to have my brake rotors re surfaced and tires balanced as a precaution. I went home and waited for the call to notify me that my vehicle was finished. When I received the call it was Rachel with SHEEHY HONDA, of Alexandria, who called to inform me that the service department would replace the seal for free if I would purchase a power steering flush for approximately $139.00. I informed her that I would not need the flush if the seal (a well known manufacturing problem) did not fail. When I asked her if it was a known manufacturing problem, she stated it was known but, it was not a safety problem which would cause a recall. She also stated that since it was not a recalled item, the power steering flush was routine maintenance.
Call me crazy but if a piece of defective hardware fails and causes damage to other systems, that item and the items damaged should be fixed.
Actually this was the only major problem we had with our Odyssey and when my wife took the van in, they had it done within a hour. It was just an inconvenience and I was surprised a brand new vehicle needs a new power steering pump within a week.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The steering is working fine, but if the hose goes, it could be a safety issue.
- Glenn R., Mountain View, US