Brake Disc Pads problems of the 2012 Honda Odyssey

The original factory front brake rotors in this vehicle (and all others of the same model year) do not cool adequately under normal use, which can cause the vehicle to vibrate dramatically when braking. Two separate dealers claim that is is "not a safety hazard," but the vibration was so bad that normal drivers of this vehicle feared for loss of control and/or possible damage to the brake system. A redesigned brake rotor is available from the manufacturer, although, in spite of the obvious correction of a prior design defect, the new rotors are not covered by any warranty provision for replacement. We have replaced the front rotors and brake pads at a cost of $755. 18. In the opinion of this writer, every Odyssey owner for this model year ought to do the same. General online consensus on this issue appears to cover other model years as well and supports this diagnosis and its resolution in this manner. Photos include both old and new brake rotors. The redesigned rotors have vents around a much larger hub, unlike the original ones.

We purchased van used at 33k miles. At that time it already displayed a slight vibration in the steering wheel when coming to a stop while breaking lightly. I thought it was out of alignment and made an appointment with dealer to fix. Per dealer front rotors were resurfaced because of 'uneven surface' and that was the cause of the problem. After a couple of months problem began again. It started with a very slight vibration only noticeable when breaking from about 60 mph. After a couple of weeks of driving during the winter weather in illinois the vibration became unnerving as the steering wheel shook so violently. Still under warranty, I returned to dealer to address problem. They would not fix the problem because they claimed that the remaining warranty would not not cover the rotors or any brake issues, but would gladly change all brakes and do an all wheel alignment for about $1200. Instead I opted to see my trusted mechanic of over 25 years who changed the front rotors and pads in early fall of 2016. The problem disappeared for about three months and I had to return right after the 2017 new year because the vibration had returned at a considerable level once again. "maybe it was a bad batch," he said, "very unusual for that to happen. " the rotors had a one year warranty so they were replaced at no charge except for labor. However, today is 4/22/17 and I am back again for the same problem because the vibration is getting worse once again and I must drive on the freeway often. I have three kids and I fear for their safety whenever they ride in the van. This seems to be an issue that many other owners are complaining about for some time and it still has not been addressed properly. I had one service rep at the dealer tell me off the record that the disks are too small for the size or weight of the van and that is why they overheat and warp so easily.

There was a check engine light and upon inspection, Honda notified me that the piston ring replacement was necessary and that Honda extended the warranty to 100k miles. The problem was the timing belt and few other parts needed to be replaced because they would get damaged during this warranty repair. Honda refused to pay for the timing belt replacement and made me pay almost $800. 00 in parts and labor. 2. My car stared to vibrate every time I braked from about 15k miles. I took it in and instead of making the proper repairs the service center had the front rotors re-surfaced 3 times. The problem kept on coming back because the front rotors are undersized for the vehicle. I had to buy my own front rotors from a generic maker along with pads to correct the problem. It cost me $350 for parts and $200 at Honda service center to repair it properly. 3. There's a popping sound when I make turns. I've addressed it and no one will fix it. I don't think its normal that clicking and popping sound comes while steering.

Have vibration up thru steering column. Problem originally became noticeable inside of 10,000 miles. By 36,000 miles shaking was severe when braking hard at high speed especially going downhill, but also noticeable, at lower in city driving speeds, when braking and after the brakes have been used and heated up. At 36,773 miles the dealer turned the rotors which eliminated the vibration for a time. But much like the condition when the car was new, the vibration, over time and use, has returned and is once again severe. This is caused by faulty design of the brake rotors which when heated up from use warp causing uneven wear of the brake pads which over time causes the vibration when braking. Honda covered half the cost for the repair at 36,773 miles. Doubt they'll do anything this time when I take the car in again for repair at 73,000 miles. Owners should not get stuck with costly repairs due to faulty design and/or manufacturing. This is a problem that has been prevalent of other model year Odysseys and pilots.

While moving approximately 65 mph down a moderate grade, I applied light to moderate braking. I immediately felt a vibration in the front end and shaking in the steering wheel. This vibration and shaking only occurred while applying the brakes. The sensation was severe enough to question stability of the vehicle so I eventually visited the dealership and they advised me that the front rotors would need to be replaced. It seems premature for the rotors to need replacement after only 29,000 miles, particularly considering that the original brake pads themselves have plenty of life left. My concern for my family's safety compelled me to spend over $200 to have the dealership replace the rotors (at their recommendation) with newly designed Honda rotors. The dealership was generous in giving me a discount, (original cost was to be in excess of $300) however Honda corporation refused the cover the cost of the repairs whatsoever. I have researched this issue and have learned that many people have experienced exactly what I have. Honda's redesign of the rotors and communications with the dealership confirms that there is a legitimate problem with the brakes of this vehicle. Braking and steering control are compromised when needed most- going down a hill at interstate speed. I believe this to be a serious, ongoing safety concern for this vehicle and action should be taken. I want to reiterate that the dealership has done all they can to fix this problem, the inaction lies with Honda corporation exclusively. Thank you.

I previously reported this for the same problem and it recurred. Application of brakes cause shimmy when going downhill. Took it to dealer again under warranty and they again turned rotors and evened up the brake pads which did fix the problem. The dealer could not offer a non-speculative explanation why this has twice occurred now.

Had to have my rotors serviced around 40,000 miles for being warped. Now the van is at 59,000 miles and they are warped again. I've called Honda care and they won't do anything about the issue. Reading online many other customers are having the same issue. I've owned other vehicles in the past and have never had a problem with the rotors. This has too be a vehicle defect to be having this type of issue on a brand new vehicle. The brake pads on the care are good.

While driving the steering was shaking. So took it to the dealer who stated that the rotors had warped and need to be resurfaced. It appears to be too soon since the brake pads were fine. So I did pay for the resurfacing. Any one else having the same problems please report it. The rotors should not warp at 30000 miles.

Like many others here, I have had problems with my rotors warping. I had my first problem right after the warranty expired. I had taken a long road trip over the summer, and the miles pushed me out of warranty. I had to pay the local Honda dealer to resurface the rotors(over $200!). Less than one year later, I experienced the same shaking etc when applying the brakes. Honda did resurface them a second time at their cost (since it was within one year). I was told at that time by the dealer, that if it happened again, the rotors would have to be completely replaced. It's now 10 months later, and once again I am experiencing the problem. The dealer can't do anything for me. I was told by more than one employee that they see this problem often, and that this style van is much heavier than my old Odyssey, and that's why they are warping, unlike my last van. I am extremely frustrated! I now have to pay them for new rotors and pads, and I know that in a year, will have the same problem again and again! shame on Honda for not standing behind their products.

Vehicle shuddered while braking at 30-70 mph especially when going downhill, also causing steering wheel to shake back and forth. Took vehicle to the dealer today and they found warped rotors which seems unusual in this low mileage vehicle. The dealer resurfaced the rotors and re-installed with new brake pads at no charge.

I have 22k miles on my Odyssey. A few months ago I started feeling shaking upon braking with steering wheels also shaking badly. Finally took it to the dealer who after a drive test said "front brake vibration - recommend brake pads and resurface rotors". However the Honda courtesy inspection report says 8mm left in brake pads which is more than 60% life. I strongly feel this is too soon for rotors or brake pad replacement and something ought to be a manufacturing defect here which should be covered under warranty.

The Mini van started to vibrate (the steering wheel) when I was braking at freeway speeds (65 mph) and down hill. I took it to a dealer for inspection and they told me that the front rotors was bad. The dealer recommend that a break job was needed. The break pads, rotors, and any braking matters should not be an issue until 50,000 miles. I asked why the rotors went bad so qucikly and the both speaking with the dealer and the car company, I was informed that the car is "heavy". I never towed anything or had no more than 6 average passener in my car. If that was the case the Honda did not adiquately put in the right size rotors. Further more, as an engineer, I do not uderstand what a new break job will do to correct the rotors from being warped if Honda installed an under rated rotor size or thickness. Not sure if there's going to be a safety issue.

Front disc rotors and brake pads cause extreme shaking of vehicle that the driver can detect through the steering wheel. First detected in ~early 2013 at low miles (~20000-25000). Took to dealer and they instructed we had warped rotors. They refinished for free, but I suspected that the rotors must be bad quality and asked to replace. They did not and said the refinishing should work. It temporarily worked (now at ~38000 miles and started shaking again at ~30-35k). I have decided to replace with upgraded rotors and pads myself and not worry about low quality rotors from Honda (very disappointed in this problem given we loved our older 2008 model and they didn't fix properly, but overall very happy with vehicle). Notice several complaints all ready posted and know others that have had brake issues with Odyssey through chat boards. Don't know why Honda ignores the issue when its obvious the rotors are poor quality.

I have owned this car from when it was new. Every 3000 miles the brakes and rotors have gone bad. They have been resurfaced and replaced by Honda 2 times. Each time the issue of vibration from the front and rear brakes reoccurred. I have since ran out of warranty (60k miles on the odo). At 50k I replaced the rotors and pads with aftermarket. Those too have warped. The brakes for this vehicle are simply too small and overwhelmed or there is something else entirely wrong with these vans. I see almost half of the complaints are about this same issue, yet Honda has done nothing to address it. Honda quality of the past seems to be gone as all prior Honda's were bullet proof. This one has been nothing but trouble.