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Honda Accord spongy pedal problems

18 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe soft or spongy brake pedal, most of them for the 2004 model year.

owner complaints
18
worst model year
2004
typical mileage
36,500
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2021
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    2
  • 2010
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    2
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 1995
    1
  • 1994
    1

What owners say

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

If im driving at normal rate of speed while on highway the steering becomes very loose and sticky when adjusting steering. The passenger wheel will feel like it wobbles on its camber axis or will act like a shopping cart wheel. At times changing direction of vehicle entirely. At that time suspension will feel really spongy.

Filed Nov 12, 2021 · Steering · NJ

Steering has becoming increasingly heavy, feels “spongy” , and is pulling to the side when making turns… I am extremely concerned that there is a failure with my vehicle’s power steering that may cause me to lose control or cause an accident.

Filed Dec 26, 2018 · Brakes · 36,500 miles · NE

Had my 2015 honda accord ex-l in for service today, and asked them to check the brakes because the pedal was soft again. In the last year to try and correct the soft pedal I have replaced the pads and rotors, and a few months had the brakes bled. Dealership tells me they have seen issues with the master cylinder, lucky I had the extended warranty so it will only cost me the deductible but there is something wrong have master cylinder problems at 36000 miles.

Filed Oct 25, 2016 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · VT

Brake pedal is soft and spongy. Have had brake fluid and master cylinder replaced but air seems to be getting into hydraulic system. Have called attention to honda service personnel of service bulletin 07_045 but srvice rep disclaim any problem. I am fearful of total brake failure and possible airbag explosive deployment!

Filed Jun 12, 2016 · Brakes · 71,035 miles · CA · crash

Abs light came on while attempting to stop vehicle at a stop sign. The vehicle failed to stop, sponginess occurred when applying brakes, then failure. Car went thru intersection before driver was able to apply emergency brake to stop vehicle. Dealer mechanic noticed slow leak ABS modulator/accumulator system, and recommended replacement. Abs unit replaced at 71,035 miles. 8/2010. Cost for repairs $1600, must replace both as 1 unit, despite no failure with accumulator. At 104,000 miles, 6/2014, the ABS light came on, and brakes were examined at brake, tire, front end, and alignment shop, where they have been continually maintained. An examination was done and no signs of unusual wear or damage to front or rear brakes, test drive done by technician. Recommended ABS unit be diagnosed. Diagnostic performed at shop, determined that ABS modulator needed replacement again. It had been 32,965 miles since the original ABS modulator was replaced. Checked in with dealer and the ABS modulator was only covered for 12,000 miles. Abs unit not replaced. At 117,141, 3/2016, the brakes failed again. While backing up and applying brakes they became spongy, went to floor, despite pumping, and failed again, causing vehicle to back into wooden benches, damaging car paint. Dealer estimation for ABS unit repairs is $2300. Presently, ABS unit not replaced. These overwhelming complaints, from vehicle owners, regarding the ABS modulator unit, along with technical service bulletins, regarding the 1995 honda accord, support a recall being issued for the 1995 honda accord ABS unit. This defective ABS modulator is a safety issue and it is extremely dangerous to be without the ability to count on the braking system working, when it is vital to the stopping of the vehicle, and safety of others on the road!

Filed Dec 11, 2015 · 50,000 miles · PA

Intermittent starting problems. Depressing brake pedal harder sometimes solves problem, sometimes not. Changed batteries in key fobs. Replaced car battery. Still intermittent starting problems. Can hear "click", dash lights-up but engine does not engage. Repeated attempts until engine starts. Has been happening between 48k and now 50k miles.

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · IN

When I went to apply the brakes to stop at an intersection, the brake pedal was hard and brakes did not work at all. If it is under 20 degrees outside, this happens when the car is first driven after sitting for awhile. I am now looking at replacing the brake booster and check valve. This is a major safety concern because I do not know if my car will stop or not when I am driving. After doing some research, honda had recalled previous years models for this same issue, but there is not a recall for this particular model year. Several people in forums are complaining of the same issues. Perhaps yet another class action lawsuit is in order for.

Filed Oct 3, 2012 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · UT

When backing out of our downwardly-sloped home driveway, the vacuum assist for the brakes fades or doesn't work at all. Brakes work fine going forward. This is a potential safety issue if someone were walking on the sidewalk behind the backing up car, because once the vacuum assist fails, it is very difficult to press the brake pedal hard enough to stop the car in reverse. The above-described event occurs often.

Filed Apr 15, 2010 · Brakes · FL

2006 honda accord. Consumer would like to file a complaint with regards to the accord being omitted from the recall. *tgw the consumer stated he has experienced the soft pedal issue in which a tsb was issued.

Filed Aug 7, 2007 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 honda accord. While driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed and the vehicle pulled to the right. The contact stated that the ABS engaged. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. He felt that the bypass valve on the ABS modulator caused the failure. The dealer re-inspected the vehicle and replaced the ABS modulator. Approximately two years later, the failure recurred. As of august 7, 2007, the dealer has not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 15,000 and current mileage was 57,500. Updated 01-15-08. *kb the consumer stated 2 ABS modulators have been replaced and 2 master cylinders replaced by the dealer. The failure started with a soft brake pedal and over time it became worse. When the problem occurred, the vehicle would pull hard to one side and/or the ABS modulator would activate when braking power was established. Updated 12/12/07

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported June 15, 2023 · 386 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel.
Risk
Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 23V430000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Accord spongy pedal

Which Honda Accord years have soft or spongy brake pedal problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2004 (3 complaints), 2002 (2 complaints) and 2003 (2 complaints).

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