The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is beginning an investigation of 2001 and 2002 Honda Odyssey minivans because of complaints that the front tire of the Odyssey was punctured by a broken coil spring.
"One report," according to NHTSA, "alleges that smoke appeared from the front of the vehicle due to the broken spring contacting the tire while the vehicle was in motion."
"Another report," NHTSA says on its web site, "alleges the collapse of the suspension system caused the vehicle to veer into an oncoming lane of traffic and that a few days later the spring on the other side of the vehicle fractured."
The agency has received two reports that "allege that an adjacent front tire was punctured by the fractured spring after it failed with the vehicle in motion."
According to NHTSA's announcement of the investigation, seven of the spring failures occurred between 50,000 and 60,000 mile odometer readings on the Honda Odyssey minivans.
NHTSA is uncertain how many Honda Odyssey minivans will be involved in the investigation because the agency is using "an estimate of the number vehicles residing in salt belt states." NHTSA reports "the number will be reviewed during the investigation."
The goal of the NHTSA investigation, according to the agency, is to determine "the frequency and safety consequences associated with the alleged fracture of the front coil springs."
Owners of the Honda Odyssey minivan haven't reported any crashes or injuries because broken springs or suspension failure on the front of the vehicle.
