Federal safety investigators are looking into claims of a possible brake problem in Honda Odyssey minivans.

Reuters reports, "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 Odyssey is America's best-selling minivan, and nearly 350,000 vehicles may be involved in any recall that results from the investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Autoblog reports, "has received more than 500 complaints about a braking problem, with drivers saying the pedal gets soft or spongy. According to reports on ten crashes that have been submitted, the van in some cases hasn't stopped as it should."  Seven of the reported crashes have involved injuries, but no deaths are associated with the investigation.

The agency is considered, Reuters reports, that air may be able to enter the Odyssey's brake lines.  "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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