HONDA is to recall more than 410,000 vehicles in the US because of braking problems that could make it harder to stop if they are not repaired.

The recall includes 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Element small trucks from the 2007 and 2008 model years, which are not sold in the UK.

Honda said in a statement that over time, brake pedals can feel "soft" and must be pressed closer to the floor to stop the vehicles.

Left unrepaired, the problem could cause loss of braking power and possibly a crash, Honda spokesman Chris Martin said.

"It's definitely not operating the way it should, and it's safety systems, so it brings it to the recall status," he said.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported three crashes due to the problem, with minor injuries and no deaths. Honda has notified NHTSA of the recall.

Honda has traced the problem to the device that powers the electronic stability control system, which selectively brakes each of the wheels to keep the vehicle upright during an emergency.

When the device, called a "vehicle stability assist modulator", tests itself when the vehicles are started, it allows a small amount of air into the hydraulic brake lines.

Over time, an air bubble in the lines can cause a loss of braking power and require that the pedal be pushed further toward the floor than normal to stop the vehicles.

Honda said in a statement: "Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly."

Under the recall, which Honda said it volunteered to do, owners should wait to get a letter from the company before scheduling a repair because the parts are not yet available. Letters should go out toward the end of April.

Drivers who fear they have lost braking power should have their dealer check the brakes sooner, Mr Martin said. The dealer can "bleed" air bubbles out of the hydraulic lines, which should fix the problem until the parts arrive for the final repair.

Honda technicians will put plastic caps and sealant over two small holes in the device to stop the air getting in.

The carmaker is still preparing a list of affected vehicles.