Honda Sued Over Leaky Odyssey Tailgates That Could Open At Any Moment

Water leaks are never a good thing, especially when they’re tied to something as crucial as your vehicle’s tailgate. Certain Honda Odyssey models are reportedly prone to such issues, a defect that has recently sparked a class action lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, 2018-2021 Honda Odyssey models were manufactured with defective polyurethane seals that are prone to cracking. This flaw not only allows water to seep into the rear driver’s side panels but also causes it to infiltrate the power tailgate’s control module. As a result, the tailgate may open and close erratically, even while the vehicle is in motion. This poses a serious risk, as loose items could fly out from the trunk.

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Additionally, it’s claimed the leaks can cause short circuits that increase the risk of a fire. Mold and rust can also form on impacted Odyssey models.

The class action was filed on behalf of a Honda Odyssey owner in Florida. It contends that Honda has told owners that water leak and tailgate issues are not covered by their warranties and has refused to fix the seals, forcing owners to pay for repairs. The lawsuit adds that replacement power tailgate control modules are also prone to failure because of the leaky seals.

Owner Complaints

Numerous complaints from owners of 2018-2021 Odyssey models have surfaced on Honda forums and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In one NHTSA complaint, an owner says their tailgate malfunctioned because a defect in the seal allowed rainwater to enter the control unit. This complaint adds that the root cause of the problem was confirmed after an inspection at a Honda dealership.

In a separate complaint posted to the OdyClub forum, the owner of a 2018 Odyssey says their mechanic replaced the power tailgate control module twice in the past three months. Honda reportedly knows about the issue but has failed to do anything to rectify it.

If your vehicle is affected, the law firms representing the plaintiff, Sauder Schelkopf LLC and Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP, advise owners to contact them for assistance in pursuing the case.