Body problems of the 2023 Honda Odyssey

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a failure of the power tailgate system on my 2023 Honda Odyssey. The issue involves water intrusion into the liftgate control system, which has resulted in corrosion and subsequent failure of the power tailgate. This malfunction presents both a safety concern and a significant reliability issue, particularly for a vehicle of this age and mileage. What is most concerning is that this does not appear to be an isolated incident. There is a documented history of similar failures in Honda Odyssey vehicles, including prior class action litigation related to tailgate and electrical system defects. Despite this, the issue does not appear to have been adequately addressed or corrected in newer models, including the 2023 version. My vehicle has approximately 30,500 miles and is only slightly outside of the warranty period. I was explicitly assured at the time of purchase that the vehicle was reliable and that the manufacturer would stand behind it. However, I have since been informed that this repair will not be covered, despite the apparent design flaw and known history of the issue. A power tailgate failure is not merely an inconvenience—it can pose safety risks, especially when transporting passengers, children, or cargo. A malfunctioning liftgate can fail to open or close properly, potentially causing injury or limiting access in urgent situations. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter further, as it appears to be part of a broader pattern affecting Honda Odyssey vehicles. Consumers should not be responsible for costly repairs stemming from known defects that have not been properly resolved. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am happy to provide any additional documentation or details if needed. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The power tailgate control unit (part #74970-thr-a12) failed on my 2023 Honda Odyssey at approximately 46,000 miles and 3 years of age. The tailgate stopped functioning entirely. Upon removing the interior rear trim panels to diagnose, I discovered the failure was caused by water intrusion into the rear body of the vehicle. Behind the interior panels I found: significant rust on interior sheet metal, green corrosion coating the power tailgate control unit, dried water stains showing pooled standing water that had evaporated over time, and clear evidence of repeated slow water exposure over an extended period — not a single incident. The vehicle has no rear windows that open and no exterior damage that would explain the water source. The symptoms and damage pattern match the class action dubrosky v. American Honda motor CO. , [xxx] , which alleges defective polyurethane rear body seam sealant in 2018-2021 Honda Odysseys allowing water to leak into the rear driver's side panel and destroy the power tailgate control module. My 2023 exhibits identical symptoms, raising the question whether the same defect extends to later model years. Safety risk: the class action documents that this defect has caused tailgates to open or close unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, fail to latch, short-circuit, and in some cases cause fires. Items in the cargo area can fall out during driving, creating road hazards for other vehicles. My tailgate failed completely; I consider myself fortunate it failed closed rather than opening in motion. The damaged components are available for inspection. The vehicle has been inspected and photographed by pohanka Honda of salisbury, MD, who confirmed the damage but denied warranty coverage. No independent inspection has occurred. Warnings prior to failure: none. No dashboard warning lamps, messages, or symptoms appeared before the tailgate stopped functioning. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear lift gate randomly opens and closes automatically while driving and when parked. My kids were in the back seat and there were groceries in the trunk that could have fallen out. Dealership said it's not a recall, and that it is due to a bad weather stripping around the rear window allowing water into the lift gate and damage the controls.

Water getting into trunk.

The rear lift gate malfunctioned, causing my rear lift gate to get scratch from top to bottom because the lift gate would not stop. I have never had issues with manually stopping the lift gate. I pushed the button and let it come up and then used force to stop it and it would not stop. I do crossfit 5 days a week and find myself to be strong suit, I physically could not stop this lift gate. It broke two of my nails in the process because I was doing everything I could to stop the lift gate. Instead of stopping it kept going scratching up against our basketball hoop because it malfunctioned. What if this was my arm or my leg stuck in between versus an item? what if this was someone's head, including my children's head? it would have decapitated them. The amount of force of this lift gate was insane, there was absolutely no stopping it. I have an issue with this, not safe at all. You should be able to easily stop this back lift gate without that much physical force. Our Honda Odyssey lift gate malfunctioned and would not stop.

I am [xxx]. I purchased this Honda Odyssey van after it was modified by braunability. They put in an automatic underfloor ramp, and other modifications. When used without these modifications, there are three rows of seating. Passengers go in and out, and the passenger-side sliding door opens with an automatic button. There is a sensor that controls that door. It is never in danger of being hit or disturbed in use by an ambulatory person. However, when it is used with a ramp, the second row of seats is removed and replaced with a passenger-side ramp. The ramp is 30 inches wide. The normal power wheelchair is 26 to 29 inches wide. This leaves only 2 inches maximum on either side of the ramp for the wheelchair. It is virtually impossible to not hit the sensor when going in or out by wheelchair!! I have had this van for about two years. I use it about once every two weeks. Most times I have an assistant driving. I have only used it about 50 times total, in two years. On [xxx], I had a doctor's appointment. I activated the automatic door and ramp. I rolled up the ramp, and parked in the passenger area. That seat has been removed for the wheelchair. My assistant pushed the button to activate the ramp to go back under-floor. It did so. But the sliding door on the passenger side did not close at all! eventually he managed to manually slide the door shut. If I had been driving alone, I would have been stranded right there---at the doctor's office, shopping center, etc. , as I do not have the strength to manually close that door! this is clearly a danger to disabled people using this modified Honda Odyssey. Honda and braunability should be required to protect and reinforce the sensor area so users will not easily damage the sensor with light use of this van! this may also be a clear violation of the ada, the americans with disabilities act. [xxx], retired information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Profuse amount of water intrusion and pooling of water in the rear of the vehicle near the tailgate of vehicle during rainstorm. Water not from above, ceiling not wet. Concerns about water causing rust, and electrical damage.

Vehicle makes noise at low speed when turning at inclined or passing over speed bump. I went 4 different dealers regarding this problem but they can not figure out the problem. First, dealership said nothing wrong with vehicle. Then I took van to different dealer and they replaced front driver side strut. After few days started hearing noise again. So I took van to different dealership and they retorque sub frame bolt and said problem is fixed. Again, I heard the noise next day so I took it dealership again. After looking at vehicle, they concluded that bushing is making noise but they refused to replace it. I have looked at Honda Odyssey forum and redditt, it is known problem with Honda Odyssey and they are unable to fix the problem.

My child was inside the minivan in the 2nd row and pressed the close door button on the sliding door while holding their other hand on the door jamb near the handle on the interior frame. The door slid closed and smashed their hand hard, automatically latching the door with their hand crushed inside the door. This is possible because their is a pinch sensor, but it is only on the outside edge of the door. So anything in between the door and the frame on the interior edge can be crushed hard without any sensor to detect and prevent it. I tested this with a flip flop and confirmed that it could be placed inside almost the entire width of the door and the door would still close with unrelenting full force. This does not seem to be a manufacturing defect, but instead seems to be a significant safety design defect and puts children or adults inside the vehicle at risk for injury including broken fingers.