Is Your Honda Odyssey Safe? Drivers Claim Trunk Malfunction Could Lead to Accidents

Honda Minivan, Odyssey Defect
Trunk Opens While Driving?
Class Action Lawsuit Over Denial of Free Repairs

Honda and Toyota vehicles are recognized as reliable vehicle brands in overseas markets. They are renowned for their durability and low failure rate, which allow them to be driven for a long time without problems. They are always mentioned when discussing brands with reasonable prices that can be driven without stress. However, even Honda and Toyota, which occupy the top rankings of durable vehicles, have exceptions.

Recently, a defect in the Honda Odyssey minivan was discovered, and Honda is reportedly refusing to cover repairs under warranty. This issue not only inconveniences owners but potentially compromises vehicle durability and safety. Consumers have been forced to foot the bill for repairs, leading frustrated owners to file a class action lawsuit against the automaker.

Trunk Leaks Spark Larger Issues
Affected vehicles: 2018-2021 models

According to Carscoops, on November 26, Honda Odyssey owners in the US filed a class action lawsuit. They say that water leaks through the tailgate, which has even caused the power tailgate to malfunction. The vehicles in question are models from 2018 to 2021. The polyurethane seal applied to the tailgate of this Odyssey is prone to cracking.

Water seeping through the crack is said to flow into the left rear quarter panel and affect the power tailgate control module. In this case, the power tailgate may operate randomly while the vehicle is in motion. If an object in the trunk falls out, it can cause traffic disruption and even lead to a major accident.

Electrical Hazards and Long-Term Damage
Honda Pushes Repair Costs onto Owners

Damage from water leaks does not stop at the tailgate malfunction. Odyssey owners who participated in the class action lawsuit claimed that the water that seeped in could cause a short circuit in the electrical system, which could lead to a fire. Since moisture remains inside a sealed vehicle for a long time, mold and rust can form. Even if there are no immediate serious problems, they claim that damage can occur in the form of bad smells and health problems caused by mold.

If the defect in the vehicle itself is acknowledged, Honda generally carries out a free repair or recall. However, Honda refused a free repair, saying the warranty did not cover the leak and tailgate problem. If repairs were carried out, the vehicle owner was forced to pay for the repairs, and it was reported that the replaced power tailgate control module also failed shortly after that.

Honda Aware, But Slow to Act
Not the First Class Action for the Automaker

These issues have been raised several times with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and on Honda forums. A 2018 Odyssey owner complained, “The mechanic has replaced the power tailgate control module twice in the past three months.” Honda is aware of the issue but has reportedly failed to fix it.

Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Honda has faced a class action lawsuit over a defect issue. In 2018, the white paint on 2013-2018 Odysseys, Pilots, Fits, and HR-Vs was found to be peeling off easily. The defect was caused by problems with the paint manufacturing and painting process, and Honda settled the class action lawsuit for $27 million in 2022, four years later.