NHTSA Complaint #11597496 — 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY

During my recent recall repair by Ed Morse Honda in Riviera Beach, FL, I was advised that the rear tailgate sensor was reported as "wet". I do the maintenance myself, so I passed on a repair at that time by the dealer. Today, I researched what might have failed both online and with my Alldatadiy subscription, and accessed the part. Indeed, the Liftgate Control Module was molded and need of repair/ replace. However, I have grandchildren now, and during the removal - realized that in a water accident or other hazard where power is lost, there is NO WAY for rear passengers to exit the van by the rear tailgate. There is NO readily accessible latch or pull to open the tailgate from the inside, and NO key nor latch available from the outside for outside assistance. Additionally, if a child is in need of exiting the rear tailgate, there is NO child safety pull to allow them to exit. During my research on how to repair the vehicle, I saw that this is an ongoing issue for this model of Honda. I like my 2018 Honda Odyssey very much, it is my second Odyssey (the first was totaled in a T-bone accident, where both wife and daughter walked away), but I believe a recall is needed for the water issue affecting the Tailgate Control Board for the short term, and safety mechanisms added for the long term. Note: I have images, but the web site is NOT allowing uploads of any .jpg nor .pdf's at this time.