NHTSA Complaint #11648633 — 2023 HONDA ODYSSEY

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)