NHTSA Complaint #11679342 — 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY

Water intrusion, verified by observation/application of water. The leak resulted in water dripping on the Tailgate/Liftgate Control Module and the general rear cargo area, causing corrosion inside the control module rendering the control module inoperable, which made the power liftgate inoperable as well. Additionally, the rear cargo area had standing water that had accumulated over an unknown period of time that was visible when you lifted the carpeting. The liftgate latch mechanism also "locked" while the liftgate was open, making securing it closed in the normal way impossible. I would have needed to secure it with bungee cords or tape or some other haphazard way if I wanted to drive it safely on the streets or any contents in the back of the van could have fell out in traffic, or the liftgate may have inadvertently lifted at any time or place uncommanded, causing any type of hazard. Replacing the Control Module ($331.53) remedied the liftgate failure. However, the leak remains, and will allow the same thing to continue to happen. Applying water to the area where the seam on the drivers side body panel and the roof panel meet resulted in water being seen dripping in the interior of the vehicle and onto the liftgate control module. This area should have been made waterproof before the vehicle left the factory, and should be recalled to make it right.