NHTSA Complaint #11708529 — 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY

Vehicle: 2018 Honda Odyssey Component: Suspension – Rear Shock Absorbers Mileage at Failure: ~50,000 miles I am submitting this complaint to report a premature and potentially unsafe failure of the rear shock absorbers on my 2018 Honda Odyssey, as well as what appears to be a systemic defect affecting 2018–2024 Honda Odyssey vehicles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the rear shocks on my vehicle failed suddenly. Inspection revealed that the upper portion of the shock absorber housing had rusted completely through the metal, causing the internal hydraulic fluid to leak out and rendering the shock absorber inoperable. This is not surface corrosion—the metal housing itself failed structurally. The affected component is the factory-installed rear shock absorber, Honda part number 52610-THR-A02. Based on owner reports and service findings, this failure appears to be common across 2018–2024 Honda Odyssey models, typically occurring between 50,000 and 80,000 miles, often shortly after the factory warranty expires. Rear shock absorbers are sealed, safety-critical suspension components. They are not expected to rust through the metal housing or leak fluid within 6–7 years of normal use. This type of failure suggests a materials, coating, or design defect, rather than normal wear and tear. Failure of rear shocks can negatively impact vehicle stability, ride control, braking performance, and passenger safety, particularly in emergency maneuvers or adverse road conditions. Given that the Honda Odyssey is marketed as a family vehicle, this raises significant safety concerns. Due to the repeated nature of this failure across multiple model years, I believe this issue warrants investigation by NHTSA for a potential defect trend and consideration of corrective action.