The Issue
I own a 2023 Honda Odyssey. When the power tailgate stopped working, I did what many car owners would do—I looked up the warranty. The specific system was outside of warranty coverage (over 30,000 miles and 3 years), so I decided to investigate the problem myself to save money on repairs.
After removing the interior panels to access the tailgate components, I discovered something I never expected: significant rust and corrosion that clearly was not from normal use.
What I Discovered
- • Rust formation behind the interior panels
- • Green corrosion on the power tailgate control unit (part #74970-THR-A12)
- • Dried water stains showing evidence of pooled water that evaporated over time
- • Signs of repeated slow water exposure—not a single incident
Important context: While researching repair videos, I discovered a class action lawsuit affecting 2018-2021 Honda Odyssey models for the exact same issue—the glue in the body seams failing, allowing water intrusion. My 2023 model appears to have the same systemic problem.
Timeline of Events
Vehicle Purchase
Purchased 2023 Honda Odyssey from Pohanka dealership
Tailgate Failure
Power tailgate stopped functioning properly
Self-Inspection
Removed interior panels to diagnose the issue; discovered extensive water damage and corrosion
Research
Found class action lawsuit for 2018-2021 models with identical body seam glue failure
Dealer Response
Pohanka refuses coverage because I removed the panels to inspect the issue
The Real Problem
My car is only 3 years old. I do not leave my tailgate open, especially not in the rain. The level of rust and corrosion I found is not consistent with occasional rain exposure—it indicates a systemic manufacturing defect where water has been slowly entering the body through failed seam glue.
Had I suspected this was a body defect rather than a simple component failure, I never would have opened the panels myself. I would have taken it directly to the dealer. But how could I have known? The part that failed was the power tailgate—not the body of the vehicle.
Now the dealer says it is my problem because I looked. But looking did not cause the rust. Looking did not cause the glue to fail. I simply discovered what was already there.
Have You Experienced Something Similar?
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