This page presents both sides of the issue honestly. We believe that presenting all perspectives—including the dealer's legal position—strengthens rather than weakens our case. Truth tells itself.
Their Legal Position
Warranty Terms
The specific system warranty (power tailgate) had expired based on mileage and time. Legally, the dealer is not obligated to cover out-of-warranty repairs.
Customer Intervention
By removing the interior panels before bringing the vehicle in, I performed work on the vehicle myself. The dealer argues this could complicate their ability to diagnose and potentially voids their willingness to assist.
Corporate Claims Process
The dealer's position is that goodwill repairs or coverage of potential manufacturing defects must go through Honda corporate, and that process is the customer's responsibility to initiate.
No Proven Defect
Without Honda corporate acknowledging a defect in 2023 models (the class action covers 2018-2021), the dealer has no official basis to provide coverage.
Honest Assessment: From a purely legal standpoint, the dealer may have grounds to refuse coverage. The warranty had expired, and I did open the panels myself.
Their Official Email Response (April 2026)
"We escalated your concern to our District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM), who reviewed the images and details provided."
"Based on that review, because the vehicle was disassembled and electrical components were taken apart prior to inspection, Honda cannot provide warranty assistance for the necessary repairs."
"Because the vehicle was not presented in its original, factory-assembled condition, warranty coverage cannot be applied to restore normal function."
"At this time, we are more than willing to work with your insurance company to assist in getting your vehicle back to proper working condition."
— Honda of Salisbury official response
The Ethical Argument
Manufacturing Defect, Not Wear
This is not normal component failure. A 3-year-old vehicle should not have this level of rust and corrosion. The evidence points to a systemic manufacturing defect—the same one documented in the 2018-2021 class action.
Looking Didn't Cause the Problem
Removing panels to inspect a component is not the same as causing damage. The rust existed before I looked. The corrosion existed before I looked. I simply discovered what was already there.
Reasonable Customer Behavior
When a component fails outside warranty, most people investigate before paying for potentially expensive repairs. Had I known this was a body defect (not a component failure), I would not have attempted to diagnose it myself.
Dealer-Customer Relationship
When I bought this vehicle, I trusted Pohanka. They earned a commission. That relationship should mean something when systemic defects emerge. I should not be expected to battle corporate alone—that is what buying from a dealer should be worth.
The Core Issue: Legal protection and ethical responsibility are not the same thing. Just because a dealer can refuse does not mean they should.
The Bigger Picture
This situation raises important questions about the automotive industry and consumer rights:
-
Who bears the burden when manufacturing defects emerge after warranty?
Warranties are time-limited, but defects can take years to manifest. Should customers absorb the cost of manufacturer mistakes? -
What is the dealer's role in advocating for their customers?
Dealers profit from the sale and benefit from the manufacturer relationship. Should they not leverage that relationship on behalf of customers with legitimate issues? -
Should self-inspection invalidate legitimate claims?
Customers who investigate problems themselves often save everyone time. Penalizing this behavior discourages transparency. -
What happens when class actions don't cover all affected models?
The 2018-2021 class action does not cover 2023 models—but if the same defect exists, those customers are left without recourse.
Related Class Action Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit was filed regarding 2018-2021 Honda Odyssey models experiencing water intrusion due to body seam adhesive failure. Key details include:
- • Issue: Glue/adhesive in body panel seams failing, allowing water to enter the vehicle
- • Affected Models: 2018-2021 Honda Odyssey (officially)
- • Result: Damage to electronics, interior components, and structural rust
- • Relevance: My 2023 model exhibits identical symptoms, suggesting the defect was not resolved
Additional resources and links to class action information will be added as they become available.
Website Disclaimer
Purpose: This website exists to share a personal experience and provide a platform for others with similar experiences. It is not intended to provide legal advice or make any false claims.
Accuracy: All information presented is based on personal experience and documented evidence. We strive for factual accuracy and will correct any errors if they are identified.
Opinion vs. Fact: Where statements represent opinion rather than documented fact, they are clearly identified as such. The ethical arguments presented are opinions; the evidence presented (photos, part numbers, class action existence) are facts.
No Defamation: This website does not make false statements of fact. All claims are either documented or clearly labeled as personal experience/opinion. Presenting truthful information about one's own experience is protected speech.
Fairness: We have presented Pohanka's legal position honestly and acknowledge their right to stand on warranty terms. Our disagreement is ethical, not a denial of their legal rights.