American Honda has openly announced a voluntary recall on one of their most iconic vehicles: the Odyssey minivan. The issue stems from the vehicle’s power lift tailgate and the two struts that operate it. Their movement is dictated by gas which is filled or released to shut or open the tailgate but over a faster-than-anticipated time, that pressure can fade away. When the struts go bad, the power motor will not be able to work proper and the door can close on its own free will and unexpectedly. According to Honda themselves, two reported incidences have occurred that have resulted in injury due to the liftgate falling.
The recall is expected to start-up in mid-March 2012 when Honda begins its notification process to owners. The affected vans are 2008 and early 2009 model years in EX-L and Touring trim. As of now, approximately 45,800 Odyssey vehicles are at risk so Honda encourages owners to take their vans to certified dealers as soon as they receive the notice. There, technicians will remedy the issue by replacing both struts and do so at no added cost.
Source: Honda
