[Billforshey]

Tailgate on my 2016 Touring has been filling with water after a couple days of rain. Water runs back into headliner (via electrical conduit) when the tailgate is opened and enters cabin. Water also drips from rubber bumpers when tailgate is open. If the four plastic stoppers are pulled from the bottom, water will run out there too. Dealer had their leak expert assess and both body side seams on tailgate were leaking. Both Dealer and Honda Customer Service said this is not a known issue. Anyone else had this problem with a 2016?

Yes, we now have this problem. The dealer was able to duplicate it and it goes in tomorrow to be fixed. You didn't mention that the opener gets soaked when the water runs from the headliner. My wife is furious. Started about when the car turned 2. So, it's coming for you...

 

[ather01]

Had the same problem on our 2016 EX-L and took it to the dealer. I showed them a video of it the last time it happened. They took the rear tailgate apart and put it back together and said they didn't notice anything unusual. I haven't seen the problem come back yet but the rainy season is upon us in California so we'll how well it worked.

 

[Jaboukheir]

Mine too


Just have 150 miles on my 2016 pilot and same issue with water streaming out of the top of hatch when opened.

I do. Exact same issue

 

[GP432]

Remove the 4 tabs at the base of the tailgate. It’s a temporary solution to drain water trapped in the tailgate.

I haven’t had time to take part the tailgate door, but I detected water coming in from the rubber boot (wire assembly housing). Others in this forum suspect it’s either a bad glass seal or an opening at the 3rd brake light.

My 2016 Pilot has been through two good-sized storms since removing the tabs. So far, no wet carpet; no water splashing down onto the rear compartment.

 

[saeedmw]

Hello there
I have similar issue with my 2016 Pilot with water pouring from both ends when the hatch goes up, I had it checked by the Honda dealership and was told it’s normal and not an issue covered under the warranty and I paid.

 

[Billforshey]

Yes, we now have this problem. The dealer was able to duplicate it and it goes in tomorrow to be fixed. You didn't mention that the opener gets soaked when the water runs from the headliner. My wife is furious. Started about when the car turned 2. So, it's coming for you...

to close the loop, the dealer resealed both sides of the tailgate and seems to have fixed the problem. I still expect to have water drain onto me when I open the tailgate after a rain, but it hasn't.

 

[GP432]

Hi Billforshey, when you say “sealed both sides of the tailgate,” was it the glass rubber trim that was sealed? Was the top tail light visor sealed? Or was there a retrofit part for the rubber boot (electrical wiring) that plugs the hole? My temp fix was to remove the plastic tabs form the bottom of the tailgate. It drains fine, but that just means water still routes into the tailgate. Thanks.

 

[GP432]

Hello there
I have similar issue with my 2016 Honda ...was told it’s normal and not an issue covered under the warranty and I paid.

I tested our Pilot myself and noticed water will run down from the tailgate down the door jamb. That’s normal but still a bad design as splashing will occur. That’s likely what your dealership observed. It only took me 3 gallons of water to notice water getting onto the tailgate via glass seal or top brake light. Still haven’t taken things apart, but I suspect a simple silicone sealant will do the trick.

 

[allenga]

Do 2020-2021s have this issue. thx

 

[Mengis]

Hello there
I have similar issue with my 2016 Pilot with water pouring from both ends when the hatch goes up, I had it checked by the Honda dealership and was told it’s normal and not an issue covered under the warranty and I paid.

Hello there,
I have 2017 pilot out of warranty the same issues. I was wondering what was the fix?

 

[GP432]

Hello there,
I have 2017 pilot out of warranty the same issues. I was wondering what was the fix?

Hi Mengis, for me, removing the tabs from the bottom for the door was enough to drain the water (not much rain here in California). No leaks, puddles, or odor for the past 2-1/2 years. It doesn’t address the root cause, however to quote Billforshey on his remedy: “… the dealer resealed both sides of the tailgate and seems to have fixed the problem. I still expect to have water drain onto me when I open the tailgate after a rain, but it hasn't.”

I suspect weakened or broken weld seams at the rear door hingeor under the roof trim molding. I plan to “re-seal” the seams soon following notes from this DIY video:

Note: The Pilot model referenced is a 2006 (not my 2016), but the concept essentially applies to all Pilots; you’ll get the idea.

Product: 3M Dynatron Auto Seam Sealer Caulk, 550, Grey Color, Permanently Elastic, Fast-Skinning, Non-Staining, Non-Sagging, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005RNFBMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A5SSVK8AC30NT8V7QHDE

Good luck!

 

[DawnK]

I have a 2017 Pilot with this issue, dealership stated the drains were clogged and emptied them. I now have 2 rust spots on my tailgate and am fighting Honda to fix it. Anyone experience rust and have success with Honda taking responsibility?

 

[gd2016]

Hello there,
I have 2017 pilot out of warranty the same issues. I was wondering what was the fix?

2017 EX-L. Inner tail light (one on hatch) seal failed around the housing area. Reseal with caulk.