I've been reading a few posts about people with water getting into the back seat area... I also read a post about how someone thought this was related to the grommets that are used when the roof rack is installed. So, now I'm curious... FYI, I haven't discovered any leaks in my RL as of yet, but it's been pretty dry here in SoCal since July (big shock there, eh?)...

I didn't put "no leaks" as an option because that would change the results of my poll... just interested in the whole roof rack thing and whether or not it relates to the leaky interior...

I've been reading a few posts about people with water getting into the back seat area... I also read a post about how someone thought this was related to the grommets that are used when the roof rack is installed. So, now I'm curious... FYI, I haven't discovered any leaks in my RL as of yet, but it's been pretty dry here in SoCal since July (big shock there, eh?)...

I didn't put "no leaks" as an option because that would change the results of my poll... just interested in the whole roof rack thing and whether or not it relates to the leaky interior...

what about those of us who are not sure where the leak is coming from?

That's a good question... if the leak is in the rear area, then respond to the poll... if it's in the front, let's chalk that up to some of the other discovered and unknown possibilities...

My poll's not getting much love... maybe few people have the rear area leak?

Ew, that sounded kinda gross, now that I think about it... :eek:

No rear leaks here. That is gross.

I've been reading a few posts about people with water getting into the back seat area... I also read a post about how someone thought this was related to the grommets that are used when the roof rack is installed. So, now I'm curious... FYI, I haven't discovered any leaks in my RL as of yet, but it's been pretty dry here in SoCal since July (big shock there, eh?)...

I didn't put "no leaks" as an option because that would change the results of my poll... just interested in the whole roof rack thing and whether or not it relates to the leaky interior...
There are several instances of this problem on page 6 of Trouble in Paradise, and I haven't run across any solutions yet, or anyone that has had the rear leak looked at, specifically. (But then, I haven't been thru the whole thread...)
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=693&page=6&highlight=paradise
After I posted, we have had 3 days of heavy rain, I've been driving and parked, but my leak has NOT come back!
Go figure, now what do I do?:(

No leaks, front or rear. No roof rack either.

No leaks, so far... keepin all my fingers crossed.. hmmmm that may be way to hard to drive like that:)

I did install the RR on my RL and did have a back seat swimming pool (notice past tense) way back in March. Sice then she has been nice and dry and we have had buckets of rain coming down over the last week.

The TSB on the leak, although I would rather be known for something else, was initially driven by and tested on my RL back in March and it was all about a bad seal and a block of sound dampner that needed mods.

Hello I just found a swimming pool in the back set of my 1 month old truck.
I do not remember paying for this option.
I found a link from Honda that says to drill holes in the A pillar noise block. http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Honda/1127977200000_1129100400000_05-045/451.html
If you have had this problem and tried this fix I am curious to see if it worked.
It seems like a crude fix!
I also noticed my back carpet is a little stained, so this must have happened before and dried.

Till I get it fixed I will just work on my back stroke.

Thanks

No water in my vehicle so far, I think we need to work on the polls so that those of use without troubles can vote that we have no problems. I don't like not being able to vote in polls, I feel left out :D

Have Dealer Roofrack. No leaks front, back or otherwise. Knocking on Wood.
Love my Ridgeline!!!!!

Hello I just found a swimming pool in the back set of my 1 month old truck.
I do not remember paying for this option.
I found a link from Honda that says to drill holes in the A pillar noise block. http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Honda/1127977200000_1129100400000_05-045/451.html
If you have had this problem and tried this fix I am curious to see if it worked.
It seems like a crude fix!
I also noticed my back carpet is a little stained, so this must have happened before and dried.

Till I get it fixed I will just work on my back stroke.

Thanks

Hey RC, the TSB you pointed to is for the front passenger leak... do you think the water you found in the rear area came from the front? Did you notice if the front passenger floor was wet too?

I agree, the TSB's proposed solution to drill a hole to just let the water through to the outside seems like a bad, stupid solution. Totally haxx0rz.

No water in my vehicle so far, I think we need to work on the polls so that those of use without troubles can vote that we have no problems. I don't like not being able to vote in polls, I feel left out :D

Hey capt'n... part of the reason why I left off "no leak" people is because it could just mean "no leaks yet", hence throwing off the results... I don't like to be left out either, but frankly, I'm left out of my own poll, since I have discovered no leaks (yet!!!) as well! :D

Funny (odd, funny, not "HAHAHA" funny) - I read this post on Friday night in the hotel room in Cleveland. Saturday morning, we were at the new Walgreens (open less than a week) and ran into a wife & husband w/ their new, 2 week old truck. They did NOT have a roof rack, but DO have the leak in the back. I specifically told them about this thread. They were interested in the group but couldn't make the meet as they were in town celebrating their anniversary. They have a blue RL, but don't know specific model (no Navi).

I did not vote on this as I have no leak (as of yet), and didn't want to vote for them.

-ridgeln

Very interesting, ridgeln, thanks for posting. I guess it means that what I read on the other thread might be only part of the reason why there is sometimes a leak in the rear seat area. If people have leaks back there and they don't have a roof rack (four so far!!), then there's either more than one reason for the rear seat leaks, or the real cause hasn't been found yet.

Thanks everyone for posting & voting... I think with everyone's help we can get the problem nailed down for those who are experiencing it... I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't! :D

edit: looked at the poll results to amend my statement above -- 4 people have the rear seat area but no roof rack... can anyone else suggest something that might be interesting to look at for this problem, like the XM antenna perhaps? color? ;)

While I doubt it is color, it could easily be the areas where the antennas go through the metal - the plastic antenna cover (for AM/FM radio, not XM) at the top/back of the roof comes of relatively easily - but I wouldn't suggest it unless you've got the Honda tool for putting it back on. There are a number of spots that if not properly sealed, would easily leak, but I would assume that one would see water damage to the head liner as well as water on the carpet. This is a weird one.

-ridgeln

My Ridgeline was dropped off this morning for water in the rear seat area and it was also wet up on the passenger front side. We had heavy rains on Saturday and this morning there was a puddle in the backseat area on the floor. My driveway is on an incline so there's a chance it's coming in the front and running back. The dealership said they found the leak and are going to pull apart the interior and dry it out with fans and try to dry out the carpet. I told them if it stinks they will be replacing my carpet. I should be getting it back tommorrow evening or Wednesday. I'll pass on what they did to fix the problem.

Cool, thanks KC. Maybe we should be asking if people who have the problem have been parking or driving on inclines in the rain...

Ridgeln, I agree it could be something with the antenna on the roof, esp. for the people who have seen the water droplets on the plastic towers on the sides... the color thing was a joke, in reference to my lack of enthusiasm for two other polls that tried to equate water leaks and other problems with color, without doing it scientifically... :)

Snowridge went in today to address the rear seat leak......

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=40489&postcount=246

What is everyone else's status on this? Anybody get any feedback from Honda Service?

i have no leaks in the front-NEVER did and never did the service bulletin on it.
I was in the bed the other day and looked at the rear window seal. On each corner there are pockets where the seal isnt sititng flush against the rear window. Whatcha guys think about that? think it could be coming from there?

Have Dealer Roofrack. No leaks front, back or otherwise. Knocking on Wood.
Love my Ridgeline!!!!!


Ditto here - no watta where it not oughta.

Don't know if I should vote but I have the swimming pool option too. Front and back passenger side gets soaked when it rains or from the morning dew that forms overnight but not from the hose when I wash it. I took it to the dealer once already and they said they fixed it via the TSB. They didn’t replace the carpets just cleaned and shampooed them. The truck still leaks. Every time I check the carpets in the morning they are damp because of the water that forms on the truck overnight.

I’m taking it to another dealer this week they seem to have more knowledge of the problem. They said they had the issue with some Honda Pilots. When I find that it does not leak no more I will have Honda replace the carpets. I hear anything from a robot didn’t seal the seams up properly on the A Pillar or the welds are weak or were missed.

My bottom line is this, Honda has 2 more chances to fix this problem or I’m going to exercise the Lemon Law and get my money back and either get another new just built fresh off the assembly line Honda Ridgeline or a Cadillac Escalade Ext Pickup or Chevy Avalanche. I’d like to get another Ridgeline but I don’t want to have these problems again and I have a need and love these style trucks.

I’ll keep everyone updated.

Mark

I too just discovered I have the leak. The whole area under the rear floor mat is wet. I had never checked because I never saw any wet spots. But I had started to notice a musty smell, so started looking and discovered a very soaked area. No roof rack.

New Ridge owner here...had it 5 days. As it is raining today, I decided to check the right rear door for leaks, just for kicks. Sure enough...my build date is 6/05. I guess I will be taking it to the stealership.

New Ridge owner here...had it 5 days. As it is raining today, I decided to check the right rear door for leaks, just for kicks. Sure enough...my build date is 6/05. I guess I will be taking it to the stealership.

Where did you find water? I'm waiting for another rain to take mine in. The dealers said they have to see water in order to track where it is leaking. Did you see any water coming out of the plastic or just wet carpets? Thanks.

Where did you find water? I'm waiting for another rain to take mine in. The dealers said they have to see water in order to track where it is leaking. Did you see any water coming out of the plastic or just wet carpets? Thanks.

I found water dripping on the plastic trim on the rear-inside of the door, starting right about where the rear edge of the door peaks. There was also a small wet spot on the carpet. I didn't have time to take it by the dealer, but I will see if I can replicate the drip this weekend with the hose. Good luck Snow!

...sorry, troutscout, I can't figure out where you mean. Was the water on the vertical trim piece, inside the gasket, at the rear of the rear door? If so, how far up?

Take a look at Snowridge's photos....

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34196#post34196

....look similar to yours? (...and MINE! )

Sorry farmguy, yes, that is exactly where mine is leaking. Just like snow's photos. I didn't have my camera on me at the time so I didn't get any pics. It was on the plastic piece, inside the gasket.

Honda North America called today to do the 1 week checkup. I gave the dealer high marks, but did report my problem(s). The rep said she would report them to my dealer. I am gonna take it in Friday anyways, so we will see what they say.

Thanks,
Gregg

It will be interesting to many here what they find, ...if anything. Snowridge travelled (several hours, I think) to have his looked at, but they couldn't do anything without seeing the water for themselves.

Mine is exactly the same, but stopped after about 2 days. Then returned for a day, and now I am dry again. Oddly, it was completely dry for a week and half during some of our heaviest rain here.

Why has Honda not issued a recall. These leak problems seem to be too numerous and widespread and each Ridgeline should be checked out, even if an owner does not notice a leak. It appears many leaks are small and hidden and unless an owner belongs to this forum, he or she may not even notice the leak until the carpet is virtually ruined.

No leaks on mine. No roof-rack either.
Make sure that you don't open the small back window if the truck has dew on the top or drops of water. The water will go right into the window when you start moving:cool: .

Why has Honda not issued a recall. These leak problems seem to be too numerous and widespread and each Ridgeline should be checked out, even if an owner does not notice a leak. It appears many leaks are small and hidden and unless an owner belongs to this forum, he or she may not even notice the leak until the carpet is virtually ruined.

Actually, I would argue the opposite -- the trucks leaking water comprise a very small percentage of the total number of cars manufactured. I think our attention is drawn to this "widespread" problem the same way people think shark attacks are frequent -- because, thanks to the internet, news travels fast. We all have a single place to discuss & vent about this -- which makes it seem like there are lots and lots of people with the problem. If you didn't have the internet, and, say, you knew two other people who owned Ridgelines (that sounds like a lot), yours leaks and the other two don't... would you think the problem is widespread? Probably not, yet even in that case you're still talking about 33% of the trucks that you know about having the leak. On this site, I would guess that we have maybe 5% with water leaks -- that's just a wild guess. And that's not even all the Ridgelines out there!

Some people have successfully argued to their dealers that, if their VIN falls into the range for the front leak TSB, they got their dealer to fix it before detecting any leaks. Maybe this would be a good idea for you?

No leaks yet! Praying for some rain......

Ok it rained cats and dogs here yesterday, and I left the truck out in the rain yesterday, as well as driving it twice in the rain. I checked twice...no leaks! I am sure the door was shut properly when I first noticed the leaks, but...now I am stumped. I guess I will try to infiltrate with a high pressure hose this weekend.

Cheers.
TS

Ok it rained cats and dogs here yesterday, and I left the truck out in the rain yesterday, as well as driving it twice in the rain. I checked twice...no leaks! I am sure the door was shut properly when I first noticed the leaks, but...now I am stumped....

Bothers me, too. As I noted before, my rear pass side leak has been inconsistent. I am currently dry. I was hoping you were going to find the problem! :rolleyes:

Hey guys here is the invoice for how my dealer found and fixed the leak.

3498


Mark
__________________
2006 Black RTL S/R
2005 Black CRV SE

Thanks Mark, that is a good thing to have. I do not have the leak as far as I know but I have only washed the car and gone through a couple rains, none really bad. I try to keep my Ridgeline in the garage when there is a threat of rain no so much for a possible leak but so I don' have to wash it again!!

Hey guys here is the invoice for how my dealer found and fixed the leak. I expanded the relevant portion so it's a bit easier to read.

That's awesome Mark! Thanks a bunch. I am printing that off and giving that to the tech when I take mine in for service...now if only I can get them to program my Ridge to auto unlock all doors when I put it in park (8/05 build). :rolleyes:

Excellent, MarkCobra! This is definitely going in with me when I ask them to take care of my on-again-off-again rear leak! Does anyone know what the reference number is? ...a TSB?

Quote from the invoice:
"...called Tech Line, spoke to Chris, mentioned reports from other dealers finding leak in right rear seam, REF#1684368...".

SnowRidge, does this look like the problem you have been dealing with? Maybe they will address it for you now that you have some 'evidence'. They should at least remove the molding to look for water, whereas I think you said before they wouldn't without seeing water inside?

TroutScout - re: the unlocking doors, there is a thread now with the part number needed to replace a fuse box to correct.....er, 'update' your door locking. They are not doing it under warranty, but it doesn't appear too expensive.

I've been dry for a while, why is the leak so inconsistent???

I've been dry for a while, why is the leak so inconsistent???
Yeah, what about that?
I'm not real comforted that it is currently dry. I have had 3 leak sessions, each 2 days or less, very small amounts of water. I was completely dry during the wettest 2 weeks, and they were REAL wet!

Hey, I really like looking at that white RT everytime you post! :cool:

No leaks. No problems at all as a matter of fact.

Love this truck!:)

fins

Thanks farmguy, I will check out that thread. BTW, it poured all weekend here, no leaks. I will still have the dealer check it out when I go in for service. Thanks to everyone for this great site!

I can't believe it!! I have water in the rear seat area. My amp rack and sub box that are installed under the seats are getting wet at the base.

Man this sucks. I can hear it now. Honda is gonna say that the leak is the result of my custom stereo work. BTW, I washed the car last night with a high pressure hose, so maybe that could be it. The carpet is not wet to the touch, but it seems the parts of mdf that is digging into the carpet is soaking up the water. It rains like crazy here in Vancouver, British Columbia, but I don't think I have ever seen water in the rear seat area until now.

I hope it's the high pressure car wash that caused the leak. I don't even want to think of having to take apart all the stereo equipment

Dang it, Honda.............

Oh man, of all the people to have this happen to. :mad:

How well do you get along with your Honda dealer? I hope they take very good care of you.

Best of luck.

I can't believe it!! I have water in the rear seat area. My amp rack and sub box that are installed under the seats are getting wet at the base.

Man this sucks. I can hear it now. Honda is gonna say that the leak is the result of my custom stereo work. BTW, I washed the car last night with a high pressure hose, so maybe that could be it. The carpet is not wet to the touch, but it seems the parts of mdf that is digging into the carpet is soaking up the water. It rains like crazy here in Vancouver, British Columbia, but I don't think I have ever seen water in the rear seat area until now.

I hope it's the high pressure car wash that caused the leak. I don't even want to think of having to take apart all the stereo equipment

Dang it, Honda.............


I feel your pain thats were i store all my winter wrok clothes :eek:

Funny thing is, I would not have known about the leak if it weren't for the equipment. The mdf showed water stains while the rest of the carpet did not have any signs of water damage. I wonder how many people have a leak in the rear seat area and don't know about it. There is a rather thick layer of insulation below the carpet. It could get wet, but the carpet would look and feel dry to the touch. BTW, I don't wash the RL very often. It rains here every day for weeks at a time and every other day when it doesn't, so washing the car becomes a royal pain in the butt.

Over the Christmas holidays, I will take everything apart and install the stereo behind the seats like djdj and other have done and protect it with waterproof material at the top and back sides. I was planning on doing that eventually, anyway. I will then do a leak test to find out exactly where the darn thing is leaking. If it is the sliding window area, I'll simply not wash the area when washing the car -- spray on glass cleaner afterwards instead. I did stand in the trunk area with a high pressure hose. I guess that wasn't a smart thing to do.

Funny thing is, I would not have known about the leak if it weren't for the equipment. The mdf showed water stains while the rest of the carpet did not have any signs of water damage. I wonder how many people have a leak in the rear seat area and don't know about it. There is a rather thick layer of insulation below the carpet. It could get wet, but the carpet would look and feel dry to the touch. BTW, I don't wash the RL very often. It rains here every day for weeks at a time and every other day when it doesn't, so washing the car becomes a royal pain in the butt.

As you can see by this thread, there are a few of us with a rear seat leak. It may not be your washing, as this particular leak has been interrmitent for several of us. There is also another thread that has some pics from SnowRidge showing where the leak is coming from:

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...4196#post34196 (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34196#post34196)

Mine is identical to this, as I have seen the water running down the pillar, inside. In this case, I think the water would run onto the top of the carpet, not seep in from underneath.

Hope you find some help in these two threads, let us know what you find out, as we are all looking for the solution. Notice the service order posted below with a reference number that may be a TSB or other internal Honda document indicating similar problems.

Good luck. :)

Moonroof warning
My sister has a 97 Camery with a moonroof. She has had it parked a few weeks as she has been driving my Passport. (So it gets some exposure 4sale) She calls yesterday in a panic as there is water on the floor board on the passenger side. She wants me to vac it out and find the leak. When she pulls up I notice that here moonroof is open about and inch or two. GO figure. She never looked at it as the inside part is closed all the time, she must of hit the button once by accident and it opended, no warning bells or lights, so not telling how long it has been open?:eek: