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2017 RTL-E water leaks from body seams (seam never...

2017 RTL-E with 40,000 miles later and out of warranty, I discovered my rear carpet was soaked with water; evidently the front passenger floor seam was never sealed from factory and the rear passenger body seam/panel seal (below rear windshield) was defected may be since day one; resulted of...

www.ridgelineownersclub.com

 

Sure did, that is the one that got me thinking so early on about it.

 

I've seen periodic reports of water leaks on this forum on both G2 and G1 Ridgelines for the 13 years I've been here.

Unfortunately, it's not just Ridgeline or Honda. If you do a Google search for "[insert model or brand here] water leak", you'll find complaints across the industry - even on seasoned models like the Frontier that's on its 15th year of production essentially unchanged.

 

That's unfortunate and definitely hard to take being just being the truck was bought a week ago.
I hope it gets resolved soon for you, then you can continue to enjoy your purchase.

 

Yes it is. Really hoping it's something more simple like a drain hose, or issue with the rack they installed. Would just hate a real body or weld issue.

Thing is - so far I love driving it. Really quiet and smooth. Just hope I don't get a bunch of rattles after they put it back together.

Have my new rims to put on soon... so hope this is "easy".

Oh, and 2 of my previous cars (and most recent) were toyota 4 runners. Which, for all their lack of refinement, just don't have issues. Like ever.

 

Forward as much information as you can gather to your local dealer, it does help .
I recon your dealer gets frustrated as much as you do, Honda recognizes there is a problem, and they don't want to fix it at the dealership, and from what I've learned its not just the RL, Pilot, Odyssey.

Cool head prevails ! Good Luck !

 

Meh, I pulled all the seats and the entire carpet out of my 2017 to dry it after I failed to seal a grommet well enough when I added a power inverter under the driver's seat.

That was two years ago. It's fine.

You might ask them to remove the foam under the dead pedal while they're there, though...

 

I bought an early 2006 GenI and it had a missing body plug on the passenger foot area that caused the carpets to be soaked. In this case it was simple for the dealer to find and repair the leak and a bit more work to dry out the wetness. Truck had no other associated issues for the 10 years that I owned it after that. I hope your water leak is as simple.

 

Hoping it's simple!

They did install roof rails on it, saw in one thread someone thought that was an issue.

My guess though, one of those drain plugs on the sunroof wasn't attached (I've read about this). The water in the car (and there was a lot) was very clean. I'm wondering if it actually got in when they rinsed it when they detailed it (as they had hand washed it as I had asked). The interior fogging has been there since the first night I owned it. There was zero fog in it the day I test drove it (2 days earlier).

Too much water to be coming in from under the car, even though it snowed here Friday, the car sat outside. That, or somehow from the windshield area as I had to defrost it after snow and ice for a long time last night - which would have added to any water from that first wash.

Ah, hoping it's simple and they fix my bumper at the same time. Even better would be if a couple backordered accessories arrived while they have it!

 

 

Update:

After 2 days the dealer called. They found a "pinhole" in the seam and are sealing that.

Now, from my perspective, there was way too much water in there to come from a pinhole on the side or underneath, and the water seemed "clean". I mentioned the sunroof drain tubes to them.

Not feeling good about this. I asked about new carpet and padding, - they have it "pulled back" with fans on it to dry it.

Ugh. Asked about unwinding the deal (long shot I know)... already sent in for the title. So it's mine. Which I figured. But just really hoping for the best now.

 

You have my sympathy. Sometimes, it's better to dump a vehicle at a loss and get into something else you're happier with. A little over a year ago, I dumped a three month-old RDX at a $5,000 loss and I'm glad I did it. Just be sure a post the VIN so we can avoid buying it.

 

I never understood why you dumped a 3 month old 2017 for the 2019, care to elaborat?

 

What is the manufacture date of your leaking '19?
Guess I'll be pulling the weather mats out for awhile to check for leaks.

 

What is the manufacture date of your leaking '19?
Guess I'll be pulling the weather mats out for awhile to check for leaks.

10/19

I'm torn on this. Fortunately it was caught very, very early (Thanks to this forum!)

If it's fixed correctly, I suppose things will be OK. I suspect I will know in very short order if things are OK.

Have wheels ready for it, a new stereo planned to go it. Just a bummer of a way to start!

I dumped a vehicle due to some issues a few years back and lost about 4k, went back to the 4Runner to make up for that quickly (it did, damn they hold value!) then to this.

IF it's fixed right here the first time, I'll settle in and enjoy it. The first few days I was just loving it as a daily driver!

 

I'd put that bad boy through a car wash a couple of times and if it leaks see what your rights are in your state. Or, systematically soak individual areas working from the bottom up. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone is going to care. The best way would be for you to find it yourself and show them where the problem is. Sad but that's the best way for a quick, favorable outcome. If this is manufacturing related and not due to your accessories, shows how HMA can't get quality under control even after 3 years of production, unacceptable. Hopefully this is the end and it will be trouble free like the 4 Runners.

 

Update, after 5 days my truck was returned to me today. The dealer, who was 1.5 hours away did send a porter with the vehicle.

Yes, fully documented that I had a leak and they fixed it. I was told everything was dried and fixed. Was run through the car wash several times (which is a bummer as I don't use automatic washes).

Unfortunately, as soon as I pulled up that little cover on the passenger side that covers the frame serial number - I could immediately feel the padding was still quite damp, and damp enough to leave moisture on my fingers. No standing water, etc.

So... I'm going to put a dehumidifier in the truck and really see if I can get it totally dried out. That way, if it's damp again I will know it wasn't fixed.

Bummed to say the least. I will open a case with Honda.

 

Update, after 5 days my truck was returned to me today. The dealer, who was 1.5 hours away did send a porter with the vehicle.

Yes, fully documented that I had a leak and they fixed it. I was told everything was dried and fixed. Was run through the car wash several times (which is a bummer as I don't use automatic washes).

Unfortunately, as soon as I pulled up that little cover on the passenger side that covers the frame serial number - I could immediately feel the padding was still quite damp, and damp enough to leave moisture on my fingers. No standing water, etc.

So... I'm going to put a dehumidifier in the truck and really see if I can get it totally dried out. That way, if it's damp again I will know it wasn't fixed.

Bummed to say the least. I will open a case with Honda.

I believe there's a rubber membrane between the inner carpet and the lower insulation, so it may never dry unless you pull it up and dry it completely before laying it back down.

 

AFTER (IF) they fix the leak, you need to have them replace the carpet and padding.

 

It's WAY worse than I thought.

Had the de-humidifier in there all day. Front wasn't any dryer.

Rear carpet felt damp - checked rear padding - soaked with standing water underneath.

What a disaster. They already acknowledged a leak up front that was fixed, so something else is leaking badly.

 

Take her back and if they don't fix it, that's strike #2. They never pulled up the back did they? So I guess there is no idea if it's related to the dealer accessory. I've had several oil leaks with Hondas and had to physically show the tech where the leak was coming from they don't try real hard, it might be easy for you to see the problem. It took me quite a while to find out where the leaks were coming from but once the detective work was done they were quite helpful. Clearly, it's not a pinhole. Good luck.

 

You could put signage on your truck, Honda Sold Me a Brand New Vehicle that is Flooded Front to Back and then park near the dealer entrance.

 

It may help to put the heater controls to the foot wells. Peel the carpet back and max out the fan with heat but have the windows down if you can.

 

If this is your daily driver your options are limited. If it is not, I would pull the interior (front and rear seats and center console) and remove the carpet, pad and rubber membrane from the vehicle. Separate the layers and allow them to properly dry completely. Once dry, treat any mold / mildew and reinstall.

I had to do this for a GMC Sonoma that despite the dealer's best efforts (marginal at best) it would not dry out.

This is not a difficult task, but it is definitely time consuming.

 

If this is your daily driver your options are limited. If it is not, I would pull the interior (front and rear seats and center console) and remove the carpet, pad and rubber membrane from the vehicle. Separate the layers and allow them to properly dry completely. Once dry, treat any mold / mildew and reinstall.

I would not do this on a new truck under warranty. The dealer needs to remove the carpets, find the leak or leaks and replace the carpets and pads. Give the dealer two more chances, then decide if you will do it yourself or use the lemon law.

 

Yup, already realize I may have to use a lawyer and the lemon law.

I won't be doing squat to it. I am tempted to take it to my local dealer. But feel the dealer I bought it from should fix it. Plus, they will give me a loaner.

Upon further inspection under the seats... there is rust on the mounting brackets for the seats and even metal that is "in" the seats. MFG date of 10/19.

But, clearly this has been a longer term issue. Car starting to smell like chemicals and exhaust also. The sales manager and service manager both have emphasized how important their surveys are.

I don't put this on either of them, but feel like it's all I have right now. So, I'm just not doing them for the time being. I will also get honda involved. Even if fixed, the problem is I will never trust the truck Too bad, as I really enjoy driving it.

I know there is NO chance of this, but really wish they would simply work with honda to get me a new unit to try.

I will be requesting new seats, new carpet and padding even this time if they "fix" it.

 

Yup, already realize I may have to use a lawyer and the lemon law.

I won't be doing squat to it. I am tempted to take it to my local dealer. But feel the dealer I bought it from should fix it. Plus, they will give me a loaner.

Upon further inspection under the seats... there is rust on the mounting brackets for the seats and even metal that is "in" the seats. MFG date of 10/19.

But, clearly this has been a longer term issue. Car starting to smell like chemicals and exhaust also. The sales manager and service manager both have emphasized how important their surveys are.

I don't put this on either of them, but feel like it's all I have right now. So, I'm just not doing them for the time being. I will also get honda involved. Even if fixed, the problem is I will never trust the truck Too bad, as I really enjoy driving it.

I know there is NO chance of this, but really wish they would simply work with honda to get me a new unit to try.

I will be requesting new seats, new carpet and padding even this time if they "fix" it.

Lemon law lawyers will only take a case they believe they can win. Manufacturers will make the case last for years and that's a commitment for everyone. Another thing to consider is the damage to the trucks resale value, what will the carfax look like? Don't accept just any loaner, demand a Ridgeline, the more you demand, the more you get in their face the more of a problem you become.

 

I went through his exact scenario in 2004 with a 4 month old Dodge Dakota. Ultimately led to a Lemon Law Buy-Back.

The selling dealership had made multiple attempts to seal water leaks, but was never successful. In my scenario, the carpet always felt dry on top but the foam underlayment was saturated. Having previously worked as a dealer service advisor, the method I took with this issue was to shake hands with the shop Foreman and Service Manager. Keeping the conversation friendly (they didn't cause the problem), I explained that out of fear of mold growth and the concern for future electrical gremlins (as my interior would turn into a steam bath every time the sun came out) I asked that once they confirm that the leaks have been sealed, if they would please replace the carpeting. They replaced the carpet w/o hesitation, but it was saturated again with the next rain storm Chrysler was unwilling to replace the truck, so my next call was to a Lemon Law attorney. Truck was returned and I was refunded.

The primary concern is your health. Mold will eventually grow, and obviously you don't want to be breathing it. The other issue is future problems with the electronics. Eventually, excess moisture in that cab will cause corrosion on terminals, etc. and you will have weird electrical gremlins.

If the Honda dealer has confirmed that the leak(s) have been sealed, ask them to replace the carpet. Based on the liability, I doubt they'll say no. In fact, somebody will prob get an ass chewing for returning the truck with a wet carpet. Also, I know that it's convenient to have the dealer send a porter for the vehicle, but sometimes a face to face interaction works wonders.

 

Oh,

I will be going in tomorrow. I don't blowup at these things. But I will be mentioning rust, mold and future electronic gremlins. Particularly since the truck already has rust on the inside. Furthermore it smells more like chemicals and exhaust (from being in a dealership service area for a week) than it does new car smell.

Yes, rust, it's up INTO the seats if you look into the hinge. Build date of 10/19, but something is awry with this truck. One of the chrome trim pieces on the back had delaminated also.

Oh... for those thinking can that really be... enjoy these pictures. This stinks though, as I really like the truck from a driving standpoint. Purchased 1/14...

 

One of the chrome trim pieces on the back had delaminated also.

Do you remember what I told you a week and a half ago in this post? Something bad happened to that truck before you purchased it.

 

Document everything. Phone calls, emails, etc.. date, time, parties involved, etc...

 

That’s horrible. Honda has to make right - rep.acement.

 

Before you do the lemon law (if there is such a law in your state) I would try to deal with the GM/owner directly and maybe they can replace your RL. Unfortunately, they can probably pass yours off to someone as a used one. Rusted metal on brand new seats is unacceptable.

 

I'm certainly going to talk to them and try to be calm and reasonable. There is a local Dodge dealer that has a huge used lot with a ton of lemon law buybacks on it.