[07RTXOwner]

I did do some searching before posting this. Of course, if there is a thread on point, pls direct me to that. I have seen a couple threads on exterior rust, and the very long thread regarding potential water-in-the-cab issues. We had a heck of a storm last night, but I did not notice any moisture anywhere (not behind the glove box, front-seat leg area (even under the mats), under the front seats nor in the rear. But I as I went to install an inverter, yikes, I found a great deal of rust under the front passenger and front seats. I have 2007 RTX with only 29k miles. This just seemed odd to me to see so much rust. Pictures are below. I'd welcome any comments, including whether I should not be worried about this. Thank you,

4-picture limit, else I'd post more. Thank you.

 

[Ridgeline 4 life]

i have noticed this too
but it doent seem to be a big problem

 

[speedlever]

I posted similar pics after noticing the same on my 2008 RL. And tossed in some comparison pics from our 2006 Pilot.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26217

 

[07RTXOwner]

Wow, 2008 huh. I checked my 2002 Santa Fe for comparison, only a very small amount. Note how extensive this is. The reason that I'm a little concerned has to do with my kids' tire swing. I used a galvanized 3/8" eye bolt, drilled through a 4x4 piece of redwood. I sheared after about 3 months. Mind you, this had a load rating over 800 lbs. I thought that I tightened the nut too much (using a 1/2" impact wrench). So I reinstalled a new one. It only lasted a few months too. Sheared again! This time I looked closer. That rascal had rust all the way through. Because I couterbored the whole, I think water got in and just ate it away.

Here, these seat portions that are rusting are key strucutral elements. I do not want them to fatigue over time. (Incidentally, my latest tire-swing solution is a 1/2" galvanized eyebolt, completely caulked over as well).

 

[speedlever]

I check the floor occasionally to see if there are any leaks. None found yet. No explanation for the rust under the seat. Seems to be a Honda thing since my Canadian built RL and my Alabama build Pilot both show the same.

 

[Andy-Montreal]

Unprotected steel that should have been either galvanized, plated or painted. Honda really scores low when it comes to details like this as there really is no excuse.

 

[speedlever]

Agreed. It's attention to detail that really counts. IMO Honda normally does well in this area. But Honda dopped the ball here.

 

[07RTXOwner]

I'll probably wait for an oil-change time, and ask the dealer to have a look and at least note something in my file so that if things get really bad then I might have an argument for addressing. Seems as though you might be able to remove the seat, get to the metal, and handle. I'm not sure about removing the front seats though, and don't want to jeopardize any warranty voiding.

 

[Embo_9]

Hey Rookie.

I checked under my seats after you mentioned it to me last night, I too have SOME rust under there. However it doesn't appear to be as pronounced.

Feel free to take a look at it this weekend or if you catch me outside anytime of course. I'd like to take a look at your rust too for comparison.

Maybe what I should be doing is helping you clear out that garage!!!

Your neighbor.