Honda Pilot Door Opens While Driving! Is this a Dangerous Honda SUV Defect?

My wife told me that the "TAILGATE OPEN" warning light kept coming on while she was driving in her Honda Pilot. The door opens while the Pilot is in motion!
I just had to see this for my self...and make a video of it, of course. The real reason I wanted to make this video is to find out if anyone else has experienced this Honda SUV issue and, if so, what did you do to fix it?

Honda Pilot Door Opens While Driving! Is this a Dangerous Honda Defect?

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[calvinlim]

just happened to see this video - when I had the similar issue before, i ended up removing the rubber grommet under each of the tail gate corner and LOTS of water came out. it's been good since, so water was actually getting inside and affecting the sensors.

[classicsongs]

I had same issue in the past few weeks. Finally I figure out why and did many experiments to confirm that. Because a latch motor or actuator wiring accidently touch metal part of the car inside the panel, that cause wrong grounding. I repeat this many times. to fix this, you need to open the panel to expose the wiring, found out any wire has defect or exposed part, and seal it with tape. of course, water inside will cause same problem. Short or wrong grounding.

[pedrofernandez]

I love my plain Jane Yairs, nothing electronic to break or malfunction. I really don't mind manually opening the hatch, the doors and cranking the windows. I know none of that will ever malfunction as long as I own it.

[komit]

If this was a used vehicle make sure no one has tampered with the wiring. I believe in DRIVE the rear door should not be popping open. If it is popping open while in DRIVE someone has tampered with the wiring and perhaps messed something up.

[MOONTAROTCHILD]

What did you where do to fix it? Mine is doing it none stop but ten times worse than that

[theultimateverythingdude]

My mom has a pilot, and we went on vacation in North Carolina to the outer banks, and we got down there after a oil change at the dealership 4 days ago, and we unpacked, and went to go get dinner, and the battery light came on while driving! Then every light came on and the car turned off. We got a new battery then 2 days later, the battery light came on again while driving, and we had to replace the alternator. There must be a curse with the 2009-2015 pilots in North Carolina lol

[davidwolf]

Brock, I guess the obvious question would be whether or not you've made an inquiry for any service bulletin issued by Honda at your local dealer. I sure hope you folks can get a verifiable answer to this since it is a potential safety hazard going forward. If I hear of anything here on the left coast, I'll be sure to share it with you. Good luck with that.

[percussionistanthonyrobert]

My 2015 Honda Pilot EXL with only 14, 000 miles is doing the same thing. The tailgate comes open while driving (it does not go up) It seems worse when it rains or after car wash. This is very aggravating. (my local Honda dealer says no years warranty left) Brock has your car been fixed yet?

[peepers]

Honda over Toyota? What factors or factor helped make the choice?

[glenoneil]

Just changed my '15s tailgate latch. Did same think. Old latch had water inside it. Would constantly click. Leaving drain plug off

[josueventura]

I have a problem with a 2014 pilot, the trunk does not open with the control, it only opens the trunk window but it does not open automatically, any idea what it may be.

[ApexKilla_]

Hey bud. Me and my girlfriend are having this same problem! 2015 pilot. It all started when we got a spare key programmed. The key in your video is a spare. Thats not the oem key. Ours is doing the same thing. Its when we use both keys the same day, it throws off the electronics on the locks. Not sure if its a bad programming or what but its definately the key. Never had the problem untill we got that spare. Sometimes the alarm doesnt even work.

[anakanphysicaltherapy]

I am having the same problem with my Pilot 2013, happens mostly when it rains. Hoping for a DIY solution.

[BernonCars]

My mom’s been having trouble with her Odyssey’s doors. They’ll make that horrible buzzing saying they’re open while driving and they’re a pain to close

[foxkitsunegaming]

I have this going on in a 2007. What I am to understand is 1. Battery may be dieing or 2. The back latch needs replace.

[beatleboymatt]

Hi Brock. Same thing is happening to my wife's 2014 Honda Pilot. I do not have a powered lit gate, but the exact same issue is happpening with the gate lock. It seems pretty inconsistent, and no rhyme or reason. Noticed that it was happening while raining, but will drive tomorrow ...Perhaps it IS water.

Did you get any resolution or answers to this problem? I am curious.

[jessicafournelle]

My brand new 2021 honda passport is doing this, it is driving me crazy!! Another malfunction I noticed is it tells me to brake when on coming traffic is in their own lane and there is no reason to brake!!!

[ProGoHERO]

Wow my problems too now 2009 pilot ex. Same problem. My wife n I left cubs and while she was driving the tailgate opened by itself n we lost all our groceries. There was 48 pop cans rolling and popping everywhere on the intersection. Luckily there was a lot of nice people to help pick up bashed n road rashes up groceries. 😢😤

[yohannesvision]

I have the same problem with my 2012 honda pilot. the problem increased and my trunk is stuck right now . I can not open nor close it by the key or manually. please, if you are experienced of such problem and have the possible solution, welcome.

[stea]

I had an 06 pilot, check the lock assembly on the door, mine kept getting loose. Honda is not reliable anymore, electrical issues I had with mine.