[Nirvanaa]

our car has the same problem, we went to Honda and they say the condensation has messed up the entire wiring and needs to be changes, about 2k. Not good

 

[Carbuff2]

THAT seems difficult to believe! (About the wiring being damaged, not the cost to replace.)

I could understand moisture in a taillight corroding electrical contacts, but not the wiring.

 

[Nirvanaa]

THAT seems difficult to believe! (About the wiring being damaged, not the cost to replace.)

I could understand moisture in a taillight corroding electrical contacts, but not the wiring.

Thats what Honda told us, we r past our warranty, but we do have extended warranty - either way Honda told us that the the wiring and fixing of the damage is not covered.

 

[Fearturtle44]

Can you post a pic of the Honda write up/cost? Would be interesting to see how Honda wrote this up. Thanks.

 

[Tmw]

My hrv is having the same issue on the left tail light, had the car for 4 years now, and just noticed it. I was hearing water moving around when I lifted the trunk.
When I close it, it starts to fill up with water.

 

[Genehil]

Perfect! I had the same problem and using your instructions solved my problem. I didn’t drill a hole but I removed that tiny screw at the tip and the remaining water seemed to have drained all out. I used same black silicone sealant to fill up the gasket’s groove. I don't have a dryer shelf so I placed the taillight assembly in direct 97 degree sunlight here in Florida and in another hour or so I will reinstall it. I’m not looking foreword to that one 8mm nut...

I was surprised at how much water came out of that thing!

 

[Hadleys Taxi]

Just for clarification, is the cause of the water build up due to;

Water ingress;, heavy rainfall, car washing and such like,

Or, condensation build up due to the light being a sealed unit?

Also, if it is due to water ingress, is it down to the seals failing or is it down to the design of the actual tailgate?

The hatchback version of my previous vehicle had no 'run off' channel between the glass and the bodywork and would result in the water entering either side of the boot whenever the hatch was lifted. Long term this water caused the carpeting to go mouldy and even electrical issues depending on where it pooled. Some owners resorted to filling the gap with silicon gel.

Many thanks.

Regards,

HT

 

[John35g]

I finally had to repalce the taillight- for a while no water was getting in etc. Then one bad storm and it was filled to just below the level of the bulb. Bought OEM part on line and it took 3 days to get to me- replacd with 1/2 hour.
I suggest you get a 8MM nut driver or socket with extension to reach the 2 of the 4 nuts required.
there are 2 gaskets too - glued to the assembly (if you buy it from Honda they send a new bulb and bulb housing too) I think the gaskets and how they are attached might be where the " leak" occurs.
Nothing was split or cracked and I could not pour the water out of anywhere BUT through the hole for the back up bulb.

 

[Ein]

I took mine taillight out. It was a tight squeeze but didn't have to remove the back panel.

 

[John35g]

I took mine taillight out. It was a tight squeeze but didn't have to remove the back panel.

after removal I was looking at the install of the 2 rubber gaskets - do yuo think could they be easily installed incorrectly and that leads to these water leaks ?

 

[Ein]

It has been 2+ years since I removed mine. I don't remember much. The only gasket I can remember is the foam kind around the bulb access.

 

[Nothinpersonal]

I looked last night- I see what you mean.'
Thanks-

Those were actually barely finger tight- almost loose.
This weekend I should be able to tackle this.... myabe take some pics too.

 

[Tom Collings]

I am also a member of the wet tail light club. I am reluctant (scared) to strip the rear tailgate upholstery. That fourth nut is almost unreachable. If I get it out, there would be little chance of getting it back. Has anyone tried drilling a hole over that part of the lining? This would allow access with a small socket (perhaps) The hole could be covered with an upholstery grommet. Just a thought ?????

 

[John35g]

I am also a member of the wet tail light club. I am reluctant (scared) to strip the rear tailgate upholstery. That fourth nut is almost unreachable. If I get it out, there would be little chance of getting it back. Has anyone tried drilling a hole over that part of the lining? This would allow access with a small socket (perhaps) The hole could be covered with an upholstery grommet. Just a thought ?????

Removing the back plastic panel ( the North Ameircan models have plastic panels) - was pretty easy. 4 pieces to remove and you have access to everything.

 

[John35g]

Well - after i replaced the passenger side ( about a 1 year ago) , over this weekend the drivers side was filled with water now.
SIGH...

 

[Hadleys Taxi]

When it rains, it pours......🏊‍♀️☔

 

[John35g]

I had the part delivered Saturday and replaced Sunday - took 15 min - and didn't have to take the interior panels off this time.
I used a small 8MM box wrench and was able to get the last bolt.

VERY INTERESTING DISCOVERY:
about a year ago when the passenger side was filled I noticed the 2 black acorn nuts ( accessible with the hatch up )- were loose - so i checked both sides for tightness when done and found drivers and passengers loose - barley finger tight etc. I know i used a wrench to tighten all four at that time.
when doing the replacement yesterday the drivers side was loose - and also the passenger side. They seem to work their way loose, (temp changes and vibration i guess)
Could this be a culprit to the leaks and water getting inside the lenses ? the outside gets a little loose and the gasket gets a little too much play and water seeps by.
Well- I could either use some blue Loctite- or add a customary check of these bolts to my regular maintenance schedule.

 

[bingchen]

I was wet tailed two years ago，but just join our club today！Ffuucckk honda，so many hrvs have the same damn problem. They should have been recalled for this problem.

 

[bchan42]

I had the part delivered Saturday and replaced Sunday - took 15 min - and didn't have to take the interior panels off this time.
I used a small 8MM box wrench and was able to get the last bolt.

VERY INTERESTING DISCOVERY:
about a year ago when the passenger side was filled I noticed the 2 black acorn nuts ( accessible with the hatch up )- were loose - so i checked both sides for tightness when done and found drivers and passengers loose - barley finger tight etc. I know i used a wrench to tighten all four at that time.
when doing the replacement yesterday the drivers side was loose - and also the passenger side. They seem to work their way loose, (temp changes and vibration i guess)
Could this be a culprit to the leaks and water getting inside the lenses ? the outside gets a little loose and the gasket gets a little too much play and water seeps by.
Well- I could either use some blue Loctite- or add a customary check of these bolts to my regular maintenance schedule.

This could be a cause, if it is difficult for us to remove the nut, it will be just as painful for Honda to assemble this while the assembly like is moving to the next assembly point, they only get 2-5 minutes per station so finger tight may be good enough for them and we get water in the tail lamps. Just make sure if you see water, get it out ASAP !! it will start to stain the reflectors inside and will look horrible when you finally get the water out.

 

[Banky33]

Just adding onto this growing thread - I have the same issue. Despite my "Comprehensive" warranty, the Honda dealership wants me to pay them $150 for the diagnosis they did it and another $300 to fix it - in my case, the water has filled up the rear taillight, leaked down the rear hatch and has been tripping the alarm in the middle of the night. I wonder if they'll pay for it when the entire electrical system shorts? Or when my neighbours smash out my windows? How about if the taillight fills so much that it stops working? Then maybe?

Really disappointed - got this car from a KIA dealership less than 90 days ago; bought a third-party warranty too (not realizing the car had the existing "Comprehensive" on it). I've escalated the case to Honda Canada Customer Relations/Retention - hopefully someone will help me with this.

Agreed with above posts - Honda should have a recall program; perhaps we need to organize a class-action lawsuit?