2021 Honda Odyssey: Tailgate won't open close automatically
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2021 Odyssey report: tailgate won't open close automatically. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 36,000 miles.
NHTSA has 56 owner complaints for the 2021 Odyssey in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771924 (filed 10/18/2026): “The driver sliding door would not close and would sometimes reverse direction. eventually, it failed completely and would not close. dealership repair involved the rear door latch and motors and cost over $2600. two weeks later and the passenger sliding doo…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11768080 (filed 09/30/2026): “The contact owns a 2021 honda odyssey. the contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the radio displayed a blank screen. in addition, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera turned on and off. additionally, there was a cracking sound comi…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: none clearly reported. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Tailgate won't open close automatically (2021 Odyssey)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2021 Odyssey
Page last updated .