The 2009 Honda Odyssey; a fault with the rear door has led to 46,000 recalls
The 2009 Honda Odyssey; a fault with the rear door has led to 46,000 recalls Reuters

Honda is recalling close to 46,000 of its Odyssey minivans due to a fault with its rear doors that can lead to them falling on people unexpectedly.

Currently two people have complained at being injured as a result of the malfunction, which affects the 2008 and 2009 models.

A notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website explained that the fault occurs as a result of a failure to the gas-filled struts, which help raise and support the vehicle's liftgate, or rear door. This allows pressurized gas to escape from the struts, meaning that the system cannot control the rear door's movements.

Honda will notify owners by mail, and dealers will replace the rear door struts for free.

Honda's move comes after the N.H.T.S.A. opened an investigation to the suspect liftgates in September, 2011, after receiving seven complaints from owners.

This is not the first time Honda's Odyssey has been subject to recalls. Honda were forced to recall 421 of its 2009 Odyssey model after incorrect front brake hoses were installed, which could lead to a failure of the brake system.

The N.H.T.S.A. has also previously investigated problems with the 2005 Honda Odyssey's liftgates, asking them to recall 22,000. On that occasion Honda fought the agency's findings saying that the issue did not represent a safety concern, according to The New York Times.

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