Last week, I opened my vehicle door and noticed water standing in the foot well. I didn't think too much of it until I started driving down the street and gallons of water were gushing on my feet in the footwell from behind the steering wheel and fuse box. I parked and waited for it to dry out a few days. I took my vehicle to the dealer and was shocked to hear that this is caused because the sunroof has a drainage system, and when the primary drain clogs, due to pollen or dirt, the secondary drain drains directly into the driver footwell. They advised that this is an issue that disregards vehicle age and sunroof non-use. Because this is a new vehicle, all of my basic maintenance and inspections have been provider by the Honda dealer. I asked why this had not been inspected on my previous service appointments and was told the primary drain for the sunroof can only be inspected by camera. It is only when the primary drain becomes clogged that the water dumps into the driver side footwell. I searched my owner manual and found nothing to indicate or require that the primary sunroof drain should be inspected, cleaned or serviced, at any of the maintenance intervals, and especially not during the first 2 years of ownership. The steering column, fuse box, and driver footwell house all of the necessary electrical and mechanical parts for steering, braking, acceleration, lighting and all other electrical systems controls. Additionally, if this were to happen while driving, the distraction to the driver could be catastrophic. My vehicle has been at the dealer for a week to clear the clog in the primary sunroof drain, remove the seat and carpet to dry, & inspect the electric systems including the power seat. I can make the vehicle available for inspection as needed and the dealer can provide the camera inspection that diagnosed the issue. This happened due to everyday dust and pollen, and there was no advance warning that this drain failure was imminent.
NHTSA ODI 11740750