2008 HONDA ODYSSEY — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

I OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE OF THE VAN. THE STRUTS THAT HOLD THE GATE OPEN FAILED AND HIT MY SON IN THE HEAD. MY VAN HAS A MANUAL LIFT GATE AND DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF 2008 VANS WITH AUTOMATIC LIFTS WHERE THE GAS WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE STRUTS AND CAUSING A SIMILAR FAILURE. I REQUEST THE NHTSA INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE OF THE MANUAL LIFT GATE AND REQUIRE HONDA TO FIX THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE. I FEEL THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IN A VEHICLE ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. I HAVE ANOTHER VAN (MERCURY VILLAGER) THAT IS ALMOST 18 YEARS OLD AND THE LIFT GATE STILL OPERATES AS NEW. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUSLY INJURY OR DEATH. THANK YOU. *TR