2002 Odyssey: Leaking Strut AND Shock

We have a 2002 Odyssey, with 55K miles on it.

We just took it in for service and was informed that our front right
strut AND the rear left shock are both leaking, and would need
replacement.

The manager stated that normally these do not need replacement until
90K or so, but wondered if we drove a lot on gravel roads. Living in
the country, we do use gravel roads and roads of lesser quality, but
only about 1% of our travel.

He had no other explanation as to why they were leaking and what could
have caused them to start leaking.

Of course, these have failed after the 36K warranty, so we get stuck
with this bill.

Do we just chock this up to bad parts from Honda, or are the life
spans of these particular parts dependent on more than age or miles?

THANKS in advance...

 

id take some engine cleaner, clean the whole strut or shock off, and see
if the oil stains reappear. id also do the "bounce test" on all 4 corners.

is there uneven tire wear on those corners?

id also get a second opinion from another dealer.

 

id take some engine cleaner, clean the whole strut or shock off, and see
if the oil stains reappear. id also do the "bounce test" on all 4 corners.

is there uneven tire wear on those corners?

id also get a second opinion from another dealer.