The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into potential engine failures affecting up to 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles, following 173 complaints from owners regarding mechanical issues. The affected models include the 2016-2020 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, the 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey and Acura TLX, as well as the 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline.
At the heart of the issue are allegations that connecting rod bearings on vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines may fail, resulting in severe engine damage or even complete failure.
Connecting rods, which link the pistons to the crankshaft and convert vertical motion into rotational force, are integral to the engine's function. NHTSA documents, released on Monday, indicate that some vehicles may experience catastrophic engine failure due to this potential defect. In November 2023, Honda recalled approximately 250,000 vehicles to address similar issues, but the recent surge in complaints highlights a possible broader problem. One driver reported a crash attributed to engine failure, though no injuries were documented.
The regulatory agency has initiated a recall query to determine whether the scope of the existing recall should be expanded to include additional models not previously covered. Honda has stated it will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. "We are committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers and will work closely with NHTSA to address any concerns," Honda noted in a statement.
In its 2023 recall notice, Honda disclosed that it had received 1,450 warranty claims related to bearing issues, but reported no injuries. As part of that recall, the automaker instructed dealerships to inspect, repair, or replace engines as necessary. The effectiveness of these measures is now under scrutiny, as complaints have persisted.
For consumers, the prospect of engine failure is a significant safety concern, particularly given the critical role connecting rod bearings play in vehicle operation. If these bearings fail, drivers may experience sudden loss of engine power, increasing the risk of collisions. NHTSA's investigation aims to assess the severity and prevalence of these failures across a broader range of vehicles.
This latest probe highlights ongoing concerns about automotive safety and recalls in the industry. In recent months, Honda has faced other recall issues, including a separate October recall of nearly 1.7 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential steering defect. The automaker is not alone in grappling with recall challenges; Tesla also announced in October that it was recalling over 27,000 Cybertrucks due to delays in rearview images, which could heighten crash risks.
