Honda, Acura Vehicles Under Scrutiny Over Engine Failure Concerns

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports of engine failures possibly affecting up to 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles, potentially leading to a significant recall.

At a Glance

NHTSA is investigating 173 complaints about engine failures in Honda and Acura vehicles.
Affected models include popular models like the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX.
The investigation targets V6 engines with defective connecting rod bearings.

The Investigation Begins

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a recall query into potential engine failures in up to 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles. There have been 173 consumer complaints focused on engine faults, specifically connecting rod bearing failures, which have led to the initiation of this investigation.

The Office of Defects Investigation will review these complaints to determine the extent of the problem, with one crash incident tied to the defect but no associated injuries or fatalities reported thus far. The models in question include the 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, and others, encompassing vehicles known for their reliability and popularity.

US regulators investigating whether engines on 1.4 million Hondas might fail https://t.co/CviTThLBCo pic.twitter.com/uQWdG3FfAf

— 1010 WINS (@1010WINS) November 12, 2024

Honda’s Response and Previous Actions

Honda has noted that it will cooperate fully with the NHTSA’s investigation. Previously, the automaker recalled around 250,000 vehicles in November 2023 in response to similar engine issues, specifically linked to improper equipment settings during crankshaft manufacturing, resulting in out-of-specification crank pins.

The impacted engines are primarily 3.5-liter V6 models that could potentially fail due to defective connecting rod bearings. Reports indicate that the company received 1,450 warranty claims related to these bearing issues. These developments come on the heels of an earlier extensive recall by Honda, involving nearly 1.7 million vehicles over a steering problem.

Impact and Future Implications

The NHTSA’s investigation is crucial not only in assessing the severity of the alleged defect but also in determining whether an expanded recall is necessary. Many of the 173 complaints share similarities with the issues addressed in the 2023 250,000-vehicle recall, indicating the possibility of more vehicles being affected than initially believed.

Owners of the affected models are advised to stay informed about the investigation’s progress. While it is too early to conclude the investigation’s outcomes, Honda’s collaborative stance with NHTSA reflects a proactive approach to maintaining vehicle safety. It will be essential for vehicle owners to monitor communication from Honda for any further developments or recall instructions.