The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into more than 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States. The probe was initiated due to concerns that a specific engine defect could lead to catastrophic engine failure. This action comes after the agency received 414 consumer reports about connecting rod bearing failures in the affected models’ 3.5-liter V6 engines.
The investigation covers a wide range of popular models from the 2016 to 2020 model years. Specifically, it includes the Acura TLX and MDX, the Honda Pilot and Odyssey, and the Honda Ridgeline. This new probe follows a previous investigation and a recall initiated by Honda in November 2023, which addressed the same engine issue in 249,000 vehicles.
In a letter dated August 20, the NHTSA stated that this new investigation aims to more thoroughly evaluate the scope and severity of the potential defect. The agency is concerned by the high volume of new engine failure reports in vehicles that were not included in the original recall. The defect involves a possible manufacturing flaw in the engine crankshaft that can cause premature wear of the connecting rod bearing, potentially causing the engine to seize.
The Japanese automaker had previously issued a recall to address the manufacturing defect, which it stated could lead to engine failure. The NHTSA has now decided that a broader investigation is necessary to fully assess all related safety risks, indicating that the initial recall may not have encompassed all vehicles at risk.
