A recent federal investigation is casting a shadow over millions of Honda and Acura vehicles, as reports of engine issues escalate. This probe focuses on a recurring problem with connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5-liter V-6 engines, potentially affecting over a million vehicles. The unfolding situation highlights persistent manufacturing challenges for the automaker, which previously dealt with similar engine-related recalls.
This renewed scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation could pave the way for another large-scale recall, placing a significant burden on Honda and Acura. The integrity of the affected engine components is under question, raising concerns about vehicle safety and reliability for a substantial segment of their customer base.
Extensive Engine Investigation Uncovers New Flaws
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into approximately 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles. This action stems from hundreds of complaints regarding the failure of connecting rod bearings within the 3.5-liter V-6 engines. Affected models span various years, including the 2018-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline. This current inquiry suggests a distinct manufacturing defect in the crankshaft, differing from the one that triggered a 2023 recall.
The Office of Defects Investigation officially commenced this probe on August 20, having cataloged 414 instances of bearing failures, while Honda itself has amassed nearly 2,600 such reports. This new defect is not related to the previous 2023 recall, which addressed premature wear on connecting rod bearings due to out-of-spec crank pins, an issue that could lead to engine seizure. Although the earlier recall involved some of the same models, the specific model years differed. For instance, the 2015-2020 TLXs and 2016 Ridgelines were impacted by the prior recall. NHTSA had also launched a Recall Query in November following the 2023 recall after receiving additional reports of connecting rod bearing failures with characteristics mirroring those in the previous recall but outside its designated scope. The ongoing preliminary evaluation aims to thoroughly assess the extent of this potential safety concern.
A History of Engine Troubles and Future Recalls
The current investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration signifies a continuing pattern of engine-related challenges for Honda and Acura. This new probe is distinct from a previous recall issued in 2023, which also addressed connecting rod bearing issues but was attributed to a different manufacturing flaw related to crankshaft pin specifications. Despite that earlier action affecting nearly a quarter-million vehicles, subsequent reports of similar failures outside the scope of that recall prompted this latest inquiry, highlighting a persistent underlying vulnerability in their 3.5-liter V-6 powerplants.
The Office of Defects Investigation's preliminary evaluation is critical in determining the full scope and potential safety implications of this new manufacturing defect. While the previous recall query concluded that no identical manufacturing defect existed in out-of-scope engines, the mounting evidence from hundreds of new consumer reports suggests otherwise. Should this investigation confirm a widespread defect, Honda could face another significant recall impacting over a million vehicles, potentially leading to substantial financial and reputational repercussions. The automotive industry and consumers alike will be closely watching as NHTSA concludes its assessment, as the outcome will dictate the next steps for Honda and Acura in addressing these critical engine reliability concerns.