Is Your Honda at Risk? 1.4 Million Cars Investigated for Engine Problems

In November 2023, Honda recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to a high risk of engine failure. This year, more and more drivers are reporting similar issues in other Honda and Acura vehicles that weren’t part of the initial recall. Due to the slew of reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is launching an investigation to see whether or not a new recall is necessary.

What Caused the Original Honda Vehicles’ Engine Failure?

When Honda recalled vehicles due to engine failure last year, the NHTSA brief warned that “the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.” This problem was due to a manufacturing error. Damaged engines might “run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.”

That recall included “certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles.”

What Is the New Problem With These Hondas?

This time around, the NHTSA is investigating Honda vehicles that were not part of the original recall but are exhibiting signs of engine failure. The new brief states “the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 173 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports of failing connecting rod bearings.”

The impacted vehicles are equipped with the 3.5 liter V6 engine and include:

• 2018-2020 Acura TLX
• 2016-2020 Acura MDX
• 2016-2020 Honda Pilot
• 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey
• 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline

None of these vehicles were included in the original recall, but they currently “have characteristics consistent with those addressed in recall 23V-751.” While 173 vehicles have shown these issues currently, over 1.4 million could be affected.

How Do I Fix My Honda Vehicles’ Engine Failure?

The fix for last year’s recall was to go to the dealership for an inspection. It’s too early to determine what the resolution will be for this new batch of vehicles. Honda told USA TODAY in a statement that it would cooprtate with the NHTSA’s investigation, however.

Sources

• NHTSA.org: “Engine Damage from Connecting Rod Bearing Wear” (2023)
• NHTSA.org: “Office of Defects Investigation Resume” (2024)
• USA Today: “Over 1.4 million Honda, Acura vehicles subject of US probe over potential engine failure” (2024)

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