DETROIT (AP) — U.S. highway safety regulators have launched an investigation into potential engine failures affecting as many as 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles. The probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) centers on complaints about connecting rod bearings in several models that could fail and cause complete engine failure.
The affected vehicles 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. The issue involves the 3.5-liter V6 engines in these cars, where the connecting rod bearings — components that link the pistons to the crankshaft — can fail, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage.
In November 2023, Honda issued a recall for about 250,000 vehicles to address the issue, but NHTSA has received 173 complaints from vehicle owners reporting similar engine failures in cars not included in the recall. One owner even reported a crash, though no injuries were sustained.
The NHTSA has now opened a “recall query” to assess the scope of the problem in vehicles that were excluded from last year’s recall. Honda has stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation.
This latest inquiry comes amid several recent recalls by Honda, including a recall of nearly 1.7 million vehicles earlier this year due to a separate steering issue and another involving potential fuel pump leaks.
As part of its ongoing investigation, NHTSA will determine whether further action is needed for vehicles not covered under the 2023 recall. Honda has said it received 1,450 warranty claims related to the bearing problem but no reports of injuries associated with engine failure.
The automaker’s recall efforts last year included inspections and repairs or replacements of affected engines. However, with new complaints continuing to surface, consumers and regulators are closely watching how Honda responds to the expanding concerns over engine safety.
