The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced an investigation into 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles due to potential engine damage that could lead to a complete failure of their 3.5-liter V-6 engines. The issue stems from the bearings on the connecting rods, which link the pistons to the crankshaft in certain V-6 engines, failing and causing severe damage. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 173 reports from owners, with one incident potentially resulting in a crash or fire.
The vehicles under investigation include the 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2018-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline. While an investigation does not automatically lead to a recall, it is a crucial step in the process before the NHTSA requests an automaker to issue a recall. At this point, owners are not required to take any action.
This investigation mirrors a previous recall in 2023, which affected nearly 250,000 cars, including many of the same models. The earlier recall addressed crank pins that were improperly ground during production, potentially causing connecting rods to loosen or break and lead to severe engine damage. This could result in pieces jamming into cylinder heads or even punching a hole through the engine block, commonly known as throwing a rod and rendering the engine useless.
It is essential to stay informed about any developments in this investigation and potential recall, as engine failure can pose serious safety risks for vehicle occupants. Honda and Acura owners should monitor official communications from the NHTSA and the automakers for any updates or actions required in response to this issue.
