by Investigation into Engine Problems in Honda and Acura
The U.S. government has launched an investigation into thousands of cases of engine failure in Acura and Honda vehicles. The Acura TLX and MDX models, as well as the Honda Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines, have come under close scrutiny. The problem involves the failure of connecting rod bearings, leading to complete engine destruction.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 414 complaints from owners, which is considered a significant number, prompting a preliminary evaluation of the scope and seriousness of the potential problem. It is estimated that approximately 1.41 million vehicles may have this defect.
A total of 3,012 incidents have been registered, including seven accidents or fires related to this issue. Honda has also reported an additional 2,598 incidents, confirming the seriousness of the situation.
Previous Recalls and New Problems
This is not the first time these engines have attracted attention: in 2023, approximately 249,000 vehicles were recalled due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect. However, NHTSA notes that the current problems are not related to the same causes and fall outside the scope of the previous recall.
The investigation covers models from the 2016–2020 model years, and it is not yet clear what decisions will be made. Dealers have already been instructed to inspect and replace engines if necessary, but the scale of potential measures remains open.
Engine reliability problems in Honda and Acura could affect consumer trust in the brand, especially considering that similar incidents have occurred in the past. Manufacturers will likely have to not only address the technical shortcomings but also communicate more actively with owners about warranty terms and potential risks to avoid further incidents.
