by New Lawsuit Against Honda Over V6 Engines
Honda is once again at the center of a legal proceeding in the United States. This time, the issues concern not the smaller four-cylinder engines, but the widely used 3.5-liter V6. The automaker, which was already involved in lawsuits last year related to 1.5 and 2.0-liter engines, now faces a class action lawsuit over this gasoline unit.
The plaintiffs claim that this engine has potentially serious mechanical problems that could lead to its complete failure.
The main complaints outlined in the lawsuit are engine misfires, loss of power, delayed throttle response, stalling, and excessively loud operation. According to the documents, the root of the problem may lie in internal damage to key components such as connecting rods, pistons, bearings, and the crankshaft.
The Case of One Plaintiff
Currently, only one plaintiff is named in the case – Savannah Messenger. She purchased a used 2016 Honda Pilot in August 2024 and soon began noticing alarming noises in the engine. An inspection at the dealership revealed metal shavings in the engine oil pan, indicating serious wear or breakage inside the unit. The odometer at that time showed only 76,420 miles, which, in Messenger’s opinion, is significantly less than the expected lifespan of 200,000 miles.
After receiving an estimate from the dealer for an engine replacement costing $11,874, she decided to turn to an independent mechanic who installed a remanufactured unit for $2,400.
Did Honda Know About the Problems?
The plaintiff claims that Honda has long been aware of the defects in the 3.5-liter V6, citing a recall announced in November 2023 that affected over 200,000 vehicles. This campaign addressed certain defects related to the crankshaft, but, as stated in the lawsuit, it did not eliminate the underlying problems concerning the engine’s fundamental design.
The recall was limited in scope and did not eliminate the core defect present in all class vehicles. It did not address the key design and manufacturing issues related to rotating assemblies or excessive operating and idle temperatures, leaving many class vehicles without an adequate remedy for a dangerous problem.
Which Models Are Affected?
The lawsuit covers a wide range of models equipped with this engine. The list includes:
All these models are equipped with various versions of the same 3.5-liter V6 that is the subject of the legal complaint.
This situation once again raises questions about the durability and reliability of modern powertrains, especially considering that the problems occurred at relatively low mileage. For many Honda and Acura owners, the brand’s reputation as a manufacturer of reliable technology was a key factor in their purchase. Now they may have to face unexpected costs and a test of trust in the manufacturer. The success of this class action lawsuit could have significant financial and reputational consequences for the company, as well as set a precedent for similar cases in the future. Concurrently, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is already investigating 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles due to V6 engine-related problems, which only underscores the seriousness of the situation.
