The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles after hundreds of complaints that connecting-rod bearing failures in the 3.5-liter V6 can lead to complete engine failure, according to the agency.
The investigation covers:
• 2018–2020 Acura TLX
• 2016–2020 Acura MDX
• 2016–2020 Honda Pilot
• 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey
• 2017–2019 Honda Ridgeline
According to NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, 414 reports describe connecting-rod bearing failures in these models. The agency noted that these incidents fall outside the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 and are not linked to the crankshaft manufacturing defect addressed in that action. NHTSA said it closed a prior Recall Query (RQ24013) and opened this new Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope and safety implications.
This development follows Honda’s November 2023 recall of about 249,000 vehicles to address a crankshaft defect that could cause premature bearing wear and seizure. The new probe looks at failures reported beyond that recall’s coverage.
Why it matters: a seized bearing can cause sudden power loss and catastrophic engine damage. Regulators say the volume of complaints outside the earlier campaign merits further review.
What owners should do: monitor your VIN on NHTSA’s website for updates, and contact a dealer if you experience engine knocking, warning lights, or loss of power. This is an investigation, not a new recall; remedies will depend on NHTSA’s findings and any actions by the manufacturer.
What’s next: NHTSA will analyze field data and information from Honda to determine whether a broader recall or other remedy is warranted.
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