The agency says in documents posted on its website Monday that connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure.
Up to 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles may have engines that fail, according to complaints being looked into by the US government’s highway safety agency.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s investigation focuses on the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX models from 2016 to 2020, as well as the Odyssey and Acura TLX models from 2018 to 2020. The Honda Ridgeline from 2017 to 2019 is also covered.
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According to papers the government made public on its website on Monday, connecting rod bearing failure in cars with 3.5-liter V6 engines can result in total engine failure. The wheels are moved by connecting rods, which connect the pistons to the crankshaft and transform vertical motion.
In November 2023, Honda recalled over 250,000 cars to address the same issue. However, according to the government, 173 owners have complained about connecting rod bearing problems, but the recall did not apply to their cars. An accident without any injuries was recorded by one owner.
To ascertain the extent of the issue in cars not covered by the 2023 recall, the agency announced that it is initiating a recall query.
Honda stated that it would assist the NHTSA with the inquiry.
The company stated in documents outlining the 2023 recall that 1,450 warranty claims were made because of the bearing issue, although there were no reports of injuries. The engines were to be inspected, repaired, or replaced by dealers if necessary.