Government Investigates Honda and Acura Engine Failures Following Alarming Increase in Complaints | Carscoops

      Over 3,000 incidents have been reported, attributed to failures in connecting rod bearings.

       August 25, 2025 at 20:51

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Michael Gauthier

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The government is conducting an investigation into the numerous engine failures occurring in Acura and Honda vehicles.

      These vehicles are fitted with 3.5-liter V6 engines that have the potential for connecting rod bearing failures.

      A total of 3,012 cases have been reported, of which seven have resulted in crashes or fires connected to the issue.

      

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation is looking into engine failures across a variety of Acura and Honda models, including the Acura TLX, MDX, and Honda Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline.

      

      

      More: Nearly 250,000 Hondas and Acuras Recalled Due to Engine Seizure Concerns

      All five models are equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines and the government has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures. The NHTSA described this as a “significant number,” prompting them to launch a preliminary evaluation to investigate the “scope and severity of the potential issue and to fully assess any related safety concerns.”

      The government estimates that around 1,410,806 vehicles feature the 3.5-liter V6 engine, noting that connecting rod bearing failures can lead to total engine failure, which is a serious concern and can be costly to repair.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Many owners are already facing this issue, as, in addition to the 414 reports received by the Office of Defects Investigation, American Honda is aware of another 2,598 occurrences. This raises the total to 3,012 cases, which have included seven incidents of crashes or fires.

      This isn’t the first instance where the powertrain has been scrutinized; a recall of 248,999 vehicles took place in 2023 due to a manufacturing defect in the engine crankshaft, which could cause the connecting rod bearing to wear prematurely and seize.

      Only 1% of the recalled vehicles were suspected to have the defect, attributed to incorrect equipment settings during crankshaft production. As of November 3, 2023, Honda had received 1,450 warranty claims related to this problem. Dealers were instructed to inspect and repair or replace the engine as needed.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Despite the previous concerns, the NHTSA stated that the recent failures are “outside the scope” of the earlier recall. They further indicated that the current problem does not appear to stem from the same crankshaft manufacturing defect identified in the previous campaign.

      It is still uncertain how this situation will develop, but the investigation involves the 2016-2020 Acura MDX and 2018-2020 Acura TLX. The government is also looking into the 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline, and 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey.