The NHTSA Again Is Investigating About 1.4 Million Honda Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating more than 1.4 million Honda vehicles sold in the United States (US) over concerns that connecting rod carrier failures in their engines could lead to total engine failure.

In a memo dated Aug. 20, the regulator said it had received 414 reports of the problem in various 3.5-litre V6 engines in Honda and Acura vehicles, Mina reports.

The research included the 2018-2020 Acura TLX and 2016-2020 MDX models, as well as three Honda models: the 2016-2020 Pilot, the 2018-2020 Odyssey, and the 2017-2019 Ridgeline.

The Japanese automaker is recalling 249,000 vehicles in November 2023 to address possible problems during crankshaft production that could cause premature wear of the connecting rod brackets, leading to engine failure.

Last year, 1.4 million Honda vehicles were tested for reports of serious engine problems.

NHTSA said it is opening another investigation after closing the previous one to more thoroughly assess the scope and severity of the potential problem and the associated safety risks.

She also pointed out that a large number of reports of engine failures in vehicles that were not covered by the previous investigation represent a potential safety risk.

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