The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation into more than 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles due to a potential engine defect involving connecting rod bearings. The investigation, which follows a previous recall, will examine if additional vehicles need to be recalled.
In 2022, Honda recalled approximately 250,000 vehicles to address the rod bearing issue, which was believed to be resolved. However, since the recall, NHTSA has received 173 complaints from owners of Honda and Acura vehicles not covered by the original recall, prompting further examination by the agency.
Affected Models and Years
The investigation covers several Honda and Acura models produced in recent years. The list of potentially affected vehicles includes:
- 2016-2020 Acura MDX
- 2018-2020 Acura TLX
- 2016-2020 Honda Pilot
- 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline
- 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey
In total, an estimated 1,410,806 vehicles are included in the current investigation.
Understanding the Engine Rod Bearing Issue
An engine rod bearing is a crucial component of the internal combustion engine. Composed of two semicircular halves, it ensures the crankshaft and connecting rod remain in place as they rotate. The top half of the rod bearing has a small hole, which provides vital lubrication to the crankshaft, preventing it from overheating.
Rod bearing failure can occur for several reasons, including insufficient lubrication, dirt buildup, or corrosion. Signs of rod bearing failure typically include the “check engine” light illuminating and a knocking sound from the engine compartment.
The Investigation’s Purpose and Next Steps
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) noted that all 173 complaints of rod bearing failures involved symptoms consistent with those covered by the original recall (Recall 23V-751) but were outside its scope. The ODI opened this Recall Query to evaluate the severity of the alleged defect in vehicles not included in the initial recall. This investigation will assess whether these vehicles pose a safety risk and if additional recalls are necessary.
At this stage, the 173 reported incidents have not resulted in any crashes, injuries, or deaths. NHTSA will continue to collect data and analyze vehicle complaints to determine if further action is required to address the potential defect in these Honda and Acura models.
