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Acura4 MIN

1.4 Million Honda and Acura Vehicles Are Under Investigation for Serious Engine Issues

NHTSA’s investigation covers certain 2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines. Learn how it differs from a recall, which models are named and when to stop driving.

By CarCody Team

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports of connecting-rod-bearing failures in certain 3.5-liter V6 vehicles. The inquiry covers as many as 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles, but it is not a recall and does not establish that every vehicle will fail. Vehicle eligibility depends on the model year, engine and VIN.

If your vehicle has severe engine noise, an oil-pressure warning, stalling or loss of power, stop driving and arrange professional assistance.

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What NHTSA is investigating

NHTSA’s RQ24-013 investigation examines reports that connecting-rod-bearing damage can progress to complete engine failure. The agency’s official document recorded 283 reports as of January 15, 2025 involving vehicles outside the scope of Honda’s earlier recall.

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Honda recalled about 249,000 vehicles in November 2023 for a related connecting-rod-bearing and crankshaft manufacturing defect. The newer investigation focuses on complaints from vehicles that were not included in that recall.

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A failed bearing can damage the crankshaft, cause the engine to seize or stop producing power, and create a sudden loss of motive power. Honda’s safety bulletin warns that the condition can increase the risk of a crash, fire and injury. The investigation itself does not prove that every vehicle in the estimated population contains the defect, nor does it establish a single remedy for all of them.

Which Honda and Acura models are part of the reported population?

The reported population consists of the following model years equipped with the relevant 3.5-liter V6 engine:

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Brand Model Model years identified What determines coverage
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Honda Odyssey 2018–2020 Engine configuration and VIN
Honda Ridgeline 2017–2019 Engine configuration and VIN
Acura MDX 2016–2020 Engine configuration and VIN
Acura TLX 2018–2020 Engine configuration and VIN

A model and year match is only a starting point. Some vehicles in these ranges may have a different engine or may not be included in any eventual safety action. Use the full 17-character VIN to check your individual vehicle.

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Investigation versus recall: what is the difference?

Investigation Recall
NHTSA gathers complaints, analyzes failure patterns and decides whether further action is warranted. The manufacturer or NHTSA identifies specified vehicles and requires a defined inspection, repair or replacement remedy.
Being in the estimated population does not by itself mean your vehicle has a confirmed defect. Eligibility is determined by the recall’s VIN range and stated component or condition.
No universal repair for every vehicle in this investigation has been established. Dealers perform the remedy described in the recall notice, generally at no charge when the vehicle qualifies.

Until NHTSA reaches a decision, owners should not treat the investigation as proof that an engine replacement is automatically authorized. A dealer must verify the VIN and diagnose the vehicle.

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Symptoms that require immediate attention

Connecting-rod-bearing damage can begin internally, so a vehicle may not show an obvious warning at first. Stop driving and seek assistance if you notice:

  • A deep knocking, tapping or other unusual engine noise that changes with engine speed.
  • An illuminated oil-pressure warning or another serious engine warning.
  • Sudden loss of power, stalling or an engine that will not restart.
  • Signs that the engine is locking up or has suffered catastrophic internal damage.

Continuing to drive after an oil-pressure warning or severe noise can turn a repairable condition into total engine failure. If the vehicle loses power while moving, move to a safe location only if you can do so without continuing to operate it unnecessarily.

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What owners should do now

  1. Check the VIN. Enter the vehicle’s VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup and Honda or Acura’s recall-lookup service. Check both open recalls and any manufacturer campaign information.
  2. Contact an authorized dealer. Ask a Honda or Acura dealer to confirm whether your VIN is included in a recall or service action and to perform a VIN-specific inspection and diagnosis.
  3. Describe the symptoms precisely. Tell the service adviser when the noise, warning light, stall or power loss began, whether it changes with engine speed, and whether the engine has been repaired before.
  4. Keep documentation. Save warning-light photographs, tow bills, repair orders, oil-change records, diagnostic results and invoices. These records establish the vehicle’s history if a remedy or reimbursement policy is later announced.
  5. Do not substitute a generic part. Bearings, engines and diagnostic components require the correct engine and VIN-specific selection. Buying an aftermarket part before diagnosis can waste money and obscure the failure evidence.
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What a dealer inspection may involve

Honda’s published service instructions describe dealer inspection and, where the condition is confirmed, repair or engine replacement. The exact procedure depends on the VIN, engine condition and the applicable bulletin or recall. Ask the dealer to document test results and the reason for any recommended repair.

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If the vehicle is not covered by an open recall, the dealer can still diagnose the engine and provide an estimate. An investigation does not automatically make every diagnosis or repair free.

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What happens next

NHTSA can close the investigation, seek a broader recall, request additional manufacturer action or take another step after reviewing the complaint data. A final agency decision covering every vehicle in the estimated population had not been established in the available official materials.

For now, the practical dividing line is your VIN and your vehicle’s condition: a listed model is not a confirmed failure, while severe engine symptoms are a safety reason to stop driving regardless of investigation status.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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AcuraAcura MDXAcura TLXengine failureHondaHonda OdysseyHonda PilotHonda RidgelineNHTSAvehicle recalls

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