Auto safety regulators probe 1.4M Honda and Acura vehicles over engine failures

US auto safety regulators have launched a probe into more than 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles over a risk of engine failure – after hundreds of drivers reported issues with the cars.

The new recall covers an estimated 1,410,806 vehicles, including the following models:

• 2018-2020 Acura TLX
• 2016-2020 Acura MDX
• 2016-2020 Honda Pilot
• 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey
• 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initially investigated this issue under a recall in November 2023, after its office received 414 reports of engine failure in the vehicles. At the time, it said the failures were caused by faulty connecting rod bearings.

Connecting rod bearings hold the crankshaft and connecting rod in place as they rotate. If these bearings become damaged, they can cause engine failure.

At least four of those incidents led to a crash or fire, according to the NHTSA. It said it is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue.

The NHTSA closed the original investigation after it found engine failures that were not caused by “the same crankshaft manufacturing defect” that Honda identified in its 2023 recall.

Regulators on Wednesday opened a new probe into the engine failures due to the high number of reports “to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.”