US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Probes 1.41 Million Honda Vehicles｜Engine Defect Risks and Brand Impact

US Authorities Reinvestigate 1.41 Million Honda Vehicles｜Engine Failure Risks and Impact on Brand Trust

Key Points

• The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has launched a large-scale reinvestigation into Honda vehicles
• The investigation covers five models from Honda and its luxury brand Acura, totaling about 1.41 million vehicles
• Wear of connecting rod bearings inside the engine is cited as the cause of failures
• More than 414 consumer complaints and 2,598 manufacturer reports have already been submitted
• Honda recalled about 249,000 units in November 2023, but new reports prompted a fresh investigation
• The scale of the reinvestigation equals Honda’s annual US sales, raising concerns about brand image

List of Affected Models

The five models under investigation are as follows:

• Acura TLX (2018–2020)
• Acura MDX (2016–2020)
• Honda Odyssey (2018–2020)
• Honda Pilot (2016–2020)
• Honda Ridgeline (2017–2019)

All of these are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is believed to share the same defect risk.

Technical Background: Internal Engine Defect

The core issue is wear of the connecting rod bearings inside the engine. A possible flaw in the crankshaft manufacturing process may have led to premature wear. This can result in engine noise, reduced performance, and in the worst case, engine stall while driving. The engine is the "heart" of the vehicle, and such defects are directly tied to automobile safety. For this reason, the NHTSA took user complaints seriously and initiated this large-scale reinvestigation.

Past Recalls and Investigation History

In November 2023, Honda recalled about 249,000 vehicles due to similar engine issues. However, more than 414 additional complaints from non-recalled models were reported afterward, along with 2,598 manufacturer reports. Although the NHTSA initially closed its inquiry, the increase in reports prompted a new investigation. This has raised concerns that “the recall scope may have been insufficient.”

Market and Brand Impact

The number of vehicles under investigation is nearly equal to Honda’s total new car sales in the US in 2024 (about 1.42 million units). In other words, Honda now faces a reinvestigation on the scale of an entire year’s sales. The impact on the brand image is unavoidable, particularly in the competitive US market. Declines in customer loyalty, additional burdens on dealerships, and potential effects on share price are all concerns.

Expert Opinions

Industry analysts point out that “in large-scale investigations regarding engine safety, rapid and transparent recall responses are essential to maintain brand integrity.” They also note that competitors like Toyota and Nissan faced heavy criticism for similar problems in the past, underscoring the need for swift action from Honda.

Conclusion and Outlook

The NHTSA’s reinvestigation into 1.41 million Honda vehicles is not just a quality issue, but a “wake-up call” for the entire automotive industry. How Honda responds will determine not only customer safety but also its global brand trust. Users are advised to check if their vehicle is affected and to seek inspection or repair at authorized dealers if necessary. It is also important to stay updated via the NHTSA’s official website for the latest recall and investigation status.