Honda Recalls 250,000 Vehicles, Including Acura, Odyssey Models Over Engine Flaw

Honda Motors Company Ltd. recalled nearly 250,000 vehicle units including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), pick-up trucks, and a sedan. The Japanese automaker said the vehicles are being called back due to a production error that may damage the engine.

As posted on the official recall notice that was filed by Honda Motor with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) late last week, the connecting rod bearing in the engines of the company’s Honda and Acura brands is faulty and with this condition, the engine may “run improperly or stall while driving.” if this happens, the risk of a crash, fire, or injury is heightened.

Models Affected by the Recall

According to CNN Business, the latest Honda recall affects the Acura TLX with model years 2015 to 2020 and the Acura MDX from 2016 to 2020. In addition, the Honda Odyssey 2018 and 2019 model units and Pilots SUVs 2016, 2018, and 2019 models are being recalled as well. Lastly, the company said that its Ridgelines made between 2017 and 2019 may also be affected.

It was noted that this is the 14th recall notice from Honda Motor this year and with the impacted volume, this is the fifth largest among the recalls. As of November, the total number of recalled vehicles for 2023 has already reached more than three million.

Details About the Defect

NPR reported that the manufacturing error involved the engine crankshaft. In the affected engines, it may cause the connecting rod bearing to wear and seize before the usual time. Moreover, unusual engine noise, engine stalling, or reduced engine output are said to be warning signs for the said defect.

Lastly, an illuminated engine check lamp is also said to be a warning sign of a possible error. "If the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving, and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury," Honda Motor warned. The automaker will send out notifications, via mail, to owners of the recalled vehicles starting Jan. 2, 2024.

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