The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into potential engine failures affecting over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles.

The inquiry targets several popular models, including the 2016 through 2020 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, the 2018 through 2020 Honda Odyssey, and the 2017 through 2019 Honda Ridgeline.

The investigation aims to determine if a significant number of these vehicles, equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines, are at risk of experiencing complete engine failure due to a critical defect in the connecting rod bearings, according to documents posted to the NHTSA website on Nov. 11.

The NHTSA’s probe, which officially began on Nov. 8, comes in response to 173 consumer complaints received through Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), highlighting the failures of connecting rod bearings in the affected vehicles.

The connecting rods, which serve to link pistons to the crankshaft and facilitate motion for the vehicle, are suspected of causing engine failure when the bearings malfunction.

According to the NHTSA report, these failures mirror those addressed in a previous recall that was initiated by Honda in November 2023.

The 2023 recall initially targeted about 250,000 vehicles, including certain Honda and Acura models that displayed a similar defect.

However, the current investigation underscores concerns that a substantial number of additional vehicles with the same engine and bearing configuration may also be prone to failure but were not included in the recall.

According to NHTSA documents, the 173 consumer reports all share consistent characteristics with the issues covered in the 2023 recall, raising questions about whether the recall’s scope should be expanded to encompass a broader range of affected vehicles.

In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, Honda said that the company is “committed to safety.”

“We are aware that the NHTSA has initiated a Recall Query to assess the severity of the alleged defect and the scope of recall 23V-751,” Corporate Communications Officer Chris Martin said. “Honda has already been in communication with the agency on this topic and will continue to cooperate with the NHTSA through the query process.”

At the time of the 2023 recall, Honda reportedly addressed more than 1,450 warranty claims linked to the bearing issue, although no injuries were reported, according to Honda’s documentation. The repairs undertaken involved thorough engine inspections, with repairs or replacements provided where necessary.

While no injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with these incidents, the NHTSA has recorded one crash incident reportedly linked to the defect.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) will now review the details of each complaint to assess both the severity of the issue and the extent to which vehicles not covered under the 2023 recall are affected.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.