Honda Engine Problems Are Raising New Questions About Japanese Reliability

For decades, Japanese automakers have built their reputations on durability and long-term reliability. This perception still shapes purchasing decisions today, especially for family vehicles for which buyers often pay a premium in anticipation of years of trouble-free use.

A recent case shows how quickly this trust can dissolve. One buyer spent nearly $50,000 on a Honda Odyssey last year, choosing it over cheaper alternatives from Chrysler, Kia and even Toyota. The decision was based on a familiar assumption: Paying more for a Honda meant fewer headaches down the road.

This assumption has come under increasing scrutiny as reports spread online that Honda’s widely used 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 may not be as reliable as many drivers believe. Investigations, recalls and lawsuits over engine failures are now raising broader questions about whether one of the industry’s most reliable powertrains still lives up to its reputation.

Honda’s 3.5-Liter V6 Problems Continue to Grow

Honda’s problems with its 3.5-liter V6 engine have not abated. Instead they seem to intensify. In August 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into more than 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles following hundreds of reports alleging 3.5-liter V6 connecting rod bearing failures that could lead to loss of power or complete engine failure.

The investigation follows a November 2023 recall of nearly 249,000 Honda and Acura vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing issue that could lead to connecting rod bearing wear and eventual engine failure. But for many Honda and Acura owners, the recall did not provide a permanent solution. The situation later turned into a class-action lawsuit.

A Simple Engine with Complex Malfunctions

The irony of the situation lies in the basic design of the engine. Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 uses no turbocharging, no hybrid assistance, and no complex electrification systems. Despite its mechanical simplicity, many owners report serious driving problems.

Symptoms include abnormal engine sounds, stalling, loss of power, hesitation when accelerating and, in some cases, the engine shutting down completely while driving, according to court records. Behind these symptoms there are much more serious internal malfunctions.

Allegations Point to Internal Engine Damage

Plaintiffs allege premature wear and damage to connecting rods, pistons, bearings and crankshaft. In some cases, this causes complete engine failure.

One example cited in the lawsuit involves an Ohio resident whose 2016 Honda Pilot experienced complete engine failure at just 76,420 miles. Since the vehicle was out of warranty, a dealer offered $11,874 for a new engine. After Honda refused to cover the repair, the owner installed a remanufactured engine at personal cost of $2,400.

Honda acknowledged during the 2023 recall that a manufacturing defect related to an improperly grounded crankshaft journal was identified. The lawsuit alleges that the recall failed to address the root cause and was never included, even though many affected vehicles showed the same symptoms.

Affected Models Span More than a Decade

The list of vehicles mentioned in the lawsuit is extensive and covers a production period of more than ten years. It includes the Honda Pilot, Passport, Odyssey, and Ridgeline, as well as Acura models such as the TLX, RLX, and MDX.

The inclusion of the 2014 Acura RLX in particular shows that these problems may date back a decade. This long timeline significantly raises the stakes for Honda, both financially and reputationally.

Owners have reported failures well before 100,000 miles, and some say dealer replacement prices can reach the five-figure range, depending on parts and labor. Complaints filed with NHTSA increasingly cite crude idling behavior; this is a symptom usually reported shortly before catastrophic failure.

Warranty Coverage Leaves Many Owners Stranded

Honda’s powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. As a result, many vehicle owners experience engine failure shortly after warranty coverage expires. For a brand long associated with durability and low ownership risk, this represents a serious erosion of consumer confidence.

Honda is not alone among Japanese brands

Honda isn’t the only Japanese manufacturer to face scrutiny over its V6 engines. Toyota has also issued U.S. recalls related to machining residue in its V35A twin-turbo V6, including some 2022 to 2024 Tundra and 2022 to 2024 Lexus LX vehicles, as well as the 2024 Lexus GX; following warnings that debris could lead to bearing failure, rough running and even rollover. Toyota also faced class action claims arguing that the scope or remedies for recalls should have been broader.

Honda’s Problem Is Bigger

The difference lies in the scope. While Toyota’s V35A debris campaigns focus on a defined set of late model years, the August 2025 NHTSA investigation into Honda and Acura 3.5-liter V6 bearing failures covers more than 1.4 million vehicles across multiple nameplates.

For two automakers synonymous with longevity and trouble-free ownership, these cases represent a significant challenge to long-held perceptions. Particularly in Honda’s case, a definitive solution still seems distant, and many owners question whether Japanese reliability is still what it once was.

This article was first published on: Autorepublika.com Republished with permission. Guessing the Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.