Millions Of Honda Vehicles Under Investigation For Engine Issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into Honda and Acura models equipped with the automaker’s 3.5-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. The issue is with the automatic stop-start system, which may fail to restart the engine after shutting down at a complete stop.
Key Points
- NHTSA is reviewing Honda and Acura models with 3.5L V6 engines and 9-speed automatics for stop-start system failures.
- Complaints allege the engine stalls and doesn’t restart at traffic lights or intersections, posing safety risks.
- Honda issued software and hardware fixes in 2023 and extended warranty coverage, but NHTSA says issues persist.
According to documents published Wednesday, the agency is looking at more than 2.2 million vehicles after receiving nearly 1,400 complaints. Owners allege that their vehicles intermittently stall and fail to restart, leaving them stranded in intersections or at stoplights.
NHTSA’s investigation includes the following models:
- 2016–2019 Honda Pilot
- 2015–2020 Acura TLX
- 2016–2020 Acura MDX
- 2019–2022 Honda Passport
- 2020–2023 Honda Ridgeline
Honda first issued a service bulletin addressing the issue in January 2023. The proposed fix involved a two-stage repair: an update to the Programmed Fuel Injection software, followed by replacement of the starter assembly, starter relays, and potentially a valve adjustment if needed.
However, NHTSA continues to receive complaints from owners who say their vehicles experienced failures even after Honda's fixes.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) stated that many complainants had already received the service bulletin fix from Honda, casting doubt that the remedy is an easy fix. NHTSA will now conduct an engineering analysis to better understand the root cause and determine whether a full recall is required.
Honda has extended warranty coverage to 10 years with unlimited mileage for vehicles affected by the stop-start issue but not yet repaired through software updates. The automaker says it is cooperating with NHTSA’s ongoing investigation.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Little short sighted there buddy.
This has been happening with my 2022 civic Si too. It almost got me killed, but I've been unable to prove it. I keep it in sport mode, to eliminate auto start