Honda faced a new wave of legal issues in the United States following last year’s disputes over their four-cylinder engines. A class-action lawsuit has been filed concerning the brand’s most widely produced and popular power unit – the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Plaintiffs claim the engine has critical design flaws leading to its breakdown well before its expected lifespan.
The lawsuit’s impetus comes from the story of a U.S. resident who purchased a used 2016 Honda Pilot crossover. Shortly after acquiring it, at around 75,000 miles, metal shavings indicative of internal engine part damage-pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft-were found in the vehicle’s oil pan. Owners typically expect this engine to run trouble-free for at least 186,000 miles. The dealer asked nearly 12,000 USD for engine replacement, prompting the woman to take legal action.
The lawsuit claims Honda has long been aware of defects in the “rotational assembly” and issues with engine overheating during idling. Back in November 2023, the company recalled more than 200,000 vehicles due to crankshaft problems. However, legal experts argue those measures were insufficient and failed to address the root design flaw.
List of Models in the Lawsuit
- Acura: RLX (2014–2020), TLX (2015–2020), MDX (2016–2020 and 2022–Present).
- Honda: Pilot (2016–2022), Odyssey (2018–Present), Passport (2019–2025) and Ridgeline pickup (2017–Present).
If the court sides with the plaintiffs, Honda might have to conduct one of its most expensive service campaigns in history, as the mentioned V6 engine is a cornerstone of the brand’s model lineup in North America.
Recent Developments and Statements
Despite previous recalls, issues with the 3.5-liter engine continue to surface. Honda recently acknowledged these problems in a statement but maintains it is actively working towards long-term solutions. Automotive experts have commented on potential reputational damage and trust deficits among Honda’s consumer base. Some analysts suspect that this could result in a significant loss of market share, especially in North America, where competition with brands like Toyota remains fierce.
