Honda's reputation for reliability faces a serious challenge as reports of widespread engine failures in its popular 3.5-liter V6 raise questions about the durability of Japanese vehicles. A recent case illustrates the problem: a buyer spent nearly $50,000 on a Honda Odyssey, expecting years of trouble-free ownership, only to discover the engine's reputation may be overstated.

NHTSA opened a probe in August 2025 into more than 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles after hundreds of reports alleging 3.5-liter V6 connecting rod bearing failures that can lead to complete engine failure. The investigation follows a November 2023 recall of about 249,000 vehicles over crankshaft manufacturing defects. Despite the recall, many owners report persistent problems, and a class action lawsuit now alleges Honda failed to address the root cause.

Affected models span more than a decade, including the Honda Pilot, Passport, Odyssey, and Ridgeline, plus Acura's TLX, RLX, and MDX. Some owners report failures well before 100,000 miles, with dealer replacement quotes reaching five figures. Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty leaves many owners exposed to costly repairs just after coverage expires. While Toyota faces similar scrutiny over its V35A twin-turbo V6, the scale of Honda's problem is significantly larger, threatening one of the industry's most trusted brands.