2026 Honda Passport & Acura MDX Engine Problem

Class Action Investigation

Updated on December 29th, 2025 Author: Sergei Lemberg

Owners of the 2026 Honda Passport and Acura MDX are reporting serious engine failures soon after purchase. Complaints describe sudden engine damage tied to connecting-rod bearing problems, sometimes resulting in complete engine failure.

What Is the Reported Engine Problem?

Our research found that premature failure of the engine’s connecting-rod bearings. These bearings allow critical engine components to rotate smoothly under load. When they fail, metal-on-metal contact can occur, which may quickly damage the crankshaft, connecting rods, and engine block.

As a result, affected vehicles may develop

• knocking noises
• lose power
• shut down without warning

In several reports, the damage was severe enough to require a short block or full engine replacement.

Owner Complaints Describe Sudden Engine Failure

Owners report that the engine failures occurred without warning and during normal operation. In each case, the damage was traced to internal bearing components rather than external factors or driver behavior.

Direct owner complaint quotes include:

“2026 Acura MDX with 3.5 L V6 (J35Y-series) experienced connecting-rod bearing failure and total engine loss at 1,920 miles. Vehicle currently at dealer.” [1]

“The engine suffered a failure of the connecting rod bearings and wrist pin or pins. It necessitated a short block replacement.” [2]

These statements reflect sudden, internal engine damage that required major repairs shortly after purchase.

Connection to Prior Honda and Acura Bearing Failures

The engine failures reported in the 2026 Honda Passport and Acura MDX follow a pattern Honda and Acura have confronted before. In prior model years, similar connecting-rod bearing defects triggered recalls and multiple federal safety investigations involving the same 3.5L V6 engine platform.

This should sound familiar.

Prior Recalls and NHTSA Investigations

Federal regulators have repeatedly examined connecting-rod bearing failures in Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, including the following actions:

Manufacturer Recall 23V-751 (November 8, 2023)

• Approximately 248,999 vehicles potentially affected. Covered model years included: [3]
  • MY 2016–2020 Acura MDX
  • MY 2018–2020 Acura TLX
  • MY 2016–2020 Honda Pilot
  • MY 2018–2020 Honda Odyssey
  • MY 2017–2019 Honda Ridgeline
• Safety risk included engine damage, stalling, engine shutdown while driving, failure to restart, and increased risk of fire, crash, or injury
• Honda attributed the defect to improper crankshaft manufacturing
• Crank pins were improperly ground with a crown or convex shape due to incorrect equipment settings

NHTSA ODI Recall Query RQ24013 (November 8, 2024)

• Investigation was opened based on 173 owner complaints of connecting-rod bearing failure [4]
• All complaints displayed failure characteristics consistent with Recall 23V-751
• Vehicles fell outside the recall’s production scope
• ODI opened the query to assess recall severity and whether its scope should be expanded

NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25-008 (August 20, 2025)

• Investigation was opened based on 414 reports of connecting-rod bearing failure [5]
• Failures were deemed outside the specific crankshaft defect addressed by Recall 23V-751
• NHTSA concluded the volume of failures presented a potential safety risk
• A new investigation was opened to further evaluate scope and severity

What Owners Should Do If Their Engine Failed

If your 2026 Honda Passport or Acura MDX experienced engine knocking, stalling, or complete failure, take action promptly. The steps below can help protect your rights.

1. Document everything. Keep repair orders, diagnostic reports, and all communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
2. Confirm the diagnosis. Ensure records reference connecting-rod bearing failure, internal engine damage, or short block replacement.
3. Report the issue. File a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help establish a defect pattern.
4. Track downtime. Record how long the vehicle is out of service, including loaner delays or parts backorders.
5. Explore legal options. Catastrophic engine failure may qualify for relief under lemon law or other consumer protection laws.

Connecting-Rod Bearing Failures? Contact Lemberg Law

Lemberg Law is reviewing complaints involving connecting-rod bearing failures and sudden engine loss in the 2026 Honda Passport and Acura MDX. We focus on representing consumers harmed by defective vehicles.

If your engine failed shortly after purchase, you may have options under lemon law or other consumer protection laws.

• Free case evaluation
• No fees unless we win
• Contact us today before deadlines limit your rights

Reach out to Lemberg Law to learn how we can help you move forward.

Sources:

1. 2026 Passport NHTSA Complaints
2. 2026 MDX NHTSA Complaints
3. Recall 23V-751
4. NHTSA ODI Recall Query RQ24013
5. NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25-008

About the Author:

Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."

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