Honda has agreed to replace the engine in a 2017 Honda Pilot owned by the Shea family at no cost after initially refusing to cover a nearly $25,000 repair. The decision followed media attention and intervention by two elected officials, as federal regulators continue investigating connecting rod bearing failures affecting approximately 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles.
Why Honda Agreed to Cover the Engine Replacement
The Shea family’s 2017 Honda Pilot had traveled just 56,000 miles when it was diagnosed with rod bearing failure last year, shortly after its warranty expired. The dealership estimated that replacing the engine would cost nearly $25,000, more than the price of purchasing another Pilot from the same model year.
Honda initially declined to pay for the repair, despite the connection between the engine problem and an issue under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The situation began to change after a television news team reported on the family’s predicament last year and continued following the case. Senator Chris Van Holler and Representative Jamie Raskin subsequently contacted Honda and the NHTSA about the engine failure.
Raskin also sent Honda six questions concerning the failure and the company’s decision not to cover the repair. Honda later responded by agreeing to recover the engine and install a replacement at no cost to the family.
Shea credited the two lawmakers and the news team with making the difference. Although Honda initially declined responsibility, the congressional inquiry added pressure to the case.
In a statement, Honda said inspecting the engine could assist its ongoing investigation. However, the company’s decision to cover the replacement did not amount to an admission of fault.
NHTSA Investigation Covers 1.4 Million Honda and Acura Vehicles
The NHTSA is investigating connecting rod bearing failures involving approximately 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with V6 engines. Seven crashes or fires have been documented in connection with the issue, but no recall has been issued.
A 2023 NHTSA recall covered approximately 250,000 vehicles from the 2016, 2018 and 2019 model years. The 2017 model year was excluded, leaving the Shea family’s Honda Pilot outside that recall.
As a result, the family faced a nearly $25,000 engine replacement bill for a failure that federal regulators were already investigating. Honda’s subsequent decision to cover the repair came after the involvement of elected officials and continued media attention.
Questions Remain Over Engine Failures and Repair Costs
The case highlights the financial burden that owners can face when serious engine problems occur outside warranty coverage, particularly when the underlying issue is already under federal investigation.
Congress may need to consider legislation establishing tighter timelines for investigations, potentially helping prevent other vehicle owners from being left to cover expensive repairs while regulators examine similar failures.
