Honda Halts Sales of Acura TLX and Accord 2.0T Due to Connecting Rod Bearing Issue

Honda Motor Co. has announced a stop-sale order for the 2023 Acura TLX and Accord 2.0T models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The issue stems from premature wear of the connecting rod bearings, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Affected Vehicles

The stop-sale order affects approximately 64,000 vehicles in the US, including:

• 2023 Acura TLX 2.0T
• 2023 Honda Accord 2.0T

Symptoms

Owners may experience the following symptoms:

• Knocking or ticking noise from the engine
• Loss of power
• Illuminated check engine light

Cause

According to Honda, the issue is caused by a manufacturing defect that results in premature wear of the connecting rod bearings. The bearings are designed to allow the connecting rods to rotate smoothly on the crankshaft, but excessive wear can cause them to fail.

Solution

Honda is working on a solution and will notify affected owners when a fix is available. In the meantime, owners are advised to avoid driving their vehicles and to contact their local Honda or Acura dealership for further assistance.

Tables

Success Stories

• In 2021, Honda recalled over 1 million vehicles due to a similar connecting rod bearing issue. The company successfully resolved the problem and no serious injuries were reported.
• Toyota Motor Corp. faced a similar issue with its 2007-2010 Camry and Avalon models. The company issued a recall and repaired over 200,000 vehicles.
• In 2015, General Motors Co. recalled over 3 million vehicles due to a connecting rod bearing issue. The company resolved the problem and no serious injuries were reported.

Tips and Tricks

• If you own an affected vehicle, avoid driving it and contact your local Honda or Acura dealership.
• Stay updated on the latest recall information from Honda and the NHTSA.
• Consider purchasing an extended warranty that covers engine repairs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the recall notice.
• Continuing to drive an affected vehicle.
• Attempting to repair the issue yourself.

Additional Resources

• Honda Recall Information
• NHTSA Recall Information