NHTSA Complaint #11624545 — 2016 HONDA PILOT

I had to have the engine replaced on my 2016 Honda Pilot for the same problem covered by the 2023 connecting rod bearing recall. The Honda dealer said the engine was not covered under the bearing rod recall since it was out of the date range, but advised full engine replacement with only 99K miles on it. The diagnosis service was performed on about 12-12-23 for a clanking noise in the engine. The dealer called it a mechanical failure and described it as a "rod bearing knock" in the repair estimate. I filed a complaint with Honda Customer Service on 12-13-23 requesting reimbursement for a new engine, which received a case number but they rejected my complaint. Specifically on 12-12-2023 I sent an e-mail stating: "Attached repair estimate from [dealer]. 10K to replace engine for rod problem diagnosed as rod bearing knock and bearing failure. This Honda is only 7 years old with 99K miles. The engine has not exploded yet, but it is basically undrivable with no solution in sight. Attached is the Honda Release covering 2016 Pilots admitting the defect but the manufacturing date range needs expansion to cover earlier Honda Pilots. My 2016 Pilot has the exact same symptoms and problem as the known defects that triggered the Honda Release. This indicates the bearing defect is present in earlier Pilots or the original spec itself is completely defective." I had the OEM engine replaced by an independent shop who installed a used Honda engine having lower mileage at a cost of about $7150 (lower than dealer cost). In addition to the out-of-pocket replacement cost, I also have concerns the replacement engine will just encounter the same defect. On a side note, I may still have the oil filter and oil removed from the OEM engine, which I had retained in case it needed analysis.