NHTSA Launches Investigations into “Loss of Power” Problems

Investigators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are looking into nearly 2 million vehicles — 1.7 million of those Hondas — whose owners are reporting problems with suddenly losing power.

The biggest group is the nearly 2 million 2018-2022 Honda CR-Vs and HR-Vs where owners have complained that all-wheel drive models will have the rear differentials lock up while driving. Depending upon the speed the vehicle is traveling and other circumstances, the driveshaft can fracture causing the vehicle to suddenly lose power and ultimately come to a stop.

According to multiple reports, Honda is aware of the issue and the early probe suggests a leaking differential seal could be root cause of the problem. Honda officials are cooperating with the query and its unknown at this time how many incidents have been reported. 

Honda had another large recall involving a similar number of vehicles earlier this year. The earlier action involved CR-Vs and Accord sedans that would suddenly engage in automatic emergency braking for no apparent reason. There were six minor injuries resulting from the problem and it’s still under investigation.

Jeep and Ram problems

With a similar problem on a smaller scale, 230,000 2019 and 2020 Jeep Compass crossovers are also under investigation for suddenly losing power, in this case, simply shutting off.

The agency received 15 complaints about the vehicles that their vehicles simply shut off and then display warning lights and messages after restarting. In many instances, the vehicle showed coolant temperature warnings, but none of the vehicles behaved abnormally after restarting.

Some owners reported the Compass can shut down while stopped, such as at an intersection, or while driving a highway speeds. No injuries have been reported, but stoppages at higher speeds raises the possibility of just that scenario.

Additionally, NHTSA’s looking at nearly 400,000 2019-2020 model-year Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups due to a problem with loss of braking power. In some instances, owners replaced the ABS module and hydraulic control unit and solve the issue. 

None of the vehicles above have been recalled yet.