July 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration said on Wednesday it has closed a

preliminary evaluation investigation of about 1.5 million Honda ( HMC )

vehicles over loss of power.

In November 2022, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

(ODI) had opened an investigation for 2018 to 2022 model year

Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive after

reports alleging rear differential seizure.

Some of the reports that were received alleged the vehicle's

wheels locked up with no warning while still in motion, NHTSA

said.

However, Honda ( HMC ) stated the operator can control the vehicle

without stability loss in the event of differential failure,

NHTSA added.

After the driver shafts break due to a differential failure,

the vehicle will still function as a two-wheel drive preventing

complete loss of power, the agency said.

The ODI said it is closing the investigation as the

information regarding field failures did not indicate hazardous

outcomes and the repairs were covered under the manufacturer's

warranty.