Honda Fuel Pump Recall: Essential Information for Vehicle Owners​

2025-11-17

Honda has issued a massive recall affecting millions of vehicles worldwide due to a defective fuel pump that can suddenly fail, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving and increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is critical for safety, and if you own a Honda vehicle, you must check immediately if your car is involved and contact an authorized Honda dealer for a free repair. The faulty fuel pump, supplied by Denso Corporation, may stop working because its impeller can absorb excess fuel, leading to deformation and failure. This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide to help you understand the recall, identify affected models, and take the necessary actions to ensure your safety on the road.

​Background of the Honda Fuel Pump Recall​

The Honda fuel pump recall originated from investigations into potential defects in fuel pumps supplied by Denso, a major automotive components manufacturer. Honda first announced the recall in 2020, after reports indicated that the fuel pump impeller—a key component that pumps fuel to the engine—could swell and crack over time. This defect is attributed to the impeller being exposed to high fuel absorption during the manufacturing process, which causes it to deform under certain conditions. When the impeller fails, the fuel pump cannot supply adequate fuel to the engine, resulting in an unexpected loss of power. Honda has since expanded the recall multiple times to include additional vehicle models and production years, reflecting the widespread nature of the issue. The recall is part of a larger industry-wide problem, as other automakers using Denso fuel pumps have also issued similar recalls. For Honda, this is one of the most significant safety recalls in recent years, underscoring the importance of addressing the defect promptly to prevent accidents.

​Why the Fuel Pump Defect is a Serious Safety Risk​

The primary danger of the faulty fuel pump is that it can lead to sudden engine stall without any warning signs. This means that while driving at any speed—whether on a highway, in city traffic, or on a rural road—the vehicle could lose power abruptly. An engine stall disables power steering and power braking systems, making it harder to control the car. This significantly increases the likelihood of a collision, especially if the stall occurs in high-speed or high-traffic situations. There have been reported incidents linked to this defect, including cases where drivers experienced stalls that led to near-misses or accidents. Although no fatalities have been directly confirmed, the potential for severe injury or death is high. Additionally, a stalled vehicle can leave occupants stranded in dangerous locations, such as on railroad tracks or in unsafe areas. Therefore, treating this recall with urgency is not just about vehicle maintenance; it is a critical safety measure to protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.

​Complete List of Affected Honda Models and Years​

The recall impacts a wide range of Honda models produced between 2017 and 2022. It is essential to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for accuracy, as the list has been updated over time. The following Honda vehicles are known to be included in the fuel pump recall:

  • ​Honda Accord​ (2018-2020 models)
  • ​Honda Civic​ (2019-2021 models, including sedan, coupe, and hatchback variants)
  • ​Honda CR-V​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Honda HR-V​ (2019-2021 models)
  • ​Honda Insight​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Honda Odyssey​ (2018-2020 models)
  • ​Honda Passport​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Honda Pilot​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Honda Ridgeline​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Acura MDX​ (2019-2022 models; note that Acura is Honda's luxury division)
  • ​Acura RDX​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Acura TLX​ (2019-2022 models)
  • ​Acura RLX​ (2019-2022 models)

This list is not exhaustive, as Honda may add more models based on ongoing investigations. The recall primarily targets vehicles equipped with the specific Denso fuel pump part number 17011-59B-A01 or similar variants. Production dates vary, so even if your model year is listed, it might not be included if it was manufactured outside the affected periods. Always verify using your VIN.

​How to Check if Your Honda Vehicle is Part of the Recall​

Determining whether your Honda is subject to the fuel pump recall is straightforward and should be your first step. Honda provides multiple free methods to check your vehicle's status:

  1. ​Use the Official Honda Recall Website:​​ Visit the Honda recalls page (owners.honda.com/service/recalls) and enter your 17-character VIN. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on your vehicle registration documents. The website will instantly tell you if your car has any open recalls, including the fuel pump issue.
  2. ​Check the NHTSA Database:​​ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) allows you to search by VIN for all recalls, including Honda's. This is a government-run site, ensuring reliable information.
  3. ​Contact Honda Directly:​​ Call Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Have your VIN ready. A representative can confirm recall status and guide you on next steps.
  4. ​Visit a Honda Dealer:​​ Any authorized Honda dealership can check your VIN in their system and inform you if your vehicle needs the recall repair.

Do not ignore recall notices sent by mail. Honda is required to notify registered owners by postal mail, but if you have moved or bought the vehicle used, you might not receive these alerts. Proactive verification is crucial.

​Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump in Your Honda​

While the recall aims to fix the defect before failure, being aware of symptoms can alert you to potential problems. If you experience any of the following signs, it could indicate a failing fuel pump, and you should avoid driving the vehicle and contact a dealer immediately:

  • ​Engine Sputtering or Hesitation:​​ The engine may jerk or sputter, especially at higher speeds, due to inconsistent fuel delivery.
  • ​Loss of Power During Acceleration:​​ When you press the accelerator, the vehicle may not respond properly or might surge unexpectedly.
  • ​Engine Stalling:​​ The most critical symptom—the engine shuts off completely while driving, often without warning lights initially.
  • ​Difficulty Starting the Car:​​ The engine may crank but not start, or it might take multiple attempts to turn over.
  • ​Whining Noise from the Fuel Tank:​​ A loud, unusual noise coming from the rear of the vehicle could signal pump wear.

Note that these symptoms can also relate to other issues, but given the recall, any such signs should prompt an immediate inspection. Do not wait for the problem to worsen; a failing fuel pump can lead to a complete breakdown.

​Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Recall Repair Done​

If your vehicle is included in the recall, Honda will repair it free of charge at an authorized dealership. Here is the detailed process:

  1. ​Schedule an Appointment:​​ Contact your local Honda dealer's service department to schedule a recall repair appointment. Mention that it is for the fuel pump recall. Appointments are typically required to ensure parts availability.
  2. ​Prepare for Your Visit:​​ Bring your vehicle, driver's license, and vehicle registration. The service advisor will confirm your VIN and recall eligibility.
  3. ​The Repair Procedure:​​ The dealer will replace the faulty fuel pump assembly with a new, improved version. The repair involves removing the fuel tank to access the pump, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. However, wait times may vary based on dealership workload.
  4. ​Post-Repair Verification:​​ After the repair, the dealer will test the vehicle to ensure proper function. You will receive a document confirming the recall completion. Keep this for your records.

The repair is completely free, including parts and labor. Honda may also provide a loaner vehicle if the repair requires an extended stay, but policies vary by dealer. If you have already paid for fuel pump repairs related to this defect, you might be eligible for reimbursement—contact Honda Customer Service with receipts.

​Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda Fuel Pump Recall​

  • ​Is it safe to drive my Honda if it is under recall?​​ Honda advises that if you are not experiencing symptoms, you can drive the vehicle, but you should schedule the repair as soon as possible. If symptoms occur, do not drive and have the vehicle towed to a dealer.
  • ​How long will the repair take?​​ The actual repair takes a few hours, but plan for a half-day visit due to check-in and testing.
  • ​What if I own an Acura?​​ Acura vehicles are included, as they are part of Honda. Follow the same steps using Acura's recall resources.
  • ​Will the repair affect my vehicle's warranty?​​ No, recall repairs do not void warranties and are performed at no cost.
  • ​What if I have a used Honda?​​ The recall applies regardless of ownership. Use your VIN to check status.

​Legal and Safety Implications of Ignoring the Recall​

Ignoring a safety recall like this one can have serious consequences. Legally, if an accident occurs due to a known defect that was not repaired, insurance claims might be disputed, and liability could fall on the owner. From a safety perspective, delaying the repair puts everyone at risk. Honda is obligated to fix the issue, but the responsibility to act lies with the vehicle owner. Regular maintenance does not substitute for recall repairs, as the defect is inherent and unpredictable.

​Recent Updates and Expanded Recalls​

Honda has periodically expanded the fuel pump recall since 2020. In 2023, additional vehicles were added after further testing. Always check for updates, as new models might be included. Honda issues press releases and updates the NHTSA database with new information. Staying informed through official channels is key.

​Conclusion: Prioritize Your Safety by Acting Now​

The Honda fuel pump recall is a significant safety initiative that requires immediate attention from owners. By checking your VIN, scheduling a free repair, and staying informed, you can mitigate the risks associated with the defective fuel pump. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depend on taking proactive steps. Do not delay—verify your vehicle's status today and contact your Honda dealer to arrange the necessary repairs.

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