Honda Recalls Fuel Pump: A Complete Guide for Owners on the Critical Safety Issue
Honda has issued a major global safety recall affecting millions of vehicles due to defective fuel pumps that can suddenly fail. This recall is critical because a failing fuel pump can cause a vehicle to stall while driving, lose power, or fail to start, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. If you own a Honda or Acura vehicle from the 2018 through 2023 model years, your car may be involved. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know: which models are affected, how to identify the problem, the steps you must take to get it repaired for free, and how to stay safe until the fix is completed.
The Core Problem: Understanding the Faulty Fuel Pump
The recall centers on a specific part: the fuel pump unit installed in the fuel tank. The pump is responsible for delivering pressurized fuel from the tank to the engine. The issue lies within the fuel pump’s impeller, the rotating component that pushes the fuel. The impellers in these defective pumps were manufactured with a low-density material. Over time, and particularly when exposed to certain fuel conditions, this impeller can absorb fuel, swell, and deform.
A deformed impeller creates friction against the pump housing. This can lead to two dangerous outcomes. First, the increased friction can cause the pump to operate more slowly, reducing fuel pressure to the engine. This results in poor performance, hesitation, or difficulty starting. Second, and more critically, the impeller can bind and cause the fuel pump motor to stop working entirely. A complete fuel pump failure will cause the engine to stall without warning. This can happen at any speed, whether you are driving in city traffic, on a highway, or navigating an intersection. The loss of power steering and brake assist that accompanies a stall makes controlling the vehicle difficult and creates an immediate hazard.
Affected Models: A Comprehensive List
The recall is extensive, covering a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles from the 2018 through 2023 model years. It is part of a larger recall initiated by the fuel pump manufacturer, Denso, which has impacted millions of cars across many brands. The primary affected Honda and Acura models include:
- 2018-2020 Honda Accord
- 2018-2020 Honda Civic (including Type R)
- 2018-2020 Honda CR-V
- 2018-2020 Honda HR-V
- 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey
- 2018-2020 Honda Pilot
- 2018-2020 Honda Ridgeline
- 2018-2020 Acura TLX
- 2018-2020 Acura RLX
- 2018-2020 Acura MDX
- 2019-2020 Honda Insight
- 2019-2020 Honda Passport
- 2019-2020 Acura RDX
- 2020-2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2020-2021 Acura MDX Hybrid
- 2020-2021 Acura TLX Type S
- 2020-2021 Acura RLX Hybrid
- 2020-2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
- 2020-2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
- 2021-2022 Honda Civic (including Type R)
- 2021-2022 Honda CR-V
- 2021-2022 Honda HR-V
- 2021-2022 Honda Odyssey
- 2021-2022 Honda Pilot
- 2021-2022 Honda Ridgeline
- 2021-2022 Acura TLX
- 2021-2022 Acura MDX
- 2022-2023 Honda Accord
- 2022-2023 Honda CR-V
- 2022-2023 Honda HR-V
- 2022-2023 Honda Odyssey
- 2022-2023 Honda Pilot
- 2022-2023 Honda Ridgeline
- 2022-2023 Acura TLX
- 2022-2023 Acura MDX
- 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid
This list is not exhaustive, as recalls are often expanded in phases. Certain 2021-2023 models may have been produced with corrected pumps, but they are still part of the recall campaign to inspect and confirm the part number. The only way to be absolutely certain if your vehicle is included is to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with an official source.
Recognizing the Symptoms: What to Watch For
Do not wait for a complete stall to suspect a problem. Being aware of early warning signs can help you take action before you are stranded or placed in a dangerous situation. If you experience any of the following symptoms, your fuel pump may be failing:
- Engine Stalling: The most severe symptom. The engine may sputter and die while driving, idling, or shortly after starting.
- Loss of Power: The vehicle may feel sluggish, struggle to accelerate, or fail to maintain speed, especially under load like going up a hill.
- Failure to Start: The engine cranks but does not start because no fuel is being delivered.
- Rough Idling: The engine may shake or run unevenly when the vehicle is stopped.
- Engine Misfires: A lack of adequate fuel pressure can cause incomplete combustion in the cylinders.
- Check Engine Light: The vehicle’s onboard diagnostics may detect low fuel pressure or related issues, triggering the check engine light. Codes such as P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) or P0088 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too High) may be stored.
If your vehicle stalls while driving, remain calm. Activate your hazard lights immediately, steer firmly to the side of the road if possible, and call for assistance. Do not attempt to restart the vehicle in moving traffic.
The Official Recall Process: Step-by-Step for Owners
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Check Your VIN: Your first action is to confirm your vehicle is part of the recall. Visit the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-character VIN. You can also check directly on Honda’s recall website (recalls.honda.com) or Acura’s site (recalls.acura.com). Your VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver’s side door jamb, and on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
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Receive Official Notification: Honda is required by law to notify owners by first-class mail. This official recall notice will describe the problem, the risks, and the next steps. However, do not wait for the mail if you suspect your vehicle is affected. Proactive checking is faster and more reliable, especially if you have moved or purchased the vehicle used.
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Contact an Authorized Dealer: Once your VIN confirms an open recall, contact your local authorized Honda or Acura dealership. Schedule an appointment for the repair. This repair is performed at no cost to you, regardless of the vehicle’s age or mileage. The dealership will handle all coordination with Honda.
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The Repair Procedure: The dealership’s certified technicians will inspect your vehicle to confirm the fuel pump part number. If it is one of the defective units, they will replace the entire fuel pump module with a new, improved part that uses an impeller made from a high-density material that is not susceptible to fuel absorption and swelling. The repair typically takes a few hours, though you may need to leave the vehicle for most of a day depending on the dealer’s schedule.
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Post-Repair Confirmation: After the work is completed, ensure you receive a copy of the repair order. This document proves the recall was completed. The dealership will also update the vehicle’s history in the national database. You should verify that the recall status for your VIN is now listed as “Remedy Available” or “Recall Complete” on the NHTSA website.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Repair Appointment
Given the scale of this recall, parts availability and service appointment schedules can cause delays. Your safety is paramount while you wait for your scheduled repair.
- Have a Contingency Plan: Be mentally prepared for the possibility of a stall. Know what you would do if it happens in different driving environments (highway, city street, intersection).
- Avoid High-Risk Driving: If possible, minimize driving in heavy, fast-moving traffic where a stall would be most dangerous. Consider alternative routes or transportation for essential trips.
- Listen to Your Vehicle: Be hyper-aware of any performance changes. If you notice even minor symptoms like a slight hiccup or hesitation, reduce your driving and contact your dealer immediately to explain the situation. They may be able to prioritize your appointment.
- Do Not Attempt a DIY Fix: The fuel pump is a critical safety component integrated into the fuel system. Attempting to repair or replace it yourself could void warranties, create new safety hazards, and will not be reimbursed by Honda. This repair must be done by authorized personnel.
Long-Term Implications and Broader Context
This fuel pump recall is one of the largest in Honda’s recent history. It highlights the complex nature of modern automotive supply chains, where a single component from one supplier can impact numerous models across multiple model years. For owners, the key takeaway is the importance of proactive vehicle ownership. Regularly checking for open recalls—at least twice a year—is a responsible practice.
For affected owners, once the repair is completed, the vehicle should be restored to full and safe operation. The new fuel pump component is designed to last the life of the vehicle. There is no need for any special maintenance related to this recall after the replacement.
It is also useful to distinguish this recall from others. Honda has had previous recalls for different issues, such as faulty airbag inflators (Takata airbag recall) or software updates. Each recall addresses a specific defect. You must check your VIN for each separate recall campaign, as having one repair completed does not mean all are addressed.
Final Summary and Critical Action Steps
The Honda fuel pump recall is a serious safety issue that demands your immediate attention. A failing pump can lead to sudden engine stall and a potential crash.
- Immediately: Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls or your brand’s recall website and check your VIN.
- If Affected: Contact an authorized Honda or Acura dealership to schedule a no-cost repair. Do not delay.
- While Waiting: Drive with heightened caution, have a plan for a potential stall, and report any symptoms to your dealer at once.
- After Repair: Keep your service documentation and verify the recall is closed online.
By taking these steps, you protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Honda is legally obligated to fix this problem for free. As a vehicle owner, your obligation is to ensure the repair is completed promptly. Your safety depends on it.