Honda Portable Generator Recall Issued Due to Leaks, Fire Risk
About 150,600 Honda portable generators have been recalled after reports of fuel hoses leaking, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
The American Honda portable generator recall was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on November 15, after at least four reports were received indicating that they may leak fuel. However, there have been no fires or injuries reported in connection with the defective Honda generators.
The Honda recall consists of Honda gasoline-powered generators with model number EU2000i and serial numbers EAAJ-2260273 through EAAJ-2485025 that are black and red in color or have a camouflage design. They measure about 20 inches long by 11 ½ inches wide by 16 ½ inches tall with “Honda” “EU converter” and the model number 2000i printed on the side of the generator. Some of the recalled Honda generators may have “Companion” printed on the side of some EU2000i models. The serial number is located on the lower right side rear corner of the generator.
The recalled portable generators were manufactured in Japan under American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance California and sold from October 2011 through September 2012 for between $1,150 and $1,400. The generators were sold in U.S. stores nationwide at Honda Power Equipment dealers, Camping World, Gander Mountain, Grainger, Hertz Rental, John Deere, National Pump & Compressor, Northern Tool, Scheels Sporting, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Sunbelt Rentals, True Value, United Rentals, White Cap, and Wholesale Sports stores.
Generator use has become almost a necessity for some people on the East Coast still without power following Hurricane Sandy. In light of the increased generator use, more incidents of fuel leaks causing fires have been reported.
This recall marks the third of the month, which involve an estimated 167,000 generators being removed from the market due fuel leaks after causing at least eight fires. The CDC has also reported a number of carbon monoxide deaths and poisonings linked to post-hurricane generator use.
Honda is asking consumers to stop using the recalled generators immediately and contact their nearest Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Consumers with questions should call American Honda at (888) 888-3139 or visit the company’s website at http://powerequipment.honda.com.