Honda, Acura Fuel Pump Recall Issued Over Engine Stall Risk
About 630,000 Honda and Acura vehicles have been recalled due to a potential problem with the fuel pumps, which could cause the vehicles to stall suddenly, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries on U.S. roadways.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Honda and Acura recall on March 30, following reports of fuel pump failures which may impact 17 different models.
Honda has been receiving reports the impeller inside the fuel pump on certain vehicles cracked, which then led to the pump failing. The automaker’s investigation determined this may happen when production solvent was allowed to dry on the lower density impeller for long periods of time, resulting in surface cracking.
These cracks can lead to issues where the impeller becomes deformed from excessive fuel absorption, which can cause the fuel pump to become inoperative. This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument panel to light up.
A failed fuel pump can lead to the vehicle not starting or cause it to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
As of March 19, 2021, Honda has received at least 583 warranty claims and 166 field reports, but no reports of injuries or crashes directly related to this issue.
The action is an extension of a recall issued last year, impacting 130,000 Honda and Acura models at risk of fuel pump problems.
Recalled Acura vehicles now include: 2019 Acura ILX, 2019-2020 MDX, 2019-2020 MDX Hybrid, 2019-2020 RDX, and the 2019-2020 TLX. Affected Honda models include: 2019-2020 Honda Accord, 2019 Accord Hybrid, 2019 Civic Coupe and Si Coupe, 2019-2020 Civic Hatchback, 2019 Civic Sedan and Si Sedan, 2019 Civic Type R, 2018-2019 CR-V, 2019 Fit, 2019 HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight, 2019 Odyssey, 2019 Passport, 2019 Pilot, and the 2019 Ridgeline.
The manufacturer will begin to notify owners affected by the recall by mail, starting May 18 2021. Owners will be asked to take their vehicles to Honda or Acura dealers for repair. Dealers will replace the fuel pump for the owners free of charge. Honda did note that of all 628,124 potentially involved vehicles, 100% of vehicles have the defect.
Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.