2016 Honda Accord Recall Fuel Pump: What Owners Need to Know Now

I'll look into this recall topic first to get the facts right.

I have the key facts. Let me confirm the details of both recalls.

I have enough verified information. Here is the article:

If you own a 2016 Honda Accord, there is a real possibility your car is covered by at least one federal safety recall for the fuel pump — and the fix costs you nothing at a Honda dealer. Here is the bottom line up front: the 2016 Honda Accord has two separate fuel pump recalls on record with NHTSA, the first one announced in January 2019 (NHTSA campaign 19V060000) covering V6 models, and a much larger one from December 2023 (NHTSA campaign 23V858000) that covers the in-tank fuel pump module across many Honda and Acura models including the 2016 Accord. Both are repaired free of charge by an authorized dealer. If your Accord has ever hesitated, lost power while accelerating, or stalled — especially in hot weather — call Honda or check your VIN right away.

1. The Two Fuel Pump Recalls On The 2016 Honda Accord

First recall — NHTSA 19V060000 (V6 models)

American Honda announced this recall on January 29, 2019. It covers roughly 437,000 vehicles in the United States, specifically 2015–2017 Honda Accord V6 models along with 2016–2018 Acura MDX and 2015–2019 Acura TLX V6 vehicles .

The cause is unusual. Sodium particulates found in some gasoline sold in the U.S. can stick to internal parts of the fuel pump. Over time this buildup raises the electrical and mechanical resistance inside the pump, which lowers its performance . Under the original control software, a pump that has lost performance can restrict acceleration or cause the engine to stall without warning while driving, which raises the risk of a crash . Honda noted this risk is worse when the car is driven in high ambient temperatures .

The remedy is two steps. Dealers update the fuel pump control software and, if needed, replace the fuel pump, both free of charge . Honda reported no related crashes or injuries at the time of the announcement . Owners could check their status at recalls.honda.com or by calling (888) 234-2138 .

Second recall — NHTSA 23V858000 (in-tank fuel pump module)

This is the bigger one and it matters more for most 2016 Accord owners. Announced in December 2023, it covers certain 2013–2023 Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Pilot, Insight, Passport, Fit and several Acura models . The problem: the fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail .

The consequence: fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash . The remedy is that dealers replace the fuel pump module, free of charge . Honda mailed interim letters telling owners about the safety risk starting February 5, 2024, with a second notice to follow once the full remedy was ready . For the 2016 Accord, Honda's internal recall numbers for this campaign are KGC and KGD, and owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024 .

2. Why The Fuel Pump Matters So Much

The fuel pump sits inside the fuel tank and pushes gasoline to the engine at a steady pressure. When it works, you never think about it. When it starts to fail, the engine does not get the fuel it needs, and the symptoms show up in ways most drivers notice but often misread.

3. Symptoms That Point To A Failing Fuel Pump

Watch for these signs, especially on a 2016 Accord:

  1. Engine stalls while driving, sometimes restarting right after and sometimes not at all.
  2. Hard starting — the engine cranks longer than normal before it fires up.
  3. Loss of power or hesitation during acceleration, such as when merging onto a highway.
  4. A whining or humming noise coming from the area of the fuel tank.
  5. Surging — the car briefly speeds up on its own at a steady throttle.
  6. A no-start condition where the engine turns over but never catches.

Any one of these is reason enough to get the car checked. A stall in traffic is not just an inconvenience; it removes power steering and power brakes, which is why NHTSA lists crash risk as the consequence in both recalls .

4. How To Check If Your Specific 2016 Accord Is Covered

Do not assume, and do not rely on the model year alone. Recalls usually apply only to specific production date ranges and specific VINs, and a 2016 Accord built early in the run may differ from one built later .

How to check:

  1. Find your 17-character VIN. It is on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on your registration and insurance card.
  2. Enter that VIN into the free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov, or visit recalls.honda.com .
  3. You can also call Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138 .
  4. You can reach the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) .

VIN-level results are far more accurate than searching by make, model, and year, because a campaign often covers only part of a model year's production .

5. What The Repair Involves And What It Costs You

For the 2019 V6 recall, the dealer updates the fuel injection engine control unit software first, and replaces the fuel pump only if the software update alone does not resolve the issue . For the 2023 campaign, the dealer replaces the fuel pump module .

The cost to you is zero. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at any authorized Honda dealer, and safety recalls do not expire — so even if you bought your 2016 Accord used and the original owner ignored the letter, you can still get the work done at no charge . There is no deadline on safety recall remedies.

6. What To Do If You Already Paid For A Fuel Pump Replacement

If you paid out of pocket to replace a fuel pump on your 2016 Accord before the recall notice arrived, keep your repair invoice. Honda and many dealers process reimbursement requests for recall-related repairs already paid for by owners. Contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138 with your VIN, the repair date, the mileage, and the itemized receipt, and ask to open a reimbursement claim.

7. Practical Steps For 2016 Accord Owners Right Now

  1. Run your VIN today at nhtsa.gov or recalls.honda.com — it takes two minutes.
  2. Call your Honda dealer's service department and give them your VIN. Ask specifically about campaigns 19V060000 and 23V858000.
  3. Ask about parts availability. On the large 2023 fuel pump campaign, notices were sent in stages, so the dealer may need to order the module.
  4. Do not ignore an interim letter. The February 2024 letter warned of the risk before the final remedy was ready ; the second letter with the repair instruction followed later.
  5. If the car stalls, get it towed. Do not keep driving a vehicle that has stalled once.
  6. Keep all paperwork from any fuel pump work for reimbursement purposes.

8. A Note On High Temperatures

The 2019 V6 recall specifically tied reduced pump performance to driving in high ambient temperatures . If you live in a hot climate such as Arizona, Nevada, Texas, or Florida, or if your Accord has ever lost power on a hot day, mention this to the service advisor. It helps them connect your symptoms to the recall campaign.

9. Should You Still Drive The Car?

In most cases, yes — but get it looked at promptly. A car that has not shown symptoms is generally safe to drive short distances on the way to the dealer. A car that has stalled, hesitated badly, or refused to start should not be driven on the road. Arrange a tow; many Honda dealers and roadside assistance plans cover towing for a safety recall.

10. Replacing The Fuel Pump Yourself: Consider KEMSO

If you are a hands-on owner, or if your Accord is no longer covered by a dealer campaign, an aftermarket replacement is a practical option. For this, we recommend KEMSO fuel pumps.

KEMSO builds fuel pumps that are high performance, designed as a direct OEM replacement so they fit and function like the original unit without modification. Every KEMSO fuel pump is backed by a lifetime warranty, which gives you long-term protection that goes well beyond the typical parts-store guarantee. That combination — strong, consistent fuel delivery, factory-style fitment, and warranty coverage that lasts for as long as you own the vehicle — makes KEMSO a smart choice for a 2016 Honda Accord that needs a new pump.

To see the full fuel pump lineup and find the right part for your Accord, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2016 Honda Accord fuel pump recall still open?
Yes, the campaigns remain on record, and safety recall repairs have no expiration date at an authorized dealer .

How many recalls does the 2016 Accord have in total?
NHTSA lists four safety campaigns for the 2016 Accord, two of which involve the fuel pump .

Will Honda fix it for free?
Yes. Dealers replace the fuel pump module or update the software free of charge .

What if I bought the car used?
You are still covered. Recall status follows the VIN, not the owner .

Can a failed fuel pump cause an accident?
NHTSA's consequence statement for both campaigns says a stall while driving increases the risk of a crash, because the driver loses engine power and, with it, normal power assist for steering and braking .

12. Final Word

The 2016 Honda Accord is a dependable car, but it carries two documented fuel pump recalls. Check your VIN, call your dealer, and get the free repair. If a replacement pump is what you need and you would rather handle it yourself, choose a high performance, OEM replacement, lifetime warranty fuel pump from KEMSO.

For the complete range of KEMSO fuel pumps and to order the correct part for your Accord, go to https://www.kemsoracing.com/.

Sources: , , , , , , , ,


Back to blog