Denso Fuel Pump Recall List: What You Need to Know in 2026

If you own a Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Subaru, or Mazda built between 2013 and 2022, your vehicle may be affected by the massive Denso fuel pump recall—the largest quality-related issue in the supplier’s history, now covering over 6 million vehicles worldwide. The defect stems from a low-density plastic impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump that can absorb fuel, swell, and cause the engine to stall without warning, posing a serious crash risk. The recall began in January 2020 and has expanded multiple times, with the latest addition in April 2026 covering additional Lexus models. Below, we break down the full recall list, what to do, and how to get a free fix.

The Root Cause: A 50-Cent Part

The problem is a small plastic impeller—a component that spins inside the fuel pump to move gasoline from the tank to the engine. Denso manufactured these impellers with a resin that had lower-than-expected density, leading to porosity in the material. Over time, fuel seeps into the plastic, causing the impeller to swell and deform. When it jams against the pump housing, the pump stops working, shutting off fuel delivery to the engine. This can cause the engine to stall at highway speeds, fail to start, or run roughly. Denso has acknowledged this as the "largest-ever quality-related issue" in the company’s history, stating that it "could not be foreseen with the available technical knowledge at that time."

The Full Recall List by Manufacturer

The recall has expanded in waves, with the most recent expansion in April 2026. Below is a comprehensive list of affected vehicles, organized by manufacturer and model year. If your vehicle is listed, you should check your VIN immediately.

Toyota and Lexus (Most Heavily Affected)

Toyota has issued the largest number of recalls, starting in January 2020 with approximately 700,000 vehicles. As of July 2026, the global total exceeds 5.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The latest expansion in April 2026 added Lexus RC models built between 2015-2022, Lexus GS models built between 2016-2020, and the 2022 Lexus IS.

Affected Toyota Models:

  1. Toyota Camry – 2018-2019 (Original recall), 2017-2020 (Expanded)
  2. Toyota Corolla – 2019-2020
  3. Toyota 4Runner – 2018-2020
  4. Toyota Highlander – 2018-2019
  5. Toyota Tacoma – 2018-2019
  6. Toyota Tundra – 2018-2019
  7. Toyota Avalon – 2019-2020
  8. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2018-2020
  9. Toyota Sequoia – 2018-2019
  10. Toyota Sienna – 2018-2020
  11. Toyota RAV4 – 2019-2020

Affected Lexus Models:

  1. Lexus ES 350 – 2019-2020
  2. Lexus GS 300, GS 350 – 2018-2020 (Expanded to 2016-2020 in April 2026)
  3. Lexus GX 460 – 2018-2020
  4. Lexus IS 300, IS 350 – 2018-2020 (2022 model added in April 2026)
  5. Lexus LC 500, LC 500h – 2019-2020
  6. Lexus LS 500, LS 500h – 2018-2020
  7. Lexus LX 570 – 2018-2020
  8. Lexus NX 300 – 2019-2020
  9. Lexus RC 300, RC 350 – 2018-2019 (Expanded to 2015-2022 in April 2026)
  10. Lexus RX 350, RX 350L – 2018-2020
  11. Lexus UX 200 – 2019-2020

Note: Some hybrid models were initially excluded because they can enter a fail-safe mode with reduced power if the pump fails, but many were later included in the recall. Always check your VIN to be certain.

Honda and Acura

Honda issued its own recall in March 2021, covering approximately 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. The defect is the same Denso fuel pump, affecting 2018-2020 models.

Affected Honda Models:

  1. Honda Accord – 2018-2020
  2. Honda Civic – 2018-2020
  3. Honda CR-V – 2018-2020
  4. Honda Fit – 2018-2020
  5. Honda HR-V – 2018-2020
  6. Honda Insight – 2019-2020
  7. Honda Odyssey – 2018-2020
  8. Honda Passport – 2019-2020
  9. Honda Pilot – 2018-2020
  10. Honda Ridgeline – 2018-2020

Affected Acura Models:

  • Acura RDX – 2019-2020
  • Acura MDX – 2018-2020
  • Acura TLX – 2018-2020

Subaru

Subaru filed its recall in July 2021, covering certain models from 2018-2020.

Affected Subaru Models:

  • Subaru Ascent – 2019-2020
  • Subaru Outback – 2018-2020
  • Subaru Legacy – 2018-2020
  • Subaru Forester – 2019-2020
  • Subaru Impreza – 2018-2020
  • Subaru Crosstrek – 2018-2020

Mazda

Mazda recalled over 121,000 vehicles in November 2021.

Affected Mazda Models:

  • Mazda CX-5 – 2018-2020
  • Mazda CX-9 – 2018-2020
  • Mazda 6 – 2018-2020
  • Mazda 3 – 2019-2020

Other Manufacturers

Denso also supplied fuel pumps to Ford, Mitsubishi, and other automakers, though the scale of those recalls is smaller. The NHTSA recall report (20E-026) lists Ford Motor Company, American Honda, Mazda, and Subaru as purchasers of the defective pumps.

What to Do If You Own an Affected Vehicle

Step 1: Check Your VIN Immediately. Go to the official NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) or the Toyota/Lexus recall site and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is the fastest way to find out if your car is covered.

Step 2: Visit Your Dealer for a Free Replacement. The repair is straightforward: the dealer will replace the entire low-pressure fuel pump assembly with an improved version that uses a higher-density impeller. The replacement is free of charge—parts and labor included. You do not need a receipt or a notice letter. Just bring your VIN.

Step 3: Be Aware of Symptoms. If your vehicle is not yet recalled but you experience any of these symptoms, take it to a dealer immediately: engine stalling while driving, difficulty starting, rough idling, hesitation under acceleration, or a loud whining noise from the fuel tank area. These can indicate impeller failure.

Step 4: Don't Delay. The recall has been ongoing for six years, and as of 2026, replacement parts are widely available. The recall is not a safety campaign you can ignore—a stalled engine at highway speed is a serious hazard. Toyotas and Lexus models with the defective pump have been involved in over 19,000 fatal crashes, though none have been directly linked to the fuel pump defect. Still, the risk is real.

The Settlement and Warranty

A class action lawsuit, Sharon Cheng, et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al., was filed in 2020 and settled in 2022. The settlement extended the warranty for the fuel pump to 15 years from the original vehicle purchase date, with no mileage limit. Toyota and Denso denied all liability in the settlement. If you have already paid for a fuel pump replacement out of pocket, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Check the settlement website at toyotafuelpumpssettlement.com for more details.

Why This Matters: A Comparison to Other Major Recalls

The Denso fuel pump recall is one of the largest in automotive history. For context:

  • Takata Airbag Recall: Over 100 million vehicles globally, 27 deaths in the U.S. over two decades.
  • GM Ignition Switch Defect: 30 million vehicles, 124 deaths, $4.1 billion in costs.
  • Denso Fuel Pump Recall: Over 6 million vehicles worldwide, zero confirmed deaths (so far), but the risk of a stall at highway speed is a "structural vulnerability" in the recall system.

The Denso recall is notable because it affects a single, inexpensive part—a 50-cent impeller—that has caused a multi-year, multibillion-dollar crisis. It also highlights the vulnerability of modern supply chains: when a single Tier-1 supplier’s defect penetrates 86.6% of a major automaker’s fleet, the entire system is at risk.

How to Avoid Future Problems with Aftermarket Pumps

If you are not covered by the recall and need a replacement fuel pump, or if you want a high-performance, durable option for your vehicle, consider upgrading to a premium aftermarket fuel pump. This is especially important for older vehicles or those that have already been repaired but may need a future replacement.

Recommendation: KEMSO Fuel Pump

For a reliable, long-lasting solution, check out KEMSO brand fuel pumps. KEMSO components are designed as high-performance OEM replacements, meaning they meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s specifications. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your vehicle’s fuel system is protected. Whether you are replacing a recalled Denso pump or upgrading your current setup, KEMSO offers a robust, direct-fit solution that will keep your engine running smoothly.

Visit the KEMSO website to find the right pump for your vehicle: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Summary

The Denso fuel pump recall is not over. As of April 2026, Toyota continues to expand the list of affected vehicles, and owners of Ford, Mazda, Subaru, and Honda vehicles should also check their VINs. The fix is free, the risk is real, and the process is simple: check your VIN, visit your dealer, and get the pump replaced. For those who want a premium aftermarket upgrade that outlasts the original, KEMSO fuel pumps offer a lifetime warranty and high-performance reliability. Don’t wait—a stalled engine on the highway is a risk you don’t want to take.

For more information on KEMSO fuel pumps and to find the perfect replacement for your vehicle, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Sources:
: Denso Integrated Report 2024 – CQO Message
: Denso Integrated Report 2025 – CQO Message
: Vehicle Safety – Denso Fuel Pump Recall Analysis
: CarBuzz – How a 50-Cent Part Triggered Toyota’s Recall
: Toyota Safety Recall 20TA02 – NHTSA
: Toyota Fuel Pump Settlement – FAQ
: LegalClarity – Denso Fuel Pump Recall Lawsuit
: OpenClassActions – Toyota Fuel Pump Recall 2026
: Go-Parts – Toyota & Lexus Fuel Pump Failure Guide
: NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20E-026


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