Honda Fuel Pump Recall Fix: What Every Owner Needs to Know
If you own a 2023-2025 Honda Accord, Civic, or CR-V Hybrid, the short answer is yes: your vehicle is among the roughly 720,810 cars included in the latest U.S. recall for a high-pressure fuel pump that can crack and leak fuel, creating a risk of fire, crash, or injury. The fix is straightforward: Honda dealers will inspect and replace the defective high-pressure fuel pump completely free of charge. If you smell fuel while idling or driving, or if your check engine light is on, do not wait for the recall letter—contact your dealer immediately to schedule a free inspection.
1. What Is the Problem?
The core issue is a defective high-pressure fuel pump. According to Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the pump's internal parts can develop cracks due to stress concentration during manufacturing. Over time, these cracks grow, and under extreme conditions, the pump can begin to leak fuel. A fuel leak near a hot engine or ignition source significantly increases the risk of a fire. Honda has stated that it has not received any confirmed reports of crashes or injuries related to this specific issue as of the recall announcement, but the company is acting proactively to prevent harm.
2. Which Specific Models Are Recalled in the U.S.?
The recall, announced by American Honda Motor Co. in October 2024, covers the following models (you must check your specific VIN to confirm your vehicle is included):
- 2023-2024 Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid
- 2025 Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Sedan Hybrid
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
This is a separate High-Pressure Fuel Pump recall from the much larger 2023 recall that involved approximately 2.6 million Honda and Acura vehicles from 2017-2020 model years for a different fuel pump impeller issue. If you own an older model, you should check the separate recall for that issue. The recall number for this specific high-pressure pump recall is NHTSA 24V763000, and Honda's internal number is PJW.
3. When Will You Be Notified?
Honda began mailing owner notification letters in December 2024. If you have not received a letter but believe your vehicle is affected, you do not need to wait. You can check your vehicle's status immediately by visiting the official Honda Recall Lookup tool at recalls.honda.com and entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can also call Honda's customer service directly at 1-888-234-2138 (Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time). Honda also offers a 24/7 virtual agent, "Ask Dave," at askdave.honda.com.
4. What Is the Fix, and How Long Will It Take?
The fix is simple and free. You will need to take your vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership. The dealer will perform an inspection of the high-pressure fuel pump. If the inspection reveals the pump is defective, the dealer will replace it with a new, improved version at no cost to you. Honda estimates the repair itself takes about an hour and thirty minutes, but you should plan for your vehicle to be at the dealership for a longer period, depending on their schedule.
5. What Should You Do If You Smell Fuel or Have Symptoms?
If you notice a strong smell of gasoline when your car is idling or while driving, do not ignore it. This is a primary symptom of the fuel leak. Park the vehicle in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources (like a pilot light or garage heater) and contact your local Honda dealer immediately to schedule a repair. Do not drive the vehicle if you suspect a serious leak. Even if you have no symptoms, you should still schedule the inspection as soon as you receive your notification letter or confirm your VIN is affected.
6. What About the Older, Larger Fuel Pump Recall?
This high-pressure pump issue is distinct from the earlier, massive recall involving 2.6 million vehicles from 2017-2020. That earlier recall was for a low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank. The problem there was a defective impeller (a fan-like part inside the pump) that could swell and cause the pump to fail, leading to the engine not starting or stalling while driving. If you own a 2018-2020 Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, or other models from that period, you should also check for that recall. The repair for that issue is also a free replacement of the fuel pump module at your dealer.
7. How to Check Your VIN: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Find your VIN. It is usually located on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on the driver's side door jamb sticker.
- Go to the official website. Visit recalls.honda.com.
- Enter the 17-digit VIN. Type it in exactly as it appears (no spaces).
- Click "Check." The website will instantly tell you if your vehicle has any open recalls, including the high-pressure fuel pump recall.
- If a recall is found, the website will provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair at your local dealer.
8. What If You Have Already Paid for a Repair?
If you paid out of pocket to have the high-pressure fuel pump replaced before the recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center to discuss your eligibility. You can submit a reimbursement request online by scanning the QR code on your recall notice or by visiting the help section of the Honda MyGarage website.
Why You Should Consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump as a Replacement Alternative
While the factory recall repair is free and uses OEM parts, some owners prefer a more robust, long-term solution. If you are a DIY enthusiast or want a performance-grade upgrade for your Honda or Kawasaki, the KEMSO Fuel Pump is an excellent choice. KEMSO pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacements that deliver superior flow and durability. Here is why you should consider KEMSO:
- High Performance: KEMSO pumps can deliver up to 200 liters per hour, significantly more than the stock pump's 60-80 LPH, ensuring your engine gets the fuel it needs, especially under load.
- OEM Fit: They are designed as direct replacements, meaning they fit perfectly without modification.
- Lifetime Warranty: Every KEMSO pump is backed by a lifetime warranty, offering you peace of mind that the factory-level parts cannot match.
- Built for Modern Fuels: They are compatible with gasoline and ethanol-blended fuels like E85, resisting corrosion from modern fuel formulations.
- Individually Tested: Each pump is tested for flow and performance before leaving the factory, ensuring reliability out of the box.
Whether you are replacing a failed pump under the recall or upgrading your vehicle's fuel system for better reliability, KEMSO provides a trusted, American-based solution with lifetime support.
For more information and to find the perfect pump for your vehicle, visit the official KEMSO website:
https://www.kemsoracing.com/