Densp Fuel Pump Recall List: The Complete Guide to Affected Vehicles and Actions

The critical conclusion upfront: Multiple major automakers including Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Kia have issued extensive recalls due to potential failures involving DENSO-manufactured low-pressure fuel pumps. These recalls affect millions of vehicles sold primarily between 2013 and 2019. Failure of this pump can cause a vehicle's engine to stall while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Owners must check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for open recalls immediately and arrange for a free replacement fuel pump if their vehicle is affected. Do not delay this safety-critical repair.

Understanding the DENSO Fuel Pump Recall Issue

The core problem prompting this widespread series of recalls revolves around a specific component within the fuel pump assembly. Specifically, the impeller, the part designed to draw fuel from the tank and push it towards the engine, was found to be prone to degradation under certain conditions.

• Material Weakness: The impeller was manufactured using a resin material that could absorb excessive amounts of fuel over time, particularly fuel containing certain additives or under certain environmental conditions like high humidity.
• Swelling and Cracking: This fuel absorption caused the impeller to swell. As it swelled, it could come into contact with the inner bore of the pump body, creating excessive friction.
• Impeller Failure: The increased friction caused by the swollen impeller rubbing against the pump body could lead to the impeller becoming deformed, cracking, or shattering entirely.
• Loss of Fuel Pressure: Once the impeller is damaged, the fuel pump loses its ability to effectively draw fuel from the tank and deliver it to the engine at the required pressure.
• Engine Stall: The critical result is a sudden loss of engine power, causing the vehicle to stall without warning. This can happen at any speed, including highway speeds, posing a severe safety hazard as power steering and braking assist are often lost, and the vehicle becomes a potential obstacle for other traffic.

While DENSO manufactured the specific fuel pump assemblies containing the faulty impellers, the recalls themselves were initiated by the individual automakers (like Toyota, Subaru, etc.) responsible for designing, assembling, and selling the vehicles to consumers. The recalls target the vehicles equipped with these specific DENSO pumps sourced by the automakers during vehicle production.

Why This Recall Demands Immediate Attention

The potential consequence of the fuel pump failure is not a minor inconvenience; it poses a direct and serious threat to driver, passenger, and public safety:

1. Sudden Stalling: An engine can shut off completely and unexpectedly.
2. Loss of Vehicle Control: When an engine stalls, power assistance for both steering and braking is drastically reduced or eliminated instantly. Steering becomes heavy, and stopping distances increase significantly. Regaining control of the vehicle at speed under these conditions is extremely difficult.
3. Crash Risk: A sudden stall on a busy roadway, especially at higher speeds, creates an immediate collision hazard. The stalled vehicle becomes an unexpected stationary obstacle. The driver's ability to maneuver to safety is severely impaired.
4. No Reliable Warning: In many instances reported, the engine stall occurred without any prior dashboard warning lights (like the check engine light) illuminating. Drivers were given no advanced indication a problem was developing.
5. Potential for Multi-Vehicle Accidents: A crash caused by a sudden stall can easily involve multiple vehicles due to the unexpected nature of the event and location where it occurs.

Failure to have the recall repair performed leaves the driver and passengers at continuous risk until the defective pump is replaced. This is unequivocally a safety-critical recall that cannot be ignored.

Comprehensive List of Vehicles Affected by DENSO Fuel Pump Recalls

Below is a breakdown of the major automakers and the specific models and model years included in the recalls for the DENSO low-pressure fuel pump issue. This list serves as a starting point; the ONLY definitive way to confirm if YOUR specific vehicle is affected is by checking your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through official recall lookup tools. See the next section for how to do this. Recalls often expand or add production date ranges.

Toyota / Lexus (Recall Campaigns: Toyota 20TB01/20TA01/22TA02/23TB02/23TA01 and others, Lexus 20LA01/20LB01/22LA03/23LA01 and others)

Toyota and Lexus have issued the largest number of vehicles for this issue globally, involving multiple recall campaigns since early 2020. Affected models include:

Note: Some specific production periods within these model years may be excluded. Always verify using your VIN.

Subaru (Recall Campaigns WRE-20, WRE-21, WRE-23 and others)

Subaru began recalling affected models starting in late 2020. Key models include:

• Ascent (2019)
• Impreza (2018-2019)
• Outback (2018-2019)
• Legacy (2018-2019)
• WRX (2018-2019)
• Forester (2019)
• Crosstrek (2018-2019)

Note: Specific production date ranges vary. Check your VIN.

Mazda (Recall Campaigns 2320F, 2720F, 0123F and others)

Mazda has issued several recalls covering:

• CX-3 (2018-2019)
• CX-5 (2016-2017, 2019)
• CX-9 (2016-2017, 2019)
• Mazda3 (2018-2019)
• Mazda6 (2016-2017, 2019)
• MX-5 Miata (2015-2016, 2018-2019)

Note: Specific production date ranges apply. Check your VIN.

Mitsubishi (Recall Campaign SR-20-004, SR-21-002 and others)

Mitsubishi recalls have included:

• Outlander (2017-2018)
• Outlander Sport (2017-2018)
• Eclipse Cross (2018)
• Mirage / Mirage G4 (2017-2018)

Note: Specific production date ranges apply. Check your VIN.

Honda / Acura (Recall Campaigns Y7F, Y83, Y8F, Y94 and others)

While Honda/Acura did not recall vehicles due to this specific generation of DENSO impeller failure, they have had previous, unrelated recalls concerning DENSO fuel pumps (including high-pressure pumps) in various models (e.g., certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2016 Honda Pilot, 2018-2019 Accord, etc.). It highlights the importance of always checking your specific VIN for all open recalls, regardless of make.

Kia / Hyundai (Recall Campaign 227 for Stinger, others)

While the most widespread DENSO impeller recalls primarily impacted Toyota/Lexus/Subaru/Mazda/Mitsubishi, isolated DENSO fuel pump recalls have occurred for other manufacturers. For example:

• Kia Stinger (2018-2019)
  (Always check Kia/Hyundai recall sites with your VIN)

"DO NOT DRIVE" and "STOP SALE" Notices - The Highest Risk Vehicles

For vehicles identified as being at the absolute highest risk of sudden stalling due to confirmed failures or critical production date ranges, Toyota and Lexus escalated the urgency by issuing specific "DO NOT DRIVE" advisories in certain regions (like the US and Canada). These were often directed at older unsold inventory or specific, high-risk models like the 2013-2015 Lexus IS 350 and GS 350, and certain Toyota Land Cruisers and Tundras (check VIN for exact applicability).

• What "DO NOT DRIVE" Means: This is an explicit and urgent safety warning. Owners of vehicles under a "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory related to this fuel pump recall should NOT operate the vehicle until the repair is completed. The risk of a crash due to sudden stalling is considered too high to drive the vehicle even to the dealership.
• Arranging Repair: Contact your Toyota or Lexus dealership immediately upon receiving a "DO NOT DRIVE" notice. Dealers are instructed to prioritize these repairs and may offer options like towing the vehicle to the dealership at no cost to the owner.
• "STOP SALE": Alongside "DO NOT DRIVE" notices directed at owners, Toyota and Lexus also implemented "STOP SALE" orders for their dealerships. This prohibits dealers from selling or leasing any new or used vehicle identified within specific recall campaign scopes (particularly those warranting the "DO NOT DRIVE" level) until the fuel pump recall repair has been performed.
• Urgency: If you receive any communication labeled "DO NOT DRIVE" related to the fuel pump recall, treat it as an absolute directive. The dealership will work with you to resolve the situation safely.

How to Check if YOUR Vehicle is Part of the DENSO Fuel Pump Recall

Verifying if your specific car is under recall is essential and very simple. You need your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Find it:

• On the driver's side dashboard (viewable through the lower corner of the windshield).
• On the driver's side door jamb (sticker).
• On your vehicle registration or insurance documents.

Where to Lookup Your VIN:

1. Manufacturer Recall Websites (Recommended): This is the most direct and authoritative source.
   • Toyota Owners: [https://www.toyota.com/recall] (or Toyota Owners portal, check regularly)
   • Lexus Owners: [https://www.lexus.com/recall]
   • Subaru Owners: [https://www.subaru.com/recall] or [https://recall.subaru.com]
   • Mazda Owners: [https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com]
   • Mitsubishi Owners: [https://www.mitsubishicars.com/recalls]
   • Honda Owners: [https://owners.honda.com/recalls]
   • Acura Owners: [https://owners.acura.com/recalls]
   • Kia Owners: [https://www.kia.com/us/en/owners/recalls]
   • Enter your VIN into the search field on the relevant brand's recall page. It will display all open recalls for that specific vehicle.
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): [https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls]
   • The NHTSA website consolidates recalls from all automakers. Search by VIN to see all open recalls for your vehicle, regardless of make. While authoritative, sometimes there can be a slight delay compared to manufacturer sites. Use it as a secondary check or if unsure of the manufacturer's site.
3. Contact Your Dealership: Call or email your local authorized dealership. Provide them with your VIN, and their service department can check their system for any open recalls associated with your vehicle.

What to Do If Your Vehicle is Affected

1. Confirm the Recall: Use your VIN on the manufacturer's recall lookup tool to confirm the recall exists for your specific vehicle.
2. Receive Notification (but don't wait): While manufacturers will eventually attempt to mail recall notices to registered owners using DMV records, do not wait for the letter. Proactively check your VIN. Mail can be delayed or sent to old addresses.
3. Contact Your Dealership: Once confirmed, call your nearest authorized dealership's service department.
   • Specify: "I have an open safety recall regarding the fuel pump replacement (recall campaign [mention the campaign ID if you know it, like Toyota 20TB01, or just state "DENSO fuel pump recall"]). I need to schedule the repair."
   • Provide your VIN again.
4. Schedule the Repair: The dealer will schedule a service appointment for you. Emphasize the urgency as a safety recall. Repairs are prioritized based on risk assessment and part availability.
   • "DO NOT DRIVE" Notice: If you received a "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory, state this explicitly and ask about towing arrangements.
5. Prepare for Your Appointment:
   • Bring your recall notice if you received one (optional, VIN is key).
   • Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration.
   • Ask the service advisor what to expect regarding time. The repair itself typically takes several hours, so plan accordingly. You may need alternate transportation during that time.
6. The Repair Itself:
   • The repair involves replacing the entire in-tank low-pressure fuel pump assembly with a newly manufactured one containing a corrected impeller material that does not absorb excessive fuel or swell.
   • Dealership technicians are trained on the specific procedure for your vehicle model. There is no alternative fix; the pump assembly must be replaced.
   • The repair is performed free of charge to the vehicle owner (parts and labor). There should be absolutely no cost associated with completing this safety recall.
7. After the Repair: Ensure you receive documentation (work order) from the dealership explicitly stating that the fuel pump recall (identify by recall campaign number) has been completed. This is important for your vehicle records and proof of completion should questions arise later.

Important Considerations and FAQ

• Is it safe to drive my car before the repair? Unless under an explicit "DO NOT DRIVE" advisory, the official recall notice generally states that you can continue to drive, but to contact a dealer immediately for repair. However, driving any vehicle with an open safety recall for sudden stalling carries inherent risk. Weigh that risk carefully and minimize driving until repaired. If you notice any symptoms (see below), stop driving immediately and contact your dealer. Heed "DO NOT DRIVE" notices absolutely.
• Are there symptoms I should watch for? Yes, while failure can occur without warning, potential signs include:
  • Engine running rough (rough idling, hesitation)
  • Loss of power, especially during acceleration
  • Engine surging (unexpected changes in RPM without pedal input)
  • Difficulty starting the engine
  • Illumination of the check engine light or other warning lights (though stall often happens without warning).
  • Crucially: If the engine stalls while driving, attempt to maneuver safely to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights immediately. Do not attempt to restart the engine while moving. Call for assistance.
• What if my vehicle stalls before the repair? If you experience an engine stall that you suspect is related to the fuel pump recall, stop driving the vehicle immediately in a safe location. Call your dealership and explain the situation. They should arrange to have the vehicle inspected and repaired urgently. Also, report the incident to the NHTSA ([https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#vehicle]).
• How long will the repair take? This varies by model, but typically plan for the vehicle to be at the dealership for a few hours (often 3-5 hours). Check with your specific dealer when scheduling.
• I bought my vehicle used. Am I still covered? Yes. Recalls follow the vehicle, regardless of ownership changes. The current owner is entitled to the free repair at any authorized dealership of the vehicle's make.
• What if I had the fuel pump replaced already at my own expense before the recall? Contact your dealership and provide documentation of the repair (receipts showing the work done and the parts replaced). The manufacturer may have a reimbursement process if the replacement occurred due to failure symptoms before the official recall announcement and used an equivalent OEM part. Policies vary, so inquire with your dealer or the manufacturer's customer service.
• Will this repair affect my vehicle's warranty? No. Recall repairs are performed free of charge and do not void your vehicle's warranty. They are legally mandated safety fixes.

Final Critical Message

The DENSO fuel pump recalls represent a significant and proven safety risk across several popular vehicle brands. The potential for sudden engine stalling leading to loss of control and crashes makes addressing this recall an urgent priority.

Your action steps:

1. FIND YOUR VIN.
2. CHECK YOUR VIN NOW using the manufacturer's official recall lookup website.
3. IF AFFECTED, CALL YOUR DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY to schedule the free repair.
4. DO NOT IGNORE "DO NOT DRIVE" ADVISORIES. Arrange for towing to the dealer.
5. COMPLETE THE REPAIR PROMPTLY. Do not postpone this critical safety fix.

Ensuring this recall repair is completed is vital for your safety and the safety of everyone sharing the road with you. It costs you nothing but time. Take action today.