Honda CRV Fuel Injector Recall: What Owners Need to Know Immediately

A significant recall exists for certain Honda CR-V models due to defective fuel injectors that pose a fire risk. Honda issued recall 21V-885 in November 2021, affecting specific 2018-2020 CR-V vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbocharged engines. The recall addresses faulty fuel injectors that can leak fuel, potentially leading to an engine compartment fire. Owners of affected vehicles should immediately check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Honda's recall website or the NHTSA site and contact a Honda dealer for a free repair. Driving an unrepaired vehicle increases the risk of fire, even when parked and turned off.

Honda identified a critical defect in the fuel injectors installed in certain CR-V models. The core problem lies in the manufacturing process of these specific fuel injectors. During production, residual stress remained within the injector body after machining. This residual stress, combined with the high-pressure environment of the direct fuel injection system and the natural thermal cycling of the engine (heating up during operation and cooling down when off), could cause the injector body to develop cracks over time.

These cracks are the root cause of the danger. Once a crack forms in the fuel injector body, gasoline under high pressure can seep out. This leaking fuel can accumulate within the engine compartment. Given the high temperatures present in this area during normal engine operation, and the presence of numerous hot surfaces (like the exhaust manifold), the leaked fuel can ignite. This ignition can result in an engine compartment fire, presenting a severe safety hazard. Crucially, because fuel can leak even after the engine is turned off and the vehicle is parked, the fire risk persists when the car is unattended.

Which Honda CR-V Models Are Affected?

The recall specifically targets Honda CR-V SUVs from the model years 2018, 2019, and 2020. However, not every CR-V from these years is included. The recall is limited to vehicles equipped with the 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine (coded L15B7). CR-Vs from these model years that have the standard 2.4-liter non-turbo engine are not part of this recall. Furthermore, Honda determined that only fuel injectors supplied by a specific manufacturer during a particular production period were defective. Therefore, even within the 2018-2020 model years with the 1.5L turbo engine, only a subset of vehicles received these faulty injectors. The only definitive way to confirm if your specific CR-V is included is by checking its 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Recognizing Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Injector

While not every affected vehicle will exhibit obvious symptoms before a potential leak occurs, being aware of warning signs is crucial. If you notice any of the following issues with your 2018-2020 Honda CR-V (especially with the 1.5L turbo engine), it warrants immediate attention and a VIN recall check:

  1. Strong Gasoline Odor: A persistent, noticeable smell of gasoline, particularly noticeable outside the vehicle near the engine bay or even inside the cabin after driving or parking, is a significant red flag. This odor is often strongest when the engine is cold or shortly after startup.
  2. Visible Fuel Leak: Seeing liquid fuel pooling or dripping underneath the engine compartment area is a clear and urgent sign of a problem. Do not drive the vehicle if you observe this.
  3. Engine Performance Issues: While less common as a primary symptom of this specific crack/leak issue, a severely leaking injector could potentially cause engine misfires, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, or a noticeable decrease in fuel economy. However, the smell of fuel is a more direct indicator related to this recall.
  4. Illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL): A leaking fuel injector can sometimes trigger the vehicle's onboard diagnostics, leading to the illumination of the Check Engine Light. While the CEL can signify numerous issues, its appearance in conjunction with a gasoline smell or in an affected model year should prompt immediate recall verification and diagnostic checks.

The Serious Risks: Why This Recall Demands Immediate Action

The risks associated with this fuel injector defect are severe and non-negotiable:

  • Engine Compartment Fire: This is the paramount risk. A fuel leak onto hot engine components can ignite, causing a fire under the hood. Such fires can spread rapidly.
  • Fire While Parked: Unlike some issues that only pose a risk while driving, this defect is particularly dangerous because fuel can leak after the engine is turned off. This means a fire could start while your vehicle is parked in your garage, driveway, or a public parking lot, potentially leading to catastrophic property damage or injury.
  • Vehicle Damage: Even if a fire is contained or extinguished quickly, significant damage to the engine, wiring harnesses, hoses, and other under-hood components is likely.
  • Personal Safety Risk: An under-hood fire poses a direct threat to occupants if it occurs while driving. A fire starting while parked near structures or other vehicles endangers people nearby and can lead to broader property damage.

Ignoring this recall significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing one of these dangerous scenarios. The potential consequences underscore the critical importance of having the repair performed as soon as possible.

The Recall Repair Process: What Happens at the Dealer

Honda has authorized its dealerships to perform the recall repair free of charge to the vehicle owner. The repair procedure is straightforward but essential:

  1. Inspection: The dealership technician will first inspect the fuel injectors on your CR-V. They are checking for any signs of leakage or the presence of the specific, defective injector part numbers.
  2. Replacement: If defective injectors are found (or as a preventative measure based on the recall campaign specifics for your VIN), the technician will replace all four fuel injectors in the engine with new, corrected injectors manufactured without the residual stress issue.
  3. Software Update (Possibly): In some cases, alongside the injector replacement, the dealership may also perform a software update to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to ensure optimal performance with the new injectors. This update is also part of the free recall service.
  4. Documentation: Once the repair is complete, the dealership will provide documentation confirming the recall work has been performed. Ensure you keep this for your vehicle records.

The repair typically takes several hours, depending on dealership workload. Owners are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to minimize wait time. Honda dealers are required to prioritize recall repairs.

How to Check if Your Honda CR-V is Included

Verifying whether your specific vehicle is part of this recall is simple and takes only moments:

  1. Locate Your VIN: Find your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. It's usually located on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's side door jamb sticker, or on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
  2. Visit Official Recall Sites:
    • Honda Recalls Website: Go to https://recalls.honda.com/ and enter your VIN.
    • NHTSA Recalls Website: Go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
  3. Review Results: These sites will instantly tell you if your vehicle has any open recalls, including the fuel injector recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-885). If it is affected, the results will clearly state that.

What to Do If Your Vehicle is Recalled

  1. Contact a Honda Dealer: Immediately call your preferred authorized Honda dealership. Inform them that your CR-V is subject to recall 21V-885 (fuel injector recall) and you need to schedule the repair.
  2. Schedule the Repair: Set up an appointment for the free recall service. Ask about any necessary preparations and how long they expect the repair to take.
  3. Be Prepared: Bring your vehicle registration and driver's license to the appointment. While not always required, having them is prudent.
  4. Address Symptoms Urgently: If you are experiencing any symptoms like a gasoline smell, visible leak, or related engine problems, do not drive the vehicle if possible. Contact Honda Customer Service (1-888-234-2138) and your dealer immediately for specific guidance. They may advise towing the vehicle to the dealership. If you must drive a short distance to the dealer, do so with extreme caution and ensure you have no passengers.
  5. Post-Repair Monitoring: After the repair, remain vigilant for any unusual smells or performance issues for the first few drives. While the new injectors are designed to fix the problem, report any concerns back to the dealership promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Is there a charge for this recall repair?
    A: No. Honda dealerships perform all recall repairs free of charge to the vehicle owner. This includes parts and labor.
  • Q: How long will the repair take?
    A: The injector replacement itself typically takes several hours. However, dealership schedules vary. When you call to schedule, they can provide a more accurate time estimate, often suggesting you plan for at least half a day or possibly a full day depending on workload. Loaner vehicles may be available; inquire when scheduling.
  • Q: Can I keep driving my CR-V if it hasn't shown any symptoms?
    A: While the risk might be lower if no symptoms are present, Honda and the NHTSA strongly advise against driving an unrepaired vehicle subject to this recall due to the inherent fire hazard. The defect can manifest unexpectedly. Schedule the repair at your earliest convenience. If you notice any gasoline smell, do not drive the vehicle and contact Honda/dealer immediately.
  • Q: What if I already paid for fuel injector repairs related to this issue before the recall?
    A: Honda typically has reimbursement programs for owners who paid for repairs later covered by a recall. Contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138 with your repair receipts and documentation. They will guide you through the reimbursement process.
  • Q: Does this recall affect other Honda models?
    A: Yes, while this article focuses on the CR-V, the same recall (21V-885) also includes certain 2019-2020 Honda Accord models equipped with the same 1.5L turbo engine. Always check your VIN for the most accurate information regarding your specific vehicle.
  • Q: What exactly are they replacing?
    A: The recall repair involves replacing all four fuel injectors in the engine with newly manufactured injectors that do not have the residual stress defect. They may also update the engine control software (PCM update).

Conclusion: Safety Requires Prompt Action

The Honda CR-V fuel injector recall (21V-885) addresses a serious defect with potentially dangerous consequences. Fuel leaks leading to engine fires are a significant safety hazard that cannot be ignored. If you own a 2018, 2019, or 2020 Honda CR-V with the 1.5L turbo engine, checking your VIN for an open recall is imperative. If your vehicle is affected, scheduling the free repair at an authorized Honda dealership is the only responsible course of action. Do not delay; protecting your vehicle, your property, and your safety depends on addressing this recall promptly. Utilize Honda's and the NHTSA's online tools to check your status and contact your dealer without hesitation.

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