Honda Fuel Pump Module Recall: What Owners Must Know Immediately

A significant recall affecting millions of Honda and Acura vehicles is related to defective fuel pump modules. This critical component can fail, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving. This is a serious safety hazard, and Honda is replacing affected fuel pumps free of charge. If you own a Honda or Acura vehicle model year 2017-2023, it is essential to check if your car or SUV is impacted. Do not ignore recall notices. Contact your dealer immediately to schedule the necessary repair. Driving with a recalled fuel pump module increases the risk of sudden stalling and potentially dangerous situations on the road.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Module Recall

The Honda fuel pump module recall pertains to an internal component within the fuel pump itself. This component is manufactured by a supplier for Honda and installed in a wide range of models across both the Honda and Acura brands during specific production periods. The recall is officially designated by Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under specific recall numbers. This defect stems from improper manufacturing conditions during production of the fuel pump’s impeller.

The impeller is the rotating part inside the fuel pump that actively draws gasoline from the tank and pushes it under pressure to the engine. Due to this manufacturing defect, the impeller can become deformed, damaged, or develop cracks over time. These imperfections disrupt the smooth flow of fuel and prevent the pump from generating or maintaining sufficient fuel pressure. This loss of fuel pressure is what leads to engine performance issues and potentially complete engine shutdown.

Why a Faulty Fuel Pump Module is Dangerous

A failing fuel pump module can manifest in different ways, but they all compromise vehicle safety:

  1. Sudden Engine Stalling: This is the most dangerous consequence. The engine could lose power and stall without warning while driving at any speed, whether accelerating, cruising, or even slowing down. A sudden stall removes power steering assistance and drastically increases braking effort due to the loss of power brake assist. This significantly increases the risk of a collision, especially in high-traffic situations, intersections, or on highways.
  2. Inability to Restart: Once stalled, you may find the vehicle difficult or impossible to restart immediately. This leaves you stranded, potentially in unsafe locations like active roadways, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or creating a hazard for other drivers.
  3. Engine Roughness or Hesitation: Intermittent or partial loss of fuel pressure can cause the engine to run roughly, misfire, or hesitate significantly, particularly when accelerating. This reduces driver control and predictability.
  4. Failure to Start: The fuel pump might completely fail to generate pressure, preventing the engine from starting at all. While this typically happens when stationary, it still leaves the driver stranded.

Honda and Acura Vehicles Impacted by the Recall

The scope of the Honda fuel pump module recall is substantial, covering numerous popular models produced within specific date ranges. It includes both gasoline-powered vehicles and hybrid models where the engine relies on fuel for operation. Affected model years generally span from 2017 to 2023, but the exact inclusion depends on the specific model and its production date.

A non-exhaustive list of Honda models potentially affected includes:

  • Honda Accord (2018-2020)
  • Honda Civic (2016-2021)
  • Honda CR-V (2017-2022)
  • Honda HR-V (2019-2022)
  • Honda Insight (2019-2022)
  • Honda Odyssey (2018-2020)
  • Honda Passport (2019-2023)
  • Honda Pilot (2019-2022)
  • Honda Ridgeline (2019-2021)

Acura models potentially affected include:

  • Acura ILX (2019-2020)
  • Acura MDX (2018-2020)
  • Acura NSX (2017-2020)
  • Acura RDX (2019-2021)
  • Acura RLX (2017-2020)
  • Acura TLX (2018-2020)

Crucially, simply owning one of these models does not automatically mean your vehicle is involved. Honda identified specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ranges where fuel pumps from the problematic supplier batch were installed. Production dates vary significantly by model.

How to Check if YOUR Honda or Acura is Part of the Fuel Pump Recall

There are two primary, reliable methods to check if your specific vehicle falls under the fuel pump module recall:

  1. Honda Recall Lookup Website:

    • Use the dedicated recall look-up tool on Honda's official owner website.
    • Navigate to the Honda Recalls page or the Acura Recalls page.
    • Enter your full 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the designated field. You can find the VIN on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's side door jamb sticker, or your vehicle registration or insurance documents.
    • Click 'Submit' or 'Check Recalls'. The system will display any open recalls associated with your specific VIN, including the fuel pump module recall if applicable.

  2. NHTSA Recall Lookup Website:

    • Go to the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls page.
    • Enter your vehicle's 17-digit VIN in the search bar.
    • The results will show all unrepaired recalls, regardless of manufacturer, that affect your vehicle. If your Honda or Acura has the open fuel pump recall, it will appear here.

Why You Should NOT Rely Solely on Recalled Mail Notices

Honda sends recall notification letters via mail to the last known registered owners of affected vehicles. However, solely relying on receiving mail is risky:

  • Address Changes: If you moved and haven't updated your vehicle registration address with your state's DMV (or Honda/Acura owner profile), the notice may go to the wrong place.
  • Mail Delivery Issues: Notices can sometimes get lost, delayed, or misplaced in the mail.
  • Secondary Owners: If you bought the car used and the previous owner didn't update their registration, notices might still go to them.
  • Timing: There can be delays between Honda identifying affected VINs and mailing out notifications.

Proactively checking using your VIN is the most reliable way to confirm your vehicle's recall status. Make it a habit to check periodically, even if you haven't received mail. This recall is too important to ignore.

Symptoms of a Failing Honda Fuel Pump Module

While the recall exists to prevent failures, being aware of symptoms can be lifesaving. If you experience any of the following, especially in a vehicle potentially within the recall year ranges, take immediate action and get the vehicle inspected:

  • Engine Stalling: The engine stops running while driving. This might happen once or become more frequent. It may restart after stalling, or it might not.
  • Loss of Power During Acceleration: You press the gas pedal but the car fails to accelerate normally, feels sluggish, or hesitates significantly, sometimes accompanied by the engine sputtering.
  • Engine Misfires / Rough Idle: The engine runs unevenly at stops, vibrating noticeably. The RPM needle might fluctuate erratically.
  • Engine Cranks but Won't Start: When you turn the key or press the start button, the engine turns over (you hear the cranking sound) but fails to fire up and run.
  • No Start Condition: Turning the key or pressing the start button results in no engine cranking sound at all (though this could also indicate other problems like a dead battery).
  • Illuminated Check Engine Light: While other issues can cause this, a failing fuel pump or fuel pressure problem often triggers diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) or P0171/P0174 (System Too Lean) which turn on the Check Engine Light.
  • Fuel Pump Whining Noise: You might hear an unusually loud, high-pitched whining, humming, or buzzing noise coming from the rear seat area or under the vehicle where the fuel tank is located, especially when the ignition is turned on or during engine cranking. A significant change in the pump's sound intensity or pitch can indicate wear.

If your vehicle stalls while driving, maneuver safely to the side of the road if possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Attempt to restart the engine. If it restarts, drive directly to a safe location but remain vigilant; the issue may recur. If it does not restart, call for roadside assistance. Do not repeatedly crank the engine for long periods if it doesn't start, as this could drain your battery.

What Honda is Doing - The Repair Process

Honda is authorized to repair affected vehicles free of charge to owners. The repair is straightforward:

  1. Replacement: The faulty fuel pump module inside the fuel tank will be replaced with a new, corrected fuel pump module from an approved supplier.
  2. Labor: All labor costs associated with accessing the fuel tank, removing the old pump module, installing the new one, and testing the system are covered by Honda.
  3. No Cost to Owner: This is a warranty repair mandated by a safety recall. There is absolutely no charge to the vehicle owner for the part or the labor. This applies regardless of the vehicle's current mileage, age, or warranty status.
  4. Authorized Dealers Only: The repair must be performed by an authorized Honda or Acura dealership. They have the necessary trained technicians, diagnostic equipment, updated repair procedures, and access to the correct replacement parts.
  5. Parts Availability: Due to the massive scale of this recall (millions of vehicles globally), there were initial periods where specific replacement fuel pump modules were on backorder in some regions. Dealers prioritize vehicles based on risk factors as determined by Honda, or by the severity of symptoms reported. If your dealer states there is a wait for parts, ensure they take your contact information and notify you as soon as a module becomes available for your vehicle. Continue to check in periodically.

How to Get Your Free Fuel Pump Replacement at the Honda Dealership

Getting your recalled fuel pump module replaced is a simple process:

  1. Confirm Your Vehicle is Affected: Use the VIN lookup tools mentioned earlier to absolutely confirm your specific Honda or Acura is included in the recall.
  2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your local authorized Honda or Acura dealership's service department. Clearly state that you have verified your vehicle falls under the fuel pump recall campaign (they may ask for the recall number) and you want to schedule the repair. You can usually do this by phone or through the dealership's online service scheduling system.
  3. Bring Required Items: Take your vehicle and the recall notice (if you received one). Your driver's license and vehicle registration are also useful. You do not need maintenance records solely for this recall repair.
  4. Drop Off the Vehicle: Plan for the service visit. While the repair itself often takes less than a day, dealerships have varying schedules. Ask for an estimated timeframe when you book the appointment. There is no charge for a loaner car under the recall, but availability varies greatly by dealership. Inquire about loaner or shuttle service when scheduling. Be prepared that you may need to arrange alternative transportation during the service.
  5. Pick Up Your Vehicle: Once the repair is completed and tested, the dealership will notify you. Upon pick-up, they should provide a detailed service invoice clearly stating that the fuel pump recall repair (by its official Honda recall number) was completed. Ensure this documentation is kept with your vehicle records.

Important Considerations for Honda Owners

  • Don't Delay: This recall addresses a component that can fail unpredictably with potentially severe safety consequences. Delaying the repair puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at unnecessary risk. Schedule the appointment as soon as you confirm your vehicle is affected and once parts become available. Do not assume that because your vehicle hasn't shown symptoms yet, it's immune. The impeller defect can manifest at any time.
  • Dealership Responsibility: Authorized dealerships are contractually obligated by Honda to perform these recall repairs free of charge. There should be zero pressure to purchase additional services. If a dealership attempts to charge you or insists on unrelated work for the recall repair, politely but firmly decline. Contact Honda/Acura Customer Service immediately. Dealerships are reimbursed directly by Honda for these recall repairs.
  • Check Other Recalls: While your VIN is checked for the fuel pump recall, take the opportunity to inquire about any other open recalls or service campaigns that might apply to your Honda or Acura. Your vehicle could have multiple unrepaired recalls. This is the most efficient way to get them all addressed.
  • Register Correct Address: Ensure Honda has your current address on file through their owner website. This helps ensure you receive any future recall notices promptly. You can also sign up for recall alerts through the NHTSA website using your VIN.

Maintenance Tips Related to Fuel Systems

While the fuel pump module recall addresses a specific, unrelated manufacturing defect, proper general maintenance helps ensure your entire fuel system operates reliably:

  1. Use Quality Fuel: Consistently use fuel from reputable, high-volume stations. Lower-quality gasoline may contain contaminants or insufficient detergents, potentially leading to injector clogging over time. Avoid filling up immediately after a gas station's tanks have been refilled, as this can stir up sediment.
  2. Maintain Fuel Filter: Some Honda and Acura models have replaceable in-line fuel filters. Consult your owner's manual for the specific recommended replacement interval for your vehicle. A clogged filter restricts fuel flow and forces the pump to work harder, potentially shortening its life, although it's unrelated to the impeller defect recall.
  3. Avoid Consistently Driving on Low Fuel: Running your fuel tank very low frequently increases the risk of fuel pump overheating. The gasoline acts as a coolant for the electric fuel pump motor. Consistently operating with fuel levels below 1/4 tank is not advisable. Aim to refill when the gauge reaches the 1/4 mark.
  4. Replace Engine Air Filter Regularly: A clogged air filter affects engine airflow and can indirectly alter fuel trim demands. Stick to the maintenance schedule for air filter replacement per your owner's manual.
  5. Follow Scheduled Maintenance: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule (Maintenance Minder system on Honda/Acura vehicles). This ensures all related systems are inspected and kept in optimal condition. Address any Check Engine Lights immediately – they often indicate issues that, if ignored, can cause secondary problems, including increased fuel system stress.

Conclusion: Act Now Regarding the Honda Fuel Pump Module Recall

The Honda fuel pump module recall demands immediate attention. A faulty fuel pump that can cause sudden engine stalling constitutes a critical safety hazard that cannot be ignored. The repair is free, straightforward, and only performed by authorized Honda and Acura dealers using the correct, updated part.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Confirm your Honda or Acura's involvement using the official VIN lookup tools on the Honda/Acura owner site or the NHTSA website. Schedule the recall repair at your dealership without delay once your specific parts become available. Ensure you receive documentation confirming the repair completion. While addressing this recall, also check for any other unrepaired recalls on your vehicle. Remember, proactive checking and swift action are key to ensuring your safety and the reliability of your Honda or Acura on the road. Ignoring this recall is simply not an option given the potential consequences.

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