Honda Fuel Pump Recall List: Critical Models, Years, Signs & Free Repairs Explained

Honda has issued multiple significant recalls affecting millions of vehicles in the United States and globally due to defective fuel pumps prone to failure. This critical defect can cause sudden engine stalling at any speed, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Owners of affected Honda and Acura models from the 2017 through 2020 model years must immediately check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using Honda's official recall lookup tools or the NHTSA website to determine if their vehicle is included in these recalls and needs repair. Free replacement fuel pumps are available at authorized Honda and Acura dealerships nationwide.

This comprehensive guide details the Honda fuel pump recall list, explains the dangers involved, provides clear instructions on how to check your vehicle's status, outlines what to expect during the repair process, and answers common owner questions.

Understanding the Honda Fuel Pump Recall and Why It Matters

The recall centers on defective fuel pumps manufactured by Denso Corporation, a major automotive supplier. The pumps installed in millions of Honda and Acura vehicles contained impellers (the spinning component that draws fuel) made from a substandard material. Over time, and especially when exposed to certain environmental conditions like high fuel temperatures or low-quality fuel, these impellers can absorb excessive moisture. This absorption causes the impeller to deform, swell, and ultimately interfere with the pump body itself.

A deformed impeller leads to one of two dangerous outcomes:

  1. Reduced Fuel Pressure: The pump struggles to maintain the necessary fuel pressure. This can cause symptoms like hesitation, loss of power, or rough idling.
  2. Complete Fuel Pump Failure: The impeller seizes entirely, stopping the pump from delivering any fuel to the engine. This results in the engine shutting down immediately.

The Critical Danger: Sudden Engine Stall

Unlike many other vehicle problems that might give a driver warnings or happen at low speeds, a failed fuel pump due to this defect causes sudden and unexpected engine stall. This can occur at any speed, in any traffic condition:

  • Highway Speeds: Loss of power steering and braking assistance drastically increases stopping distances and reduces control.
  • City Traffic: Stalling in intersections or during lane changes creates a high potential for rear-end collisions or side impacts.
  • Rural Roads: Loss of engine power leaves the vehicle stranded in potentially hazardous locations.

The unpredictable nature of this failure makes it exceptionally dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers this a critical safety defect, prompting Honda's multiple recall campaigns.

The Complete Honda Fuel Pump Recall List: Affected Models and Years

Honda has issued several related recall notices since 2020, expanding the scope as more vehicles and model years were identified with the problematic Denso fuel pumps. This list represents the consolidated scope of recalls as of late 2023, covering vehicles sold in the United States.

Important Note: Model years represent the primary range, but production dates are the definitive factor. Always verify with your VIN.

  1. Honda Vehicles:

    • 2018-2019 Honda Accord
    • 2017-2019 Honda Accord Hybrid
    • 2018-2020 Honda Civic (including Civic Type R, Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe)
    • 2018-2020 Honda CR-V
    • 2017-2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid (earlier models as Insight)
    • 2018-2020 Honda Fit
    • 2019-2020 Honda HR-V
    • 2018-2019 Honda Insight
    • 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey
    • 2019-2020 Honda Passport
    • 2017-2020 Honda Pilot
    • 2018-2020 Honda Ridgeline

  2. Acura Vehicles (Honda's Luxury Division):

    • 2018-2019 Acura ILX
    • 2017-2020 Acura MDX
    • 2018-2020 Acura NSX (hybrid powertrain fuel pump)
    • 2017-2020 Acura RDX
    • 2017-2020 Acura RLX
    • 2017-2019 Acura TLX

Recall Numbers You Might Encounter:

  • Honda Recalls: JWA, JYA, J1A, LZC, L2E (among others – VIN check is essential)
  • Acura Recalls: LZC, JWA, JYA, J4A (among others – VIN check is essential)
  • NHTSA Recall Numbers: 20V-700, 21V-316, 22V-683, 23V-895 (These represent the overarching campaigns)

How to Check if YOUR Honda or Acura is Included (VIN Check)

Determining if your specific vehicle is part of the Honda fuel pump recall is a crucial two-minute task. Here's exactly how to do it:

  1. Locate Your VIN: Your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found:
    • On the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield at the base.
    • On the driver's side door jamb sticker.
    • On your vehicle registration documents.
    • On your auto insurance card.
  2. Use Honda/Acura's Official VIN Lookup Tools:
    • Honda Owners: Visit the official Honda Owners website (www.owners.honda.com) and navigate to "Recalls & Service Campaigns." Enter your VIN.
    • Acura Owners: Visit the official Acura Owners website (www.owners.acura.com) and navigate to "Recalls & Service Campaigns." Enter your VIN.
    • Check NHTSA Website: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall lookup tool (www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Enter your VIN. This site consolidates all recalls, including Honda's, for your specific vehicle.
  3. Interpret Results: The tool will clearly display if there is an open recall on your vehicle for the fuel pump. If it shows "Recall Incomplete" or something similar for a fuel pump recall, your vehicle needs repair. It may list the specific recall code.

DO NOT rely solely on a third-party site not linked above. ALWAYS verify through Honda/Acura or NHTSA.

Symptoms of a Failing Honda Fuel Pump

While the failure can be sudden without warning, some vehicles may exhibit symptoms before complete stall. Be extremely vigilant and do not drive if you experience:

  • Engine Stalling: The most critical sign, especially if sudden or recurrent. Do not restart and attempt to drive.
  • Engine Not Starting: Failure to crank or prolonged cranking can sometimes indicate fuel delivery problems.
  • Loss of Power / Engine Sputtering: Especially noticeable under acceleration or at highway speeds.
  • Reduced Engine Performance: Feeling like the vehicle is struggling to maintain speed or power.
  • Check Engine Light Illumination: Often accompanied by fuel-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low). Do not ignore a Check Engine Light.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Shows Symptoms or Stalls

  1. If Driving and Symptoms Occur or Engine Stalls:
    • Safety First: Signal, carefully maneuver the vehicle to the safest possible location off the road (shoulder, parking lot, exit ramp).
    • Turn on Hazard Lights: Make the vehicle visible.
    • DO NOT attempt to restart the engine multiple times. If it stalled unexpectedly, it's likely a fuel pump failure. Restarting may not be possible or could worsen the situation.
    • Call for Assistance: Contact roadside assistance (such as Honda Roadside Assistance if covered, your insurance, or AAA) to have the vehicle towed. Emphasize to the tow operator that the vehicle is subject to a fuel pump recall and stalling.
  2. If Symptoms Occur While Parked (e.g., hard start):
    • DO NOT Drive the Vehicle. Starting the engine doesn't guarantee it will run reliably.
    • Contact Your Dealer Immediately: Explain the symptoms and that the vehicle is part of the fuel pump recall. Arrange for flatbed towing to the dealership. Driving a vehicle with known symptoms risks a stall in traffic.

The Free Repair Process: What to Expect

If your VIN check confirms an open fuel pump recall, here's what happens:

  1. Contact Your Dealer: Call your preferred authorized Honda or Acura dealership's service department.
  2. Schedule Appointment: Inform them you have an open recall for the fuel pump replacement (recall number helps). They will schedule a time for the repair.
  3. Loaner/Transportation: Because the repair requires draining the fuel tank, inspect the fuel pump module assembly, and replacing the defective pump with an updated one, the service typically takes several hours (often 2-4 hours, but confirm with dealer). Most dealers prioritize recall work and offer loaner cars or shuttle service free of charge due to the safety nature of the recall. Inquire about this when scheduling.
  4. The Repair:
    • Technicians access the fuel pump assembly, usually located under the rear seat or through an access panel in the trunk/cargo area.
    • The fuel tank may need to be partially drained for safety. The old pump assembly is removed.
    • The fuel pump itself (the faulty Denso unit) is replaced with a new, defect-free fuel pump manufactured to corrected specifications. In some cases, the entire fuel pump module assembly might be replaced if internal components show signs of the impeller degradation.
    • The system is reassembled, tested for leaks, and verified for proper fuel pressure and operation.
  5. No Cost: The repair, including parts and labor, is performed entirely free of charge by authorized Honda and Acura dealerships, regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or warranty status.
  6. Confirmation: Once complete, the dealer will update Honda's database indicating the recall is completed on your vehicle. You should receive a repair invoice for your records showing $0.00 cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Is my vehicle safe to drive if it's under recall but hasn't been repaired yet?

    • A: NO. Honda explicitly warns against driving vehicles with an open fuel pump recall due to the risk of sudden engine failure. While failure isn't guaranteed in every vehicle, the potential consequence (crash risk) is too severe. Schedule the free repair immediately.

  • Q: How long will the repair take?

    • A: Typically 2-4 hours. However, due to parts availability and service bay scheduling, it's best to contact your dealer for their specific timeline and arrange a loaner vehicle.

  • Q: Are parts available now?

    • A: Honda and Denso have ramped up production of the corrected pumps significantly. While there may have been backlogs in 2020-2022, parts supply has greatly improved. Contact your dealer to confirm availability and schedule your appointment.

  • Q: What if I already paid for a fuel pump repair before the recall? Can I get reimbursed?

    • A: Possibly. Honda established a reimbursement program for owners who paid for fuel pump repairs out-of-pocket before the recall announcement specifically addressing the Denso impeller defect. You will need proof of the repair (invoice showing paid work for fuel pump replacement related to stalling/no-start within the recall timeframe) and must submit it to Honda for review. Contact Honda Customer Service (1-888-234-2138) or Acura Client Relations (1-800-382-2238) for details and the reimbursement request form.

  • Q: Does the recall affect 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024 Honda/Acura models?

    • A: Generally No. The recalls primarily cover models built roughly between 2017 and 2020. Vehicles produced after Honda identified and began installing the corrected Denso fuel pumps should not be affected. However, ALWAYS verify your specific VIN, as recall scopes can occasionally be modified, though major expansions beyond 2020 model years are unlikely for this specific defect.

  • Q: Where can I get official recall information?

    • A: The only sources for 100% accurate recall information regarding your specific vehicle are:
      • Honda Owners Website: www.owners.honda.com
      • Acura Owners Website: www.owners.acura.com
      • NHTSA Website/SaferCar App: www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or NHTSA SaferCar App.

The Importance of Acting Immediately

The Honda fuel pump recalls are not routine maintenance; they address a clear and present hazard. Failure to act puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at unnecessary risk. The repair is free and readily available. Checking your VIN takes moments, and scheduling the repair with your dealer is straightforward.

Protect yourself and others: Check your VIN for the Honda fuel pump recall today. If affected, schedule your free repair without delay. This simple action ensures your vehicle has a reliable fuel pump and helps prevent a potentially catastrophic engine stall on the road.

*Disclaimer:* This article provides information based on publicly available recall announcements from Honda and the NHTSA. Recalls can be updated or expanded. Always confirm your vehicle's recall status using your VIN via Honda/Acura or NHTSA resources. This article does not constitute professional mechanical or legal advice. We are not affiliated with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

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