Honda High Pressure Fuel Pump Recall: Essential Information for Affected Owners (Models, Risks & Solutions)

Hissanote: The Honda High Pressure Fuel Pump Recall is an ongoing and critical safety campaign impacting numerous Honda and Acura models primarily from the 2017-2022 model years. Owners of potentially affected vehicles must immediately check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using official Honda/Acura recall lookup tools and, if included, schedule a free repair at an authorized dealership without delay. The defective fuel pump component can fail unexpectedly, causing sudden loss of engine power while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Honda provides the replacement pump and labor at no cost to the vehicle owner. This comprehensive guide details every essential step you need to take.

What is the Honda High Pressure Fuel Pump Recall All About?

This major recall, announced by Honda in stages starting in late 2020 and expanding multiple times since, centers around defective high pressure fuel pumps installed in various gasoline-powered Honda and Acura vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump is a vital component of the direct fuel injection system. Its job is to take fuel delivered by the in-tank fuel pump at a relatively low pressure and dramatically increase that pressure (often exceeding 2,000 PSI) so it can be precisely injected directly into the combustion chambers by the fuel injectors. This high pressure is crucial for efficient engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions control.

The recall stems from an identified manufacturing defect within specific fuel pumps supplied by Denso Corporation, a major automotive parts supplier. The specific problem involves the fuel pump's impeller – a rotating component that pressurizes the fuel. Due to issues during the molding process of the impeller, it can develop surface deformities and/or cracks over time. As the engine runs, this damaged impeller can absorb fuel, causing it to swell and distort further. Eventually, the impeller may become stuck or seize within the pump housing. When this happens, the pump fails completely. It cannot generate the high pressure fuel needed for the engine to operate properly.

Why is This Fuel Pump Failure So Dangerous?

A sudden failure of the high pressure fuel pump has an immediate and dangerous consequence: engine stall. Without the high pressure fuel delivery required by the direct injection system, the engine loses power abruptly. This can occur at any speed, under any driving condition.

  • Stalling at Low Speeds (e.g., city driving): While still hazardous, drivers might have a slightly better chance of pulling over safely, though stalling mid-intersection remains a significant risk.
  • Stalling at Highway Speeds: This represents the most severe danger. Losing engine power while traveling at 60, 70 mph or more dramatically reduces the driver's ability to control the vehicle. Power steering assistance is lost, making steering difficult. Power brake assist is lost after one or two pedal applications, increasing braking distances substantially. This situation can easily lead to a loss of vehicle control or a collision if other vehicles are unable to react quickly enough. In high-density traffic or adverse weather conditions, the risks are exponentially higher.

This unpredictable stalling hazard, with the potential for catastrophic outcomes, is why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorized this defect as a critical safety issue, prompting Honda's expansive recall action.

Which Honda and Acura Models Are Included in the Recall?

The recall has been expanded several times to include a broad range of models across both the Honda and Acura brands. It primarily covers vehicles manufactured within the 2017 to 2022 model years, though some early expansions included models back to 2015. The only definitive way to confirm if YOUR specific vehicle is affected is by checking its 17-character VIN using the official resources below.

Here is a list of models known to have been included in recall campaigns for the defective high pressure fuel pump (often identified by Honda's recall codes like YJB, LEB, LEC, LED, LEE, LEF, LEG, LEH, LEK, LEL, LEN, LEP, LEQ, LER, LES, LET):

  • Honda Models:

    • Honda Accord (2018-2020)
    • Honda Accord Hybrid (2019-2020)
    • Honda Civic (2016, 2018-2021) - Specific model years and trims vary significantly
    • Honda Civic Type R (2017-2020)
    • Honda CR-V (2017-2022)
    • Honda CR-V Hybrid (2020-2022)
    • Honda Fit (2019-2020)
    • Honda HR-V (2019-2022)
    • Honda Insight (2019-2022)
    • Honda Odyssey (2018-2020)
    • Honda Passport (2019-2022)
    • Honda Pilot (2019-2022)
    • Honda Ridgeline (2019-2022)

  • Acura Models:

    • Acura ILX (2019-2020)
    • Acura MDX (2019-2022)
    • Acura NSX (2019)
    • Acura RDX (2019-2021)
    • Acura RLX (2017-2020)
    • Acura TLX (2019-2020)

Important Considerations Regarding the Model List:

  • Expansions: Honda has repeatedly added models and specific production date ranges to the recall scope as their investigation progressed. A model year listed might not include all vehicles produced in that year. Always check by VIN.
  • Ongoing Process: As of the latest information, Honda continues to monitor parts failures and assess whether further model expansions are necessary. Stay vigilant even if your current model/year isn't listed above.
  • Hybrid Models: Many hybrid variants of Honda vehicles are included because they also utilize the gasoline engine as a significant component for driving, requiring the high pressure fuel pump.

How Do I Know If My Car is Part of the Honda Fuel Pump Recall?

Don't rely solely on seeing your model and year in the lists above. You must check your unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Here’s exactly how to do it:

  1. Official Honda Recall Lookup: Visit the Honda Owners website: https://owners.honda.com/service-recalls Enter your full 17-digit VIN. The system will display all open recalls affecting your specific Honda vehicle.
  2. Official Acura Recall Lookup: Visit the Acura Owners website: https://owners.acura.com/service-recalls Enter your full 17-digit VIN. The system will display all open recalls affecting your specific Acura vehicle.
  3. NHTSA SaferCar.gov: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls Enter your VIN. This checks for all open recalls across all automakers reported to NHTSA, including Honda/Acura fuel pump recalls.

Can I Look for Symptoms Before My Fuel Pump Fails?

While a completely seized pump causes immediate and obvious stalling, some owners have reported experiencing warning signs before a complete failure occurs. These symptoms can indicate the impeller is deteriorating or binding but hasn't fully seized yet. Be aware that the pump can also fail with zero warning.

Potential early symptoms may include:

  1. Engine Misfire or Rough Idle: Especially noticeable at startup or after the engine is warmed up. You might feel unusual vibrations through the steering wheel, seat, or floorboards.
  2. Loss of Engine Power: A noticeable lack of responsiveness when pressing the accelerator pedal, even if the engine doesn't stall completely. The car may feel sluggish or struggle to accelerate.
  3. Engine Stalling: This is the primary and most dangerous symptom. The engine may stall and restart intermittently, or stall and refuse to restart. Stalling often occurs shortly after starting the engine or during low-speed maneuvers but can happen at any time.
  4. Illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light): The check engine light may illuminate. While many issues can trigger this light, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to low fuel pressure (e.g., P0087 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) alongside the recall notice strongly points to the fuel pump being the culprit.
  5. Difficulty Starting the Engine: Extended cranking times before the engine starts, potentially requiring multiple attempts.

Crucial Point: DO NOT IGNORE THESE SYMPTOMS, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR VEHICLE IS LISTED IN THE RECALL. Driving a vehicle experiencing these issues is dangerous. Even if the symptoms seem minor, they can escalate rapidly to complete stalling. The risk of being involved in a crash increases dramatically. If your car exhibits ANY of these signs and is subject to the recall, stop driving it immediately and contact Honda/Acura Roadside Assistance for a tow to your nearest dealership.

My Vehicle is Recalled. What Steps Must I Take?

If your VIN lookup confirms your Honda or Acura is included in the high pressure fuel pump recall, follow these steps immediately:

  1. Stop Driving If Symptoms Appear: If your vehicle shows any signs of fuel pump trouble (misfires, power loss, stalling), DO NOT DRIVE IT. Park it safely. If you are driving and the engine stalls, signal, try to coast to a safe stopping place away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights.
  2. Contact Honda/Acura Roadside Assistance: If your vehicle is undriveable due to symptoms or has stalled, call Honda or Acura Roadside Assistance (the number is in your owner's manual and often available via the My Acura/HondaLink app). Explain the vehicle has likely experienced the recalled fuel pump failure. They will arrange a tow to your preferred authorized dealership. Towing related to this specific recall is typically covered.
  3. Schedule the Recall Repair IMMEDIATELY: Even if your vehicle shows no symptoms, schedule an appointment at an authorized Honda or Acura dealership as soon as possible. Do not delay. Call the service department directly, stating you need to schedule the recall repair for the defective high pressure fuel pump (mention the recall code for your vehicle if known, like YJB or LEB, etc., though they can look it up by VIN).
  4. The Repair Process: When you take the vehicle in, certified technicians will:
    • Verify your vehicle's eligibility using the VIN.
    • Inspect the existing fuel pump (sometimes including visual or functional checks depending on the specific recall phase).
    • Replace the defective high pressure fuel pump with a redesigned, defect-free version of the pump.
    • Perform necessary quality checks and road test the vehicle.
  5. Cost: The repair is performed completely free of charge to the vehicle owner. Honda covers the cost of the replacement pump and all associated labor. This includes towing arranged through official channels if the pump fails or shows symptoms.
  6. Documentation: Ensure the dealership provides you with documentation confirming the recall repair was performed. Keep this paperwork with your vehicle's maintenance records.

What About Vehicles Not Yet Recalled or Potential Future Expansions?

Honda's investigation into the root cause and prevalence of the faulty Denso fuel pumps is considered ongoing. While major batches of affected vehicles have been recalled, it is possible that:

  • Analysis of field data (warranty claims, dealer reports) may reveal additional production periods or models impacted by pumps from the suspect manufacturing lots.
  • As vehicles age and accumulate more mileage, fuel pumps that initially passed inspection might still develop the problem.

Therefore:

  • All Honda and Acura owners, particularly those with vehicles from the 2015-2023 model years not currently identified in the recall, should periodically check their VIN using the official links provided earlier, at least every few months. Signing up for recall alerts through NHTSA SaferCar.gov is also wise.
  • Be vigilant for the symptoms described (engine misfire, power loss, stalling). If you experience these, even if your car hasn't been recalled yet, report it immediately to Honda/Acura Customer Service (1-888-234-2138 for Honda, 1-800-382-2238 for Acura) or via the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline (1-888-327-4236) or website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#vehicle). Your report could be critical in identifying additional affected vehicles.

Honda High Pressure Fuel Pump Recall: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: How long does the fuel pump replacement take?

    • A: The actual repair typically takes dealership technicians 2-4 hours. However, due to the large volume of recalls and potentially limited loaner car availability, you should schedule your appointment well in advance and inquire about expected wait times. Plan for the possibility of the car being at the dealership for most or all of a day. Larger dealerships often have dedicated recall teams working efficiently on these repairs.

  • Q: I just had my fuel pump replaced last month before the recall. Can I get reimbursed?

    • A: Possibly. If you paid out-of-pocket to have your high pressure fuel pump replaced on a vehicle now included in this recall, and the repair occurred after the specific recall notice covering your VIN was issued, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Honda/Acura Customer Service with your repair receipts and documents. Provide the date of the repair, the dealership/shop information, and your VIN. They will review it against the recall effective date for your vehicle. Reimbursement is not guaranteed for repairs done proactively before an official recall notice specifically naming your VIN was issued.

  • Q: My car stalled but restarted. Is it still the recall issue? Do I need a tow?

    • A: Intermittent stalling or restarting is a classic sign of the impeller issue within the fuel pump starting to bind. Take this very seriously. Do not assume it was a fluke. Schedule the recall repair immediately. If the stalling happens again, especially on a road where stopping could be dangerous (like a highway), do not attempt to continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to the dealership. The failure can become permanent at any moment.

  • Q: How critical is it to get this fixed right away? My car drives fine.

    • A: Extremely critical. The defect involves the internal structure of the pump deteriorating over time, primarily as it absorbs fuel during normal operation. A vehicle driving perfectly fine today could experience catastrophic pump failure with no warning on your next drive. The risk of stalling at highway speeds is a severe, unacceptable safety hazard. Schedule the free repair immediately as a preventative measure. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  • Q: Does this recall affect the fuel pump in the gas tank?

    • A: No. This recall specifically concerns the high pressure fuel pump, located in the engine compartment. It is distinct from the lower pressure fuel pump located inside the fuel tank. The recall repair addresses only the engine-mounted high pressure component.

  • Q: I recently purchased a used Honda/Acura. How do I ensure the recall was done?

    • A: Before purchasing any used Honda or Acura from model years 2015-2023, always check the VIN using the official Honda or Acura recall lookup pages, or the NHTSA site. Confirm there are no open recalls listed. If a recall is open (including YJB, LEB, etc.), verify with the seller (dealer or private party) that it was completed before taking possession. Ask for documented proof of the repair on the vehicle's service history. If buying from a dealership, ensure they complete any open recalls prior to your purchase.

Honda's Response and Responsibilities

Honda first initiated investigations into fuel pump failures around 2018. Following extensive engineering analysis and field data review, Honda determined the defect posed an unreasonable safety risk, leading to the initial massive recall in 2020. Subsequent expansions reflected the ongoing commitment to identify all affected vehicles. Honda has undertaken significant efforts to:

  • Notify owners via multiple mailed recall notices (It's vital to ensure your vehicle registration address is up-to-date!).
  • Communicate the issue publicly.
  • Provide clear instructions through dealers and their websites.
  • Work to supply dealers with the redesigned parts as quickly as possible, though part availability bottlenecks have occurred at times.

Conclusion: Act Now for Safety

The Honda High Pressure Fuel Pump Recall addresses a serious safety defect that can cause sudden engine stalling without warning, significantly increasing the potential for a crash. Affected models span popular Honda and Acura vehicles from approximately 2015 through 2022. If you own one of these vehicles, your immediate priority must be to:

  1. VERIFY if your specific VIN is included by checking the official Honda (https://owners.honda.com/service-recalls) or Acura (https://owners.acura.com/service-recalls) recall lookup tool, or the NHTSA site (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).
  2. SCHEDULE the free repair at an authorized Honda or Acura dealership IMMEDIATELY, regardless of whether symptoms are present. Proactive replacement is vital prevention.
  3. STOP DRIVING AND ARRANGE TOWING if your vehicle exhibits any related symptoms (engine misfire, loss of power, stalling) and confirm it is part of the recall. Call Honda/Acura Roadside Assistance.

Do not underestimate the risk associated with this defect. Taking prompt action as outlined in this guide is the only way to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of others on the road. The repair is free – the consequences of delay could be devastating. Check your VIN and take action today.

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