Honda Fuel Pump Recall: Everything Owners Must Know to Stay Safe​

2025-12-22

If you own a Honda vehicle, your car may be part of a critical safety recall involving defective fuel pumps that can suddenly fail, leading to engine stalling and a complete loss of power while driving. This poses a severe crash risk. Honda has recalled over ​2.5 million vehicles​ worldwide across numerous models and years to replace these faulty pumps free of charge. This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide on the recall, the specific models affected, the dangers involved, and exactly what you need to do to protect yourself and your family.

​Understanding the Fuel Pump Defect and Its Origins​

The core issue prompting this massive recall is a manufacturing defect within the fuel pump assembly. The component in question is the fuel pump module, which is responsible for drawing fuel from the tank and delivering it at high pressure to the engine. The problem stems from the pump's impeller, a plastic rotor that spins to create suction. During production at the supplier level, these impellers were exposed to improper drying conditions. This led to the formation of microscopic cracks and surface irregularities. Over time, as the impeller spins continuously inside the fuel pump, these cracks can expand. Eventually, the impeller may become deformed, bind against the pump housing, or simply shatter. When this happens, the fuel pump seizes and stops delivering gasoline to the engine entirely. This defect is not related to maintenance, fuel quality, or driving habits; it is a latent factory flaw that can manifest unexpectedly.

​The Severe Safety Risks of a Failing Fuel Pump​

A sudden fuel pump failure is not a minor inconvenience; it is an immediate and serious safety hazard. The primary risk is ​engine stall without warning. When the pump stops, the engine is starved of fuel and will shut down, causing a rapid loss of power steering and power brake assist. Drivers may experience a sudden jerking motion followed by an inability to accelerate. On a highway or in busy traffic, this can easily lead to a collision, as the driver struggles to control a coasting vehicle and move it to safety. The risk is compounded in situations requiring immediate power, such as merging onto a freeway or crossing an intersection. There is also a secondary, though less common, risk of a fuel leak. If the pump housing cracks or fails catastrophically, gasoline could seep into the fuel tank's vapor containment system or, in extreme cases, drip onto the ground, creating a fire hazard. Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have documented multiple field reports and warranty claims related to stalling incidents, confirming the real-world danger that necessitated this recall action.

​Complete List of Affected Honda and Acura Models​

The recall is expansive, covering many of Honda's most popular vehicles from model years 2017 through 2022. It is crucial to check this list carefully, as the recall includes models from both the Honda and Acura brands. The following vehicles are subject to the fuel pump recall:

  • ​2018-2019 Honda Accord​
  • ​2018-2020 Honda Civic​
  • ​2018-2020 Honda CR-V​
  • ​2018-2020 Honda HR-V​
  • ​2018-2020 Honda Odyssey​
  • ​2018-2020 Honda Pilot​
  • ​2018-2020 Honda Ridgeline​
  • ​2019-2020 Honda Insight​
  • ​2020-2021 Honda Passport​
  • ​2020-2021 Honda Accord Hybrid​
  • ​2019-2020 Acura ILX​
  • ​2019-2020 Acura MDX​
  • ​2019-2020 Acura RDX​
  • ​2019-2020 Acura TLX​
  • ​2020-2021 Acura RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid​

This list is comprehensive but may be expanded as investigations continue. Certain vehicles within these model years may have received a corrected fuel pump during production or a prior service visit and are therefore not included. The only definitive way to know if your specific vehicle is included is by checking its 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

​How to Check if Your Specific Vehicle is Under Recall​

You must take proactive steps to confirm your vehicle's status. Do not assume it is safe because you have not experienced problems. Here are the three official methods:

  1. ​Check on the Official NHTSA Website.​​ Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall lookup tool at Enter your full VIN. This government database will show all open safety recalls for your vehicle, including this fuel pump campaign. It is the most authoritative public source.
  2. ​Check on Honda's Official Recall Portal.​​ Go to recalls.honda.com or recalls.acura.com. Enter your VIN for an immediate status report. Honda's system is updated directly from their corporate database and is highly reliable.
  3. ​Contact a Honda or Acura Dealership Directly.​​ Call or visit your local authorized dealer. Provide them with your VIN. Their service department can access the national recall database and confirm your vehicle's status in minutes.

Your VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the driver's side door jamb sticker. It is also printed on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.

​The Recall Repair Process: What to Expect​

If your VIN check confirms an open recall, you must schedule a repair appointment at an authorized Honda or Acura dealership. The repair is mandated by federal safety law and will be performed ​absolutely free of charge. You will not pay for parts or labor. The process is straightforward:

  • ​Scheduling:​​ Contact your preferred dealership's service department to schedule an appointment for recall service "NHTSA Campaign 20V-700" or "Honda Recall YCRA." Mention the fuel pump recall.
  • ​The Repair:​​ The service technician will replace the entire fuel pump module with a new, corrected part that does not have the impeller defect. The repair typically takes between ​two to three hours, depending on the model. For some vehicles, the fuel tank may need to be partially lowered to access the pump, which can extend the time.
  • ​What You Receive:​​ Upon completion, the dealership will update Honda's national database, closing the recall for your vehicle. You should receive a completion notice or work order for your records.

​Immediate Steps for Owners Before the Repair​

Do not wait for the repair if your vehicle is listed. While the recall is active, be vigilant for warning signs and follow these safety guidelines:

  • ​Recognize the Symptoms:​​ Be alert for symptoms of a failing fuel pump, which may include ​engine sputtering or hesitation​ during acceleration, a loss of power when under load (like climbing a hill), unusual whining noises from the fuel tank area, and most critically, the engine stalling or failing to start.
  • ​If Stalling Occurs:​​ If your engine stalls while driving, remain calm. Activate your hazard lights immediately. Firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road, if possible. Once stopped, do not attempt to restart the engine repeatedly. Call for roadside assistance and have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Inform them the vehicle is under the fuel pump recall.
  • ​Minimize Risk:​​ Until repaired, it is advisable to avoid long trips on highways or in heavy traffic where a stall would be most dangerous. Keep your fuel tank at least half full, as a fuller tank can help keep the pump cooler and submerged, potentially delaying failure (though this is not a fix).

​Common Questions and Concerns from Owners​

  • ​Is it safe to drive my car if it hasn't shown symptoms?​​ While the risk is present, Honda has not issued a "Do Not Drive" order for most vehicles. However, they urge owners to schedule the repair immediately. The defect can occur at any mileage and without prior warning.
  • ​What if I already paid for a fuel pump repair?​​ If you paid for a fuel pump replacement related to this defect before the recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138 with your repair receipts and documentation to start a reimbursement claim.
  • ​Does the repair affect my vehicle's warranty?​​ No. Recall repairs are performed free of charge and do not void your vehicle's factory warranty. The new pump component itself is covered by a warranty for the repair.
  • ​What if I own a second-hand Honda?​​ The recall follows the vehicle, not the owner. Whether you are the first or fifth owner, you are entitled to the free repair. Use your VIN to check the status.
  • ​Why did it take Honda so long to announce this?​​ Automakers must investigate field reports, identify the root cause, and confirm the scope of the defect with their supplier before issuing a recall. This process, overseen by NHTSA, ensures the correct fix is applied to all affected vehicles.

​Honda's Official Communications and Your Legal Rights​

Honda began notifying owners by first-class mail in the summer of 2020 and has continued with multiple mailings as the recall expanded. If you have not received a letter, it may be due to an outdated address with your state's DMV. This is why proactively checking your VIN is essential. This recall is officially filed with NHTSA as Safety Recall 20V-700. As a vehicle owner, you have the right to a free remedy for a safety defect. If a dealership refuses to perform the free repair, you should escalate the issue directly to Honda's corporate customer relations department.

​The Bigger Picture: Fuel Pump Recalls in the Industry​

It is worth noting that this specific fuel pump supplier defect affected multiple automakers globally, leading to recalls from Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, and others. This highlights a widespread supply chain issue. For Honda owners, the focus should remain on their specific vehicle. The scale of Honda's action demonstrates the seriousness with which they and federal regulators treat this potential for sudden engine failure.

​Final Actionable Checklist for Every Owner​

  1. ​Locate your VIN​ on your vehicle or documents.
  2. ​Check your recall status​ immediately at NHTSA.gov or Honda's recall site.
  3. ​If affected, call your dealership​ today to schedule the free repair.
  4. ​Be alert for stalling symptoms​ until the repair is complete.
  5. ​Keep all documentation​ related to the recall and repair.

Ignoring this recall is a gamble with your safety and the safety of others on the road. The repair is free, straightforward, and permanently eliminates a known, dangerous defect. There is no excuse for delay. Verify your vehicle's status and schedule your appointment without hesitation to ensure your Honda or Acura is safe and reliable for all your journeys ahead.

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