Honda Fuel Pump Recall: What to Know

Today’s automobiles are complex combinations of the latest technologies, with the potential for all sorts of troubles. But, sometimes, the most fundamental system is the source of headaches for car owners. Such is the case for many people with late-model Honda and Acura vehicles and faulty fuel pumps. 

A fuel pump is a fundamental component of most vehicles; it’s usually located near the fuel tank and transfers gas (or Diesel) to the combustion chamber for ignition and power. However, a malfunctioning fuel pump can cause a car to stall and create a danger to occupants and nearby vehicles. In 2020, Honda discovered this situation with numerous 2018 to 2020 Honda and Acura automobiles and issued a recall to correct the problem. The recall was expanded in 2021 to cover more vehicles from these same model years.

Let’s explore the details of the Honda fuel pump recall, including a summary of the problem and what owners of the affected vehicles need to know. 

Overview: Honda Fuel Pump Troubles

Newer Honda and Acura models with bad fuel pumps are troubling for owners and those considering buying one of these affected cars. Unlike minor automobile problems that occur from time to time, a faulty fuel pump is a serious safety matter. A car that stalls in the middle of traffic could be hit by another vehicle if its driver doesn’t stop or go around in time to avoid a collision.

There are several signs that a Honda or Acura has a malfunctioning fuel pump:

• A check engine light with a P0174 or P0171 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates an improper fuel and air mixture.
• A distinct whining sound from the rear of the car (near the back seat or fuel tank).
• An engine that’s hard or impossible to start
• Engine hesitation or stalling
• Reduced engine power while accelerating or climbing a hill
• Engine stalling accompanied by above-normal coolant temperature

An owner of a Honda and Acura automobile with any of these signs should have their car looked at immediately and see if the issue has been addressed through a fuel pump recall.

Honda Action on the Fuel Pump Problem

Recalls are a last resort for automakers; it’s an expensive and time-consuming process that must include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to oversee the action. Further, the fewer cars involved in a recall, the less costly it is for a car maker. But, frequently, a recall is just the tip of the iceberg. And that’s what happened with Honda and its infamous fuel pump recall.

American Honda Motor Company, the parent of the Honda and Acura brands in the U.S., initially announced a recall for about 136,000 vehicles on May 28, 2020, citing a defective fuel pump. Specifically, the impeller (the rotating component inside the pump) could fail, resulting in a stalled vehicle. 

However, Honda soon discovered that the fuel pump problem impacted more of its vehicles. As a result, a second related recall was issued on March 25, 2021, involving almost 625,000 additional Honda and Acura models. 

Here’s the specific recall information.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V314000

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Date: May 28, 2020

Title: Fuel Pump May Fail

Potential Number of Affected Units: 135,995

Affected Vehicles:

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V215000

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Date: March 25, 2021

Title: Fuel Pump May Fail

Potential Number of Affected Units: 624,552

Affected Vehicles:

You may notice that some model years and models, like the 2019 Honda Fit, appear on both recall lists. This means that Honda later expanded the number of these vehicles affected by the bad fuel pump issue.

Understanding What’s Involved With the Honda Fuel Pump Recall

As with all vehicle recalls, the affected automaker will mail a written notice to the registered owners announcing the action. But, owners with a different address or subsequent owners may still need to receive this information. The same can be said if you’re considering buying one of these affected Honda or Acura models as a second-hand car.

So, it’s always a good idea to verify the details by visiting the NHTSA recall lookup website and entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) or model year/model. Details are also available through the recall websites for Honda and Acura. Similarly, an authorized Honda or Acura dealer can confirm a vehicle’s recall status. 

If your Honda or Acura is subject to a recall for a defective fuel pump, contact the service department at an authorized dealer for repairs. Don’t delay, as this trouble can cause a safety problem (stalling or poor engine operation). 

Fixing a Bad Honda Fuel Pump

Repairing a Honda with a defective fuel pump is a straightforward fix but is best handled by an experienced mechanic, especially if there’s no cost for recall work. There are multiple steps involving flammable gasoline and sensitive electronics. Further, replacing the fuel pump typically requires removing a difficult-to-reach access panel. In short, leave this repair to the professionals.

Importantly, an authorized Honda or Acura dealer is the only place for no-cost recall repairs for a faulty Honda fuel pump. Take this issue anywhere else, and you’re responsible for the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions: Honda Fuel Pump Recall