Honda and Acura Fuel Pump Failure
American Honda Motor Co. has recently announced a significant defect impacting a range of Honda and Acura vehicles from model years 2017 to 2020. This recall, crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of these vehicles, addresses a critical issue concerning fuel pump failure.
A broad spectrum of models falls under this recall, including:
Acura Models: ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, NSX, RDX, RLX, TLX
Honda Models: Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic, Civic Type-R, Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Fit, HR-V, Insight, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline
The defect report identifies a significant flaw in the fuel pump impeller. This component was improperly molded, leading to low-density impellers. The issue arises when these impellers, due to their lower density, are exposed to production solvent drying for extended periods. This exposure can cause surface cracking, leading to excessive fuel absorption, impeller deformation, and potential interference with the fuel pump body. Eventually, this may result in the fuel pump becoming inoperable.
Vehicle owners should be alert for specific warning signs, such as: Illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Intermittent loss of power, Difficulty in starting the vehicle and Stalling of the vehicle.
The primary risk associated with this defect is an engine stall, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. As of December 12, 2023, Honda has recorded 4,042 warranty claims related to this issue. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths. To address this issue, dealers will replace the fuel pump module. Honda plans to begin notifying vehicle owners with letters expected to be mailed by February 5, 2024.
Owners can identify this recall with Honda's numbers KGC and KGD. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 23V-858. It's important to note that this recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recalls 21V-215 and 20V-314.
This recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of automotive safety and the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure the reliability of their vehicles. Owners of the affected Honda and Acura models are advised to pay close attention to their vehicles' performance and await further instructions from Honda regarding the replacement of the fuel pump module.