Honda recently announced a major recall of over 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a defective fuel pump that can cause sudden stalling while driving. An additional 2 million Honda vehicles were also recalled internationally for the same fuel pump issue. Stalling vehicles leads to a loss of power steering and brake assist, severely increasing the risk of crashes. The recalled Honda and Acura models span the years 2017-2020 and include popular vehicles like the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey, and more.
Owners of recalled Honda and Acura models will receive notices by mail starting February 5th to bring their vehicles to dealers for free fuel pump replacement. Without this vital recall repair, vehicles may stall randomly on roads without warning due to fuel pump failure. It's critical for owners to follow through on this safety recall before potential fuel pump defects occur. Our lemon law attorneys at Gayle Law Group can provide legal guidance to impacted owners during this recall.
Scope of the Recall
The extensive Honda and Acura recall was officially announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on December 21, 2023. It encompasses over 2.5 million vehicles in the United States and over 2 million more internationally. The recall spans Honda and Acura models from years 2017 through 2020, with some of the brand's most popular vehicles impacted.
Specific Honda and Acura models included in the widespread recall include the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey, Passport, and Ridgeline, as well as Acura's ILX, MDX, NSX, RDX, RLX, and TLX models. Nearly all configurations of these vehicles that were produced in model years 2018-2020 are involved in the recall, including hybrid models like the Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, and MDX Hybrid. With millions of these Honda vehicles on the roads, they account for a significant portion of the recall and the highest risk to drivers.
Overall, the far-reaching size of the recall encompasses around 4.5 million Honda and Acura vehicles globally to address the same critical fuel pump defect. It demonstrates the scale of the potential issue and how imperative it is for owners to participate in the recall process before stalling incidents occur. By handling the repairs promptly, drivers can continue operating their vehicles safely.
Dangers of Potential Stalling
The fuel pump defect covered by this Honda recall can cause affected vehicles to suddenly lose engine power and stall without warning while driving. This immediately creates hazardous situations, as vital features like power steering and brake assist rely on an operating engine in order to function properly.
When an engine stalls while driving due to a fuel pump issue, the loss of power steering causes vehicles to become very difficult to maneuver, especially at higher speeds. Drivers may struggle to make smooth turns or change lanes quickly to avoid traffic or road hazards. Similarly, brake assist uses engine vacuum pressure to increase braking force, so stalled engines impair this crucial capability. Brakes in vehicles experiencing stalls will have reduced performance, lengthening stopping distances.
With millions of Hondas on the road containing defective parts, this could lead to exponentially more incidents and damages if the recall is not addressed promptly. Drivers in moving stalled Honda vehicles are at great risk if they lose control unexpectedly.
By completing the recall and fuel pump replacement, Honda owners can rectify the issue before breakdowns and engine stalling. Avoiding just a single accident caused by power loss makes the recall repair process worthwhile and can prevent injuries.
The Recall Process
To facilitate repairs for the over 2.5 million vehicles recalled in the United States, Honda will start sending out official notices by First Class mail starting on February 5, 2024. These recall notices will contain detailed instructions for owners on contacting and scheduling service appointments at authorized Honda or Acura dealerships.
Once vehicles are brought into the dealer, trained technicians will inspect them and replace the defective fuel pump module in each car completely free of charge. The work involves swapping out the malfunctioning part located inside the gas tank with a redesigned replacement pump that resolves the issue. Most appointments take less than a few hours, depending on parts availability and technician workload.
Honda has set up a dedicated recall website at Honda.com/recalls where owners can input their car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to instantly check if it is impacted by this or any other recall campaign. There is also a phone number for Honda/Acura customer service which can answer any other questions related to the recall and repair process at (888) 234-2138.
The goal of this extensive outreach and repair program is for Honda to comprehensively rectify the inherent fuel pump defect. By handling every single impacted car, stalling incidents can be preempted moving forward rather than reacting after breakdowns strand drivers in unsafe situations. The recall is necessary for preventative maintenance.
Importance of Completing Repairs
It is critically important for owners of the recalled Honda and Acura vehicles to complete the necessary fuel pump repairs as soon as possible once they receive notice. While inconvenient, ignoring recall notices places drivers and other road users in perpetual danger as long as the stall-inducing defect stays within vehicles’ fuel delivery systems.
Honda has pledged to scale up production and availability of replacement parts to meet demand and make new fuel pump modules widely accessible to complete repairs promptly. Timelines will vary between models and model years, but the automaker aims to ensure no recalled vehicle waits indefinitely while being unsafe to operate. With repair scheduling flexibility and loaner vehicle options, Honda intends to smooth the process further.
The replacement fuel pump and labor involved come at zero cost to the owner as part of Honda’s recall liability. But avoiding accidents, injuries, and vehicle damage provided by ultimately fixing the underlying defect is priceless. Once the new fuel pump module is installed, owners gain reassurance knowing their vehicle won’t randomly stall without warning.
Drivers opting not to participate in the recall gamble with their own well-being and that of others who could be involved in a crash if an engine cuts out suddenly. Always consult with Gayle Law Group attorneys to understand consumer rights and legal options before deciding. But when it comes to this Honda recall, vehicles should not be driven any longer than necessary before they are remedied.
Final Thoughts
Honda’s enormous recall of over 2.5 million vehicles represents a critical safety issue due to defective fuel pumps that can lead to sudden stalling unexpectedly. While Honda initiates the recall process starting February 5th and works urgently toward comprehensive repairs, millions of impacted vehicles with the flaw still actively operate on America’s roads.
Every owner of the Honda and Acura sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, vans, and trucks included in the recall must take proactive action as soon as they are notified. Bring your vehicle to an authorized dealer so replacement of the faulty fuel pump module can occur well before it fails and causes potential catastrophe. Contact Honda customer service or visit the official recall website to check your VIN or answer any questions.
Our lemon law experts at Gayle Law Group also recommend connecting with us for tailored legal guidance at any point in the recall process. We can advise you regarding consumer rights protections, getting rental or loaner transportation in the interim, monitoring repair timelines, and investigating or litigating if you experience issues obtaining satisfactory results from Honda through the recall. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help impacted owners stay safe on the road.