Honda has announced another significant vehicle recall, this time affecting over 700,000 cars in North America due to a potential fuel pump defect that could lead to dangerous fuel leaks. The recall, disclosed by the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), primarily impacts certain models of the Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V from the 2023 to 2025 model years. The defect involves a high-pressure fuel pump that may crack, posing a serious fire hazard if the leak occurs near an ignition source.
This recall follows closely on the heels of an earlier action in October, when Honda recalled 1.7 million vehicles due to issues with steering components. The latest recall highlights growing safety concerns at the automaker and raises questions about quality control as it grapples with two major defects in quick succession.
According to Honda and NHTSA, the problem originates from improper production of the high-pressure fuel pumps, which resulted in cracks forming within the pump's core. These cracks can worsen over time as the pump operates, potentially leading to fuel leaks. If the leaked fuel comes into contact with an ignition source, the risk of fire, crash, and injury significantly increases. Some drivers reported noticing a gas odor while their vehicles were idling or being driven.
The recall affects several popular Honda models, including the 2023-2024 Honda Accord, 2023-2024 Accord Hybrid, 2025 Honda Civic, 2025 Civic Hybrid, and the 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid. The recall encompasses approximately 720,000 vehicles in the United States and an additional 61,000 in Canada.
Fuel Leak Concerns
The issue, first identified earlier this year, has led to 145 warranty claims from customers, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported to date, according to Honda. The automaker noted that it had confirmed the presence of fuel leaks in some vehicles as early as September 2024 and immediately halted shipments of the affected models.
Honda released a statement addressing the defect, explaining that "cracks may form inside the high-pressure fuel pump, which can grow during driving, leading to potential fuel leaks or noticeable fuel odors while idling or driving." The company emphasized that while no injuries had been reported, the potential danger posed by fuel leaks requires immediate attention.
Steps for Owners
Owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified by mail starting December 4, 2024, with instructions on how to proceed. Honda dealerships will inspect the high-pressure fuel pump and replace it with an improved part at no cost to the owner. Vehicle owners who wish to check if their car is part of the recall can enter their vehicle information on the NHTSA website or use Honda's customer service hotline at 1-888-234-2138.
The fuel pump defect follows another major recall in early October, which involved 1.7 million Honda vehicles over potential steering wheel malfunctions. With two large-scale recalls in such a short time, Honda faces increased scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike. The back-to-back recalls underscore the importance of swift and effective communication with vehicle owners, particularly as safety concerns around these critical components emerge.
