Honda is facing its second significant vehicle recall in just two weeks, with more than 720,000 of its best-selling cars in the United States now being recalled over a potential fuel leak issue.
This comes after the automaker recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles earlier in October due to steering system defects.
The latest recall affects models of the Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V, including their hybrid versions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that a critical component within the high-pressure fuel pumps, manufactured by Hitachi Astemo, may develop cracks during production, leading to potential fuel leaks. The affected models include the 2023-2024 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2025 Civic and Civic Hybrid, and 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid vehicles.
According to NHTSA documents, the defect in the fuel pumps could cause fuel to leak when the vehicle is in operation, increasing the risk of fire if the leak occurs near an ignition source. Drivers may detect a fuel leak if they notice a strong gasoline smell while their vehicle is idling or moving. Honda confirmed that the issue was discovered in February 2023, and shipments of the affected vehicles were halted by September 2024.
To date, Honda has received 145 warranty claims related to the faulty fuel pumps but has reported no injuries or fatalities resulting from the issue. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail starting December 4, 2024, and will be able to have the defective fuel pumps replaced free of charge at authorized dealerships.
This recall follows a similar issue Honda faced in December 2023, when 2.5 million vehicles were recalled due to faulty fuel pumps, some of which led to engine failure risks. Honda is urging customers to have their vehicles inspected as soon as they receive notification of the recall to avoid any potential safety hazards.
Honda’s lineup, including the popular CR-V, Civic, and Accord, made up a significant portion of US car sales last year. Despite the recall challenges, these models remain top sellers in the market, with the CR-V ranked sixth, the Civic 16th, and the Accord 17th on Kelley Blue Book’s list of top-selling cars in 2023. The automaker continues to address these issues while working to maintain its reputation for reliability.
For further information, vehicle owners can contact Honda customer service or check the NHTSA database to confirm whether their car is affected.
The Street, FOX Business, and USA Today contributed to this report.
