Torrance, Calif. – July 19, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled dozens of vehicles possibly equipped with defective fuel feed and fuel purge hoses, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid sport utility vehicles manufactured between March 23 and May 8, 2017. The car company is unsure at this time what percentage of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective components.
The Defect
Affected vehicles may come equipped with misrouted fuel feed and fuel purge hoses. As a result, vibrations from the engine may push the fuel feed hose against the breather pipe. This contact could, over time, damage the fuel feed and fuel purge hoses and lead to leaks. This increases the risk of an engine fire and endangers owners. However, Honda has not received reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect as of June 29.
Timeline of Events
Honda engineers discovered the misrouted fuel feed and fuel purge hoses during a routine quality check conducted June 7, 2017. The automaker immediately launched an internal investigation involving an evaluation of assembly processes and additional vehicle inspections. The inquiry concluded June 16. On June 29, Honda decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The car company contacted dealers a day later.
The Solution
Honda has directed dealers to evaluate the fuel feed and fuel purge hoses in affected vehicles and replace and reroute them if necessary, according to the NHTSA. Dealers are to make these repairs free of charge. Honda plans notify owners via first-class mail by July 31. Those who need more immediate assistance can contact Acura Client Relations at (888) 234-2138 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
