A risk of a fuel leak leading to a vehicle fire has prompted the announcement of a recall affecting over 880,000 Honda Odyssey minivans, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to the automaker, a fuel leak may start if the cover on the fuel pump strainer deteriorates, as it is more likely to do when exposed to harsh weather or acidic chemicals, such as those used on farms. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire, which can cause serious injury or death.
Although Honda reports that it has not yet heard of any actual fires caused by the defective fuel pump strainer cover, the company is issuing a recall of affected minivans. The vehicles covered by the recall include Honda Odyssey minivans manufactured in model years 2005 through 2010, or between the dates of June 23, 2004 and September 4, 2010. The company has stated plans to notify Odyssey owners by mail during the month of April.
Owners of the affected Odyssey minivans will be able to take their vehicles to any Honda dealership or mechanic to have the fuel pump strainer cover replaced. However, because replacement parts are not yet available, owners may have to wait until this summer. If an owner spots a fuel leak before that time, he or she may take the minivan in to have the cover replaced with an original part until a replacement part becomes available, according to the NHTSA.
Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). If a defective vehicle part has injured you or someone you love, don’t wait: contact an experienced New York car accident attorney.