Honda Recalls Over 40,000 Motorcycles Due to Stalling Risk

Honda recently issued a motorcycle recall involving over 40,000 bikes due to a potentially dangerous defect in the fuel pump impeller. This defect could lead to engine stalling or failure, posing serious safety risks for riders. With motorcycles already offering less protection than cars, a stalling engine can result in hazardous situations, especially in traffic or at high speeds.

If you own one of the affected models, swift action is essential to ensure your safety on the road, so do not hesitate to take action. Honda is offering free repairs for all recalled motorcycles. Here’s some basic information about the recall, how it might affect your motorcycle, and why addressing this issue promptly is critical.

Notices Being Sent January 2025 for Honda Fuel Pump Recall 

Honda’s recall affects 40,481 motorcycles, spanning various popular models from 2007 to 2021. Models include: 

  • 2007 Honda CBR600RR 
  • 2009-2017 Honda CBR600RR 
  • 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 
  • 2017 Honda CBR1000RR
  • 2019 Honda CBR1000RR 
  • 2021 Honda CBR1000RR 
  • 2010 Honda VFR1200 
  • 2012-2013 Honda VFR1200

At the heart of the issue is a defect in the fuel pump impeller, a critical component of the fuel system. According to Honda’s recall notice submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improperly molded impellers have been found to have low density, which can interfere with the fuel pump body over time.

This defect may lead to the fuel pump becoming inoperative, preventing the engine from starting or causing it to stall while riding. The implications are clear: a sudden loss of power on the road can create dangerous scenarios for riders, whether navigating city traffic or cruising on highways.

Honda will begin notifying affected owners through mail starting in early January 2025. Impacted riders are encouraged to visit authorized Honda Powersports dealers for a free inspection and repair. Dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace it if necessary to address the problem.

Motorcycle Manufacturer Responsibility and Rider Safety

The Honda motorcycle recall highlights a critical issue: when a defect impacts consumer safety, manufacturers must act swiftly and transparently. Recalls are not just procedural. They are a vital mechanism for addressing potentially life-threatening flaws in vehicles and other products. In this case, Honda’s acknowledgment of the defect and provision of free repairs align with their obligation to protect riders.

However, recalls often occur after incidents or near-misses have revealed the issue, meaning some consumers may already have been put at risk. This lag between identifying a defect and resolving it underscores the importance of rigorous quality control in manufacturing and proactive monitoring of potential safety hazards.

Motorcycles, in particular, present unique risks due to their design. Unlike cars, they lack structural protections, leaving riders more vulnerable in the event of a mechanical failure or crash. For defects like stalling engines, the margin for error is small, and the consequences can be devastating.

By ensuring that defective vehicles are recalled and repaired, manufacturers can mitigate these risks and reinforce public trust. At the same time, consumers play a role by promptly addressing recall notices and taking advantage of available repairs.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

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Mikal Watts

Written on behalf of Mikal Watts, and reviewed by Watts Law Firm LLP

Mikal C. Watts is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Martindale-Hubbel AV Rated Lawyer.