In another instance in the auto industry of dangers from failed car parts capable of causing fires with resulting personal injuries, particularly burns, and deaths, American Honda (Honda) is recalling 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey minivans to replace a fuel strainer cap linked to fire risk. The Odysseys’ fuel strainer caps have been found to be in danger of deteriorating prematurely with exposure to high temperatures and acidic chemicals, resulting in cracks in the material. Those cracks could lead to leaking fuel, increasing fire risks, although Honda said it has not received any reports of fires or injuries related to what Honda, itself, classifies as a safety defect.
Honda is not able to determine the percentage of vehicles in which the defect has become apparent. The minivans being recalled are no longer in production, so the replacement parts will not be available until the summer. Recall notices will be sent out next month and consumers can get the fuel strainer caps replaced with new caps with the original design, to then be replaced by newly designed caps intended to eliminate the safety defect.
For the full NHTSA recall, click here.