Honda Recalls 900,000 Odyssey Minivans
National Traffic Authority reports fire risk in fuel tank of certain models.
Mar. 16, 2014 -- Honda will recall 900,000 vehicles after the manufacturer discovered a potential fire risk in its Odyssey minivans, according to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Earlier this month, Honda reported to the agency that there was a "potential defect" in the fuel pump of certain Odyssey models from 2005-2010, the report said. The car manufacturer said that the fuel pump strainer cover in the cars is prone to premature deterioration that "can result in cracks in the material."
The cracks could be caused by a number of factors, including acidic chemicals found in fertilizer, dust control and car wash products, or prolonged exposure to a "high temperature environment," Honda said. Possible fuel smells or leaks coming from the cracks could, in turn, increase the risk of fire.
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The owners of all 886,815 cars made in Honda's Alabama factory affected by the recall will start to be notified on April 21. Necessary repair parts will not be available until this summer, Honda said, but cars will be fitted with "interim" repairs. The manufacturer is not aware of any fires or injuries that have occurred as a result of the defects.
Honda previously recalled 344,000 Odyssey minivans last November because of computer problems that caused sudden and "unexpected braking," while in September, 318,000 minivans were recalled after reports of airbags inflating unnecessarily.
Several calls by ABC News to Honda's public relations office went unanswered.