P0231 on Honda
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low
P0231 on Honda vehicles indicates fuel pump secondary circuit - low. Au7o has documented this code across 8 Honda models — most commonly on Accord, CR-V, Fit. This code indicates the engine computer detected a low-voltage condition in the fuel pump's secondary (driver/output) control circuit. Many vehicles control the fuel pump through a relay or a dedicated driver module, and the computer monitors the voltage on that circuit to confirm the pump is being powered correctly. When the feedback voltage stays lower than expected, P0231 sets. Because the fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the injectors, this fault can cause hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions. Typical repair costs on Honda range from $300 to $1,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0231
- •Faulty fuel pump relay
- •Corroded or loose connector at the pump or relay
- •Damaged or shorted wiring in the pump power circuit
- •Poor ground for the fuel pump circuit
- •Failing fuel pump drawing abnormal current
- •Faulty fuel pump driver module
- •PCM/ECM internal driver fault (rare)
P0231 on Honda by Model
Honda Accord(1 issue)
- Denso Fuel Pump Impeller Failure - Safety Recall NHTSA 20V-3742018-2021
The 10th generation Accord (2018-2021) is affected by the largest Honda fuel pump recall in history, covering over 5.7 million vehicles. Denso fuel pump impellers were manufactured with improperly molded low-density material. The impellers deform over time under fuel exposure, expanding and interfering with the pump housing, causing the pump to slow or stop entirely. Symptoms appear gradually as difficulty starting, rough idle, and stalling, progressing to complete no-start. Engine stall at highway speeds presents a serious crash risk. Honda expanded the recall multiple times (20V-374, 20V-714, 23V-111) as the scope widened.
Honda CR-V(1 issue)
- Denso Fuel Pump Recall - NHTSA 20V-374 and 23V-1112018-2022
The 5th generation CR-V (2018-2022) is included in Honda's largest fuel pump recall affecting over 5.7 million vehicles. Denso-manufactured fuel pump impellers were made with improperly molded low-density material that swells and deforms under fuel exposure, interfering with the pump housing and causing the pump to slow or fail. Engine stalling at highway speeds has caused collisions. This is the same recall affecting the 2018-2022 Accord, Passport, Pilot, and other Honda models. Honda expanded the recall multiple times as the scope widened to cover additional production dates.
Honda Fit(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Failure2007-2020
Fuel pump can fail prematurely across all generations, particularly in colder climates or with contaminated fuel. Difficulty starting, engine hesitation, loss of power, or no-start condition. Carter fuel pumps ($80-140) are consistently praised on FitFreak as best value - well-regarded aftermarket option. Airtex ($90-150) and Walbro ($120-160) are good quality alternatives. Replace fuel filter and use fuel system cleaner regularly for preventive maintenance.
Honda Insight(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Failure (NHTSA Recall)2019-2022
The 2019-2022 Honda Insight (third generation) has been recalled for fuel pump failures. The fuel pump impeller was improperly molded (low density), causing it to deform over time and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering it inoperative. Symptoms include engine stalling while driving (especially highway speeds), rough idle, difficulty starting, and complete loss of power. Honda issued recall covering many 2019-2021 models. Free repair at Honda dealers - fuel pump module replacement.
Honda Odyssey(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stalling2018-2020
Defective fuel pumps manufactured by Denso with improperly molded low-density impellers. Over time, impeller deforms and interferes with fuel pump body, rendering pump completely inoperative. Fuel pump can suddenly fail while driving, causing engine to stall without warning and preventing restart, significantly increasing crash risk.
Honda Passport(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Failure (Multiple Recalls - NHTSA 21V-215, 23V-858)2019-2020
The 2019-2020 Honda Passport has been recalled multiple times for fuel pump failures. The fuel pump impeller was improperly molded (low density), causing it to deform over time and interfere with the fuel pump body, rendering it inoperative. Symptoms include engine stalling while driving (especially highway speeds), rough idle, difficulty starting, and complete loss of power. Honda issued recall 21V-215 in March 2021 (production dates Nov 2018-Jul 2019) and expanded it again with recall 23V-858 in December 2023 (through Oct 2019). Free repair at Honda dealers.
Honda Pilot(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stalling and No-Start2017-2020
Honda recalled 2,539,902 vehicles including 2017-2020 Pilot for fuel pump impeller defects. Improperly molded low-density impellers deform over time and interfere with fuel pump body, rendering pump inoperative. Causes difficulty starting, engine stalling while driving, or complete no-start. NHTSA campaign 23V-858. Parts availability issues delayed repairs until Fall 2024.
Honda Ridgeline(1 issue)
- Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858)2017-2020
NHTSA recall 23V-858 affects 2.5+ million Honda and Acura vehicles including 2017-2020 Ridgelines. The Denso-branded fuel pump impeller was improperly molded with low-density material that deforms over time and interferes with the fuel pump body. Pump becomes inoperative, causing difficulty starting, engine stalling while driving (safety hazard), or complete no-start. This is an expansion of earlier recalls 20V-314 and 21V-215. Remedy parts were delayed causing extended wait times until Fall 2024.
Looking for P0231 on a different make?
View P0231 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0231 mean on Honda?▼
P0231 stands for "Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low." This code indicates the engine computer detected a low-voltage condition in the fuel pump's secondary (driver/output) control circuit. Many vehicles control the fuel pump through a relay or a dedicated driver module, and the computer monitors the voltage on that circuit to confirm the pump is being powered correctly. When the feedback voltage stays lower than expected, P0231 sets. Because the fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the injectors, this fault can cause hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions. On Honda specifically, this code is documented across 8 models.
What causes P0231 on Honda vehicles?▼
Common causes on Honda: Faulty fuel pump relay, Corroded or loose connector at the pump or relay, Damaged or shorted wiring in the pump power circuit, Poor ground for the fuel pump circuit, Failing fuel pump drawing abnormal current. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0231 on a Honda?▼
Repair costs on Honda range from $300 to $1,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Honda models have P0231 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0231 on 8 Honda models: Accord, CR-V, Fit, Insight, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline.