P0231 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low
7 Honda models · 7 documented issues · 7 critical · $300-$1,200 repair
P0231 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
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.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty starting - engine cranks longer than normal before starting
- Rough idle on first start of day
- Engine hesitation or stumbling under acceleration
- Engine stalling while driving at any speed
- Check engine light with P0087 (fuel pressure too low)
- Engine cranks but does not start (complete pump failure)
How to Fix
Check recall status IMMEDIATELY at owners.honda.com with VIN or call Honda at 1-888-234-2138. Recall 20V-374 (original), 20V-714 (first expansion), 23V-111 (final expansion) provides FREE fuel pump module replacement at any Honda dealer. Parts availability was severely limited 2021-2024 - call dealer to confirm parts in stock. Until repair: keep fuel tank above 1/4 full and avoid repeated hard starts. Honda provides rental car/loaner reimbursement during parts wait period.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningSAFETY RECALL - check VIN at owners.honda.com immediately. This recall is FREE regardless of mileage/warranty. Engine stall at highway speed is a crash risk that has already caused accidents
- TipCR-V Owners Club: Call dealer to confirm fuel pump parts are physically IN STOCK before scheduling - many owners waited 3-9 months for parts; Honda will reimburse rental car costs during extended waits
- TipIf your CR-V was NOT in the original recall, check again - Honda expanded this recall 3 times. All 2018-2022 CR-Vs built before certain production dates are now included
Sources for this issue (2)
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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls suddenly while driving
- Engine cranks but won't start
- Intermittent starting problems
- Loss of power while driving
- Engine sputters then dies
- No fuel pressure
How to Fix
Honda issued multiple recalls (NHTSA 20V-374, 23V-111, 21V-215, 20V-314) expanding affected vehicle population. Dealers replace fuel pump module with improved part free of charge. Parts availability limited - Honda notifying owners in stages as parts become available. Contact Honda Customer Service 888-234-2138.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningThis is serious safety recall - check your VIN immediately at owners.honda.com
- TipIf experiencing symptoms, don't wait for recall notice - call Honda at 888-234-2138 for priority service
- TipHonda may provide loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement while waiting for parts
- WarningDon't ignore intermittent starting issues - complete failure can happen without warning on highway
Sources for this issue (2)
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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine warning light in instrument panel
- Difficulty starting engine
- Engine stalling while driving
- Sudden loss of power/acceleration
- Engine cranks but won't start
- P0087 code (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low)
How to Fix
Check Honda recall website with VIN to confirm if affected. Contact Honda dealer to schedule free fuel pump module replacement (NHTSA 23V-858). Call Honda customer service 888-234-2138. Confirm parts in stock before scheduling. Keep fuel tank above 1/2 full as workaround until repair completed.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipCheck recall status at Honda website with VIN before scheduling dealer appointment
- TipKeep fuel tank above 1/2 full to reduce risk of stalling while waiting for recall repair
- WarningParts availability severely delayed - confirm parts in stock before scheduling to avoid wasted trips
- WarningIf engine stalls while driving, safely pull over immediately and call for tow - do not restart repeatedly
Sources for this issue (1)
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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine warning light illuminated
- Difficulty starting engine
- Engine stalling while driving (safety hazard)
- Sudden loss of power or acceleration
- Engine cranks but won't start
- P0087 code (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low)
How to Fix
Check Honda recall website with VIN at owners.honda.com. Contact Honda customer service: 1-888-234-2138. Schedule dealer appointment for FREE fuel pump module replacement. Confirm parts are in stock before scheduling (critical - parts were severely delayed). Keep fuel tank above 1/2 full as workaround until repair. Out-of-pocket replacement: $600-$1,200. Under recall: FREE.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCheck recall status with VIN immediately - this is a critical safety issue that can cause stalling while driving
- TipKeep fuel tank above 1/2 full while waiting for recall repair - reduces stalling risk by maintaining fuel pressure
- TipParts availability was severely delayed through Fall 2024 - call dealership to confirm parts in stock before scheduling appointment
- WarningIf engine stalls while driving, safely pull over immediately and call for tow truck - do not make unnecessary trips
- TipOwners who paid out-of-pocket may be eligible for reimbursement per recall plan - keep all receipts
Sources for this issue (2)
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.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty starting or no-start condition
- Engine hesitation during acceleration
- Sudden loss of power while driving
- Whining noise from fuel tank
- Engine sputtering at high speeds
How to Fix
Replace fuel pump assembly. Carter fuel pumps ($80-140) well-regarded on FitFreak. Airtex ($90-150) or Walbro ($120-160 premium) good alternatives. Use fuel system cleaner regularly. Ensure fuel cap seals properly to prevent contamination.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Denso 950-0213 in-tank fuel pump and strainer setOEMDenso 950-0213
First-generation low-pressure pump/strainer branch after pressure, voltage-drop and current testing confirms pump failure Fitment/availability: 2007-2008 U.S.
- Delphi FG1280 in-tank fuel-pump module assemblyOEMDelphi FG1280
Second-generation complete low-pressure module branch after pressure, voltage-drop and current testing confirms module failure Fitment/availability: 2009-2013 U.S.
- Autopart Premium APFP1236 in-tank fuel-pump assemblyOEMAutopart Premium APFP1236
Third-generation low-pressure module branch for non-recalled or campaign-completed vehicles after testing confirms the in-tank assembly failed Fitment/availability: 2015-2020 U.S. For 2018-2019, use the Honda recall/VIN path first and do…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipUse fuel system cleaner like Chevron Techron ($8-12) quarterly for preventive maintenance
- TipCommon failure after 100k+ miles - budget for replacement at high mileage
Sources for this issue (1)
Certain 2019-2020 and 2022 Honda Insights (third generation) are recalled for fuel pump failure. 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, difficulty starting, and loss of power. 2019-2020 Insights were first covered by 21V-215; 23V-858 expanded coverage (including 2022 Insight). Free repair at Honda dealers - fuel pump module replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls while driving
- Difficulty starting engine
- Engine cranks but won't start
- Rough idle or hesitation
- Check engine light with fuel codes (P0087, P0230)
- Loss of power during acceleration
How to Fix
This is a SAFETY RECALL - contact Honda dealer immediately to schedule free fuel pump module replacement. Check if your VIN is affected at https://www.honda.com/recall or call 1-888-234-2138. Repair is FREE regardless of mileage/warranty. If vehicle stalls while driving, pull over safely and contact Honda roadside assistance.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCRITICAL: Engine stalling at highway speeds is extremely dangerous. Schedule recall repair IMMEDIATELY even if no symptoms yet.
- TipRecall was expanded multiple times - check your VIN even if you weren't affected initially. Gen3Insight.com forum tracks recall updates.
- TipRepair takes 1-2 hours. Most dealers provide loaner since it's a safety recall.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0231 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0231 mean on a 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 it is documented across 7 models: CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, Fit, Insight, Passport.
What are the most common causes of P0231?
The most common causes of P0231 are: 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). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0231 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0231 on a different make?
View P0231 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.