Washing Your Honda Ridgeline Might Cause It To… Erupt In Flames?

Honda has issued a recall for the 2017-2019 Ridgeline due to an issue with the fuel pump that could lead to a fire.

According to the automaker, the fuel pump feed port can crack when it comes into contact with cleaning agents, including carwash soap and other acids. If the feed port were to crack, the SUV could catch on fire.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically mentions that water and soap can accumulate in the truck bed when the vehicle’s being washed. This water could then drain towards the fuel tank and fuel pump.

In total, there are 106,682 Honda Ridgelines affected by the recall across the United States. Honda will fix the issue by replacing the fuel pump and fitting a fuel pump cover if needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 7. Ridgeline owners can contact the Honda customer service line at 1-888-234-2138 to see if their car is among those affected.

The 2019 model year Ridgeline reached U.S. showroom floors in early March last year and can be purchased from $29,990. Powering all variants is a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque. The pickup is available in two- and four-wheel drive configurations and comes complete with a host of features aimed at making it the perfect companion for outdoor gatherings. This includes a dedicated audio system in the bed.

Dealing with recalls are always a hassle for owners and while this one may seem relatively benign, we encourage all owners of affected Ridgelines to get in contact with their local Honda dealership as quickly as possible.