Safety Recall: 2017-2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Water Pump

April 18, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V315000

Electric Water Pump May Corrode And Fail

A failure of the water pump can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V315

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,082

 

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles. Internal components may corrode and cause the water pump to fail.

 

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began June 10, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is L4N.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Honda has a Recall

 

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July 11, 2019
Version 3

Safety Recall: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity: FC Electric Water Pump

Supersedes 19-050, dated June 4, 2019, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2017-18	Clarity Fuel Cell	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

 

REVISION SUMMARY

Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the symptom code was updated.

 

BACKGROUND

The fuel cell (FC) system uses an electric water pump to circulate insulating fluid and remove excess heat from the fuel cell stack. During manufacturing, the water pump’s magnetic surface was not treated for corrosion resistance. Over time, the corrosion may prevent the water pump’s motor from starting, which will prevent the vehicle from starting. If this happens while driving, the vehicle can only be driven for a short distance at greatly reduced power.

There are three similar bulletins for the 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity:

19-006, Product Update: Clarity Fuel Cell Stack Replacement

19-050, Safety Recall: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity: FC Electric Water Pump

19-054, Safety Recall: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity: FC Electric Water Pump and Fuel Cell Stack / Product Update: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity Fuel Cell Stack Replacement

Do an iN VIN status inquiry, and follow the repair procedure in the indicated bulletin.

 

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.

Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.

Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new or used vehicle inventory.

Failure to repair a vehicle subject to a recall or campaign may subject your dealership to claims or lawsuits from the customer or anyone else harmed as a result of such failure. To see if a vehicle in inventory is affected by this safety recall, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the FC electric water pump.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Name	Part Number	Quantity
Electric Water Pump Assembly	3H300-5WM-A04	1
O-ring	19012-PD2-004	1
Honda Genuine Fuel Cell Insulating Fluid – 50% Prediluted Formulation	OL999-9014	2

 

TOOL INFORMATION

Part Name	Part Number	Quantity
Clear Tube	Tygon ADK00012 or any commercially available with similar specs	1
Radiator Filling Funnel	Commercially available	1
Hose Pinching Pliers	Commercially available	1

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Operation Number	Description	Flat Rate Time	Defect Code	Symptom Code	Template ID	Failed Part Number
1141AK	Replace the FC electric water pump.	3.3 hr	6WP00	N5H00	A19050A	3H300-5WM-A02

 

Skill Level: Fuel Cell Certified Technician

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

FC Electric Water Pump Replacement

NOTES

• There are two independent lines for coolant in the cooling system. Because different coolant is used in each line, distinguish parts appropriately and do not use improper coolant.
• Any disconnected ventilation ducts should be plugged or capped to keep out dust and debris.

1. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
2. Remove the cap cover and FC radiator expansion tank cap.

NOTE

Let the fuel cell insulating fluid cool down before removing the cap.

3. Remove the motor undercover.
4. Drain the fuel cell insulating fluid by loosening the FC fluid drain plug.

NOTE

Do not loosen the drain plug above it.

5. Once drained, replace the O-ring on the drain plug before installing it.
6. Disconnect both water hoses from the FC electric water pump.
7. Remove the three mounting bolts.
8. Disconnect the breathing hose.
9. Move the water pump out of the way, and disconnect the two connecters behind it.
10. Install a new FC electric water pump in the reverse order of removal.

 

Fuel Cell System Fill Procedure

NOTE

When filling the FC fluid, always use Honda Genuine Fuel Cell Insulating Fluid – 50% Prediluted Formulation. Do not add water. Using a non-Honda product can result in corrosion, causing the FC system and the cooling system to malfunction or fail.

1. Fill the FC system.
2. Using hose pinching pliers, pinch the hose between the main FC insulating fluid reservoir and the FC radiator expansion tank to stop the flow of the insulating fluid.
3. Loosen all five breathing joints.
4. Place a clean coolant fill funnel on the FC radiator expansion tank.
5. Install commercially available clear silicon hoses to each of the breathing joints. Then, route the other end of the hoses into the coolant funnel.
6. Fill the funnel with insulating fluid.

NOTE

If the insulating fluid level in the funnel drops during the bleeding procedure, add extra fluid.

7. Squeeze the FC radiator hoses several times to push out the air.
8. Make sure there are no bubbles coming out of breathing joints A, then tighten them. If there are bubbles, wait until the bubbling stops, then tighten the breathing joints.
9. Make sure there are no bubbles coming out of breathing joint B, then tighten it. If there are bubbles, wait until the bubbling stops, then tighten the breathing joint.
10. Connect the i-HDS to the DLC.

NOTE

Connect a GR8 battery diagnostic station, and use the power supply mode. For more information, refer to the GR8 user’s manual.

11. Turn the ignition to ON.

NOTE

Make sure the i-HDS communicates with the vehicle. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting.

12. Select FC on i-HDS, then select FC POWERTRAIN SYSTEM.
13. Select ADJUSTMENT, then select FC FLUID AIR BLEEDING.

Running the FC electric water pump without insulating fluid in the system will damage the pump.

 

14. Loosen all breathing joints A and B while the FC electric water pump and the electric heater coolant pump are running.

NOTE

The FC electric water pump and the electric heater coolant pump will automatically begin to run one after another during the air bleeding process with the i-HDS.

15. Squeeze the FC radiator hoses several times to push out the air.
16. Make sure there are no bubbles coming out of breathing joints A, then tighten them. If there are bubbles, wait until the bubbling stops, then tighten the breathing joints.
17. Make sure there are no bubbles coming out of breathing joint B, then tighten it. If there are bubbles, wait until the bubbling stops, then tighten the breathing joint.
18. When the i-HDS completes the bleeding procedure, turn the ignition to OFF.
19. Turn the ignition to READY TO DRIVE.
20. Do the following:
    • Set the climate control to MAX HOT.
    • Turn off the A/C.
    • Set the fan control to MAX.
    • Set the seat heaters to MAX HOT.
    • Turn on the rear window defogger.
    • Turn on the headlights.
    • Open all of the windows.
21. Select FC with the i-HDS, then select FC POWERTRAIN SYSTEM.
22. Select FUNCTION TEST, then select FC ELECTRIC WATER PUMP TEST to force the FC electric water pump to run.

NOTE

Squeeze the FC radiator hoses to push out the air. 23. Run the test for about 35 minutes.

24. Check the insulating fluid in the funnel for bubbles.
25. If there are bubbles in the funnel, repeat steps 18 thru 22. Then, wait another 20 minutes.
26. Set the climate control to MAX COOL, turn on the A/C, then wait 5 minutes.

NOTE

When the climate control is set to MAX COOL, the cooling fans start to cool the insulating fluid and prevents air from entering the cooling lines.

27. Stop the FC ELECTRIC WATER PUMP TEST, then wait 5 minutes.
28. Turn the ignition to OFF.
29. Repeat steps 11 thru 18.

NOTE

Repeating steps 11 thru 18 is required to completely bleed the system.

30. Remove the funnel, then install the FC radiator expansion tank cap and cap cover.
31. Remove the hose pinching pliers from the hose between the main FC insulating fluid reservoir and the FC radiator expansion tank.
32. Fill the main FC insulating fluid reservoir with insulating fluid to the MAX mark, then add an extra 3 L (0.08 US gal).
33. Install the motor undercover.

END

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June 14, 2019
Version 2

Safety Recall: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity: FC Electric Water Pump

Product Update: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity Fuel Cell Stack Replacement

Supersedes 19-054, dated June 4, 2019, to revise the information highlighted in yellow

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2017-18	Clarity Fuel Cell	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
WARNING
Failure to properly vent the hydrogen tanks and fuel lines prior to the fuel cell stack replacement can result in hydrogen gas leaks. Hydrogen gas is flammable and highly explosive. You can be seriously injured or killed if the leaking hydrogen gas is ignited. Turn off the fuel cell system, and keep heat, sparks, and flames away. Always follow the precautions for the fuel cell system listed in the service information. The power cables carry high voltage when the fuel cell system is energized. To avoid serious injury from electrical shock, do not turn on the system with the power cables disconnected.

 

REVISION SUMMARY

Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, the symptom code was revised.

 

BACKGROUND

The fuel cell (FC) system uses an electric water pump to circulate insulating fluid and remove excess heat from the fuel cell stack. During manufacturing, the water pump’s magnetic surface was not treated for corrosion resistance. Over time, the corrosion may prevent the water pump’s motor from starting, which will prevent the vehicle from starting. If this happens while driving, the vehicle can only be driven for a short distance at greatly reduced power.

There are three similar bulletins for the 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity:

19-006, Product Update: Clarity Fuel Cell Stack Replacement

19-050, Safety Recall: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity: FC Electric Water Pump

19-054, Safety Recall: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity: FC Electric Water Pump and Fuel Cell Stack / Product Update: 2017-18 Fuel Cell Clarity Fuel Cell Stack Replacement

Do an iN VIN status inquiry, and follow the repair procedure in the indicated bulletin.

 

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.

Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.

Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new or used vehicle inventory.

Failure to repair a vehicle subject to a recall or campaign may subject your dealership to claims or lawsuits from the customer or anyone else harmed as a result of such failure. To see if a vehicle in inventory is affected by this safety recall, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the FC electric water pump and fuel cell stack.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Name	Part Number	Quantity
Electric Water Pump Assembly	3H300-5WM-A04	1
Fuel Cell Stack*	3A100-5WM-A30	1
Stack Kit*	063A0-5WM-305	1
Ion Filter	3H450-5WM-A01	1
Honda Genuine Fuel Cell Insulating Fluid – 50% Prediluted Formulation	OL999-9014	2
Antifreeze/Coolant	OL999-9011	1

 

*These controlled parts require the VIN of an affected vehicle to place an order.

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Submit both repairs as separate claims.

Operation Number	Description	Flat Rate Time	Defect Code	Symptom Code	Template ID	Failed Part Number
3101GS	Product Update: Replace the fuel cell stack.	13.4 hr	6CJ00	M3S00	A19054A	3A100-5WM-A30
1141AL	Safety Recall: Replace the FC electric water pump.	0.2 hr	6WP00	W5500	A19054B	3H300-5WM-A02

 

Skill Level: Fuel Cell Certified Technician

NOTE

Make sure you indicate the VIN, mileage, and date on the replaced part and its box.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTES

• When working on or around the fuel cell system, pay attention to the service precautions for the fuel cell system.
• Refer to the job aid Fuel Cell Service Equipment Kit and Portable Vent Stack for proper venting procedures.

1. Remove the fuel cell stack as described in the service information. Click HERE to watch a video on fuel cell stack removal.

NOTE

After the fuel cell stack has been removed, go to step 2 of this bulletin to replace the FC electric water pump.

2. Disconnect both water hoses from the FC electric water pump.
3. Remove the three FC water pump mounting bolts.
4. Disconnect the breathing hose.
5. Move the FC electric water pump out of the way and disconnect two connectors located behind it.
6. Install a new FC electric water pump in the reverse order of removal.
7. Once the new FC electric water pump is installed. Go back to the service information to install the fuel cell stack.

END

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2 Affected Products

Vehicle

HONDA

CLARITY FUEL CELL

2017-2018

 

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17 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 04 19 2019 Safety Recall: 2017-18 Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Water Pump

RCMN-19V315-5637.pdf 150.568KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V315-2661.pdf 244.07KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V315-9727.PDF 217.149KB

 

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DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT

RMISC-19V315-1523.pdf 236.737KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V315-9982.pdf 143.691KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V315-8576.pdf 995.835KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V315-1372.pdf 630.774KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – June 4, 2019 Subject UPDATE: Safety Recall: 2017-18 Clarity Fuel Cell, FC Electric Water Pump

RCMN-19V315-5789.pdf 141.829KB

 

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Statement by American Honda Regarding Electric Water Pump Recall: 2017-2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

RMISC-19V315-6914.pdf 75.115KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V315-5443.pdf 632.24KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V315-6567.pdf 134.011KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-2

RCLQRT-19V315-8376.PDF 211.145KB

 

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Recall 573 Report-Amendment 2

RCLRPT-19V315-7698.PDF 217.182KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V315-5661.PDF 211.333KB

 

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Recall 573 Report-Amendment 1

RCLRPT-19V315-5359.PDF 217.151KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V315-9760.pdf 997.087KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V315-5791.PDF 211.246KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V315&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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