Quick Takeaways
- Honda has recalled a limited batch of CR-V e:FCEV vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential fuel cell coolant leak that could cause power loss.
- The issue is linked to manufacturing process gaps, prompting a redesigned fuel cell stack and a planned owner notification in early 2026.
On December 17, Honda confirmed a Honda CR-V e:FCEV recall in the United States involving 388 vehicles after identifying a potential fuel cell stack coolant leak that could trigger an internal short circuit and result in a loss of drive power. The action applies to 2025 model-year vehicles manufactured between June 3, 2024, and March 26, 2025, reflecting a targeted but critical quality intervention.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is offered exclusively in California and is assembled at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. The Fuel Cell Unit Assembly that powers the vehicle is produced at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC in Brownstown, Michigan, a joint venture with General Motors, underscoring the collaborative nature of hydrogen fuel cell development in the U.S.
Root Cause Behind the Honda CR-V e:FCEV Recall
Regulatory filings submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate the coolant leak may stem from two manufacturing-related issues:
Remedy and Owner Notification Plan
To address the concern, dealers will replace the fuel cell stack assembly with an improved component that incorporates a rubber end unit seal in place of adhesive. The updated assembly also features properly deburred wobble joints to eliminate the identified risk factors. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026, ensuring sufficient lead time for parts availability and service readiness.
This Honda CR-V e:FCEV recall highlights the heightened scrutiny required for advanced hydrogen fuel cell systems and reflects the industry’s ongoing efforts to refine manufacturing processes as next-generation propulsion technologies scale in real-world use.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is offered exclusively in California and is assembled at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. The Fuel Cell Unit Assembly that powers the vehicle is produced at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC in Brownstown, Michigan, a joint venture with General Motors, underscoring the collaborative nature of hydrogen fuel cell development in the U.S.
Root Cause Behind the Honda CR-V e:FCEV Recall
Regulatory filings submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate the coolant leak may stem from two manufacturing-related issues:
- Insufficient adhesive sealant application following a process change
- Burrs in the wobble joint O-ring groove caused by a missing deburring step at a supplier
Remedy and Owner Notification Plan
To address the concern, dealers will replace the fuel cell stack assembly with an improved component that incorporates a rubber end unit seal in place of adhesive. The updated assembly also features properly deburred wobble joints to eliminate the identified risk factors. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026, ensuring sufficient lead time for parts availability and service readiness.
This Honda CR-V e:FCEV recall highlights the heightened scrutiny required for advanced hydrogen fuel cell systems and reflects the industry’s ongoing efforts to refine manufacturing processes as next-generation propulsion technologies scale in real-world use.
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