Did you recently add a generator to your power tools lineup? If so, you should double-check it before it causes a fire to your property or burns you. That’s because American Honda Company has
recalled three versions of its popular portable power generators because they carry a risk of fire and burn to users of the machines.
The manufacturer is recalling some 200,000 of the portable generators because they could leak gasoline from their fuel valves, which could lead to fire risk and burn hazards. So far, Honda has reported more 19 reports from consumers who say that their portable generators leaked gasoline while in use. But so far, there are no reports of injury or fire damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The models recalled are sold under the model numbers EU2200i Companion, EU2200i and EB2200i. All three products were sold with either a red or camouflage-design cover, with the brand name “HONDA” printed on the invertor generator’s control panel. The potentially dangerous generators were sold across the United States from February 2018 through February of 2019 at Home Depot stores, Honda Power Equipment Dealers and other home improvement stores nationwide. The retail price of the affected models
ranges from $1,100 to about $1,300.
The power generators were manufactured in Thailand and were imported by American Honda Motor Company, based in Torrance, California, for distribution to retailers nationwide.
In a statement issued alongside the recall, a spokesperson for Honda said that the issue may stem from a flaw caused by a manufacturing defect. The source of the leak seems to be the screws that were used during the manufacturing process to connect the fuel valve parts of the generators. The screws could loosen during use, which then leads to the potential for gas leaking from the fuel valve.
This is not the first time that Honda portable power generators are subject to recall for posing health and safety risks. The Honda EG2800i was subject to an earlier recall, which affected more than 34,000 portable generators. That recall also stemmed from the risk of fuel leaking; however, that fuel leak came from the carburetor part of the machine. A spokesperson for Honda stated that although both recalls involved the risk of gasoline leaks and resulting fire and burn damage, they were unrelated. Honda said that the underlying mechanism causing the leak in the earlier recall is completely different from the manufacturing defect that led to this current recall of portable generators. The models of generators were even produced in different factories.
An outdoor power equipment expert commented that products powered by gasoline are frequently recalled for fuel leak issues.
If you are concerned that you may have purchased one of these power generators being recalled, you should refrain from using the machine and contact American Honda immediately. You can call the manufacturer’s hotline at 888-888-3139, or submit a complaint via their website: www.powerequipment.honda.com, under the “Recalls and Updates” link at the bottom of the page. The manufacturer is also contacting all consumers who registered their product.
You can also take your power generator to an authorized Honda power equipment dealer for a free repair, which will include the replacement of the faulty fuel valve. A Honda spokesperson urges consumers to only make this repair at authorized dealers, as replacing the fuel valve is a complicated repair and should only be done by licensed dealers.