(February 23, 2012) Honda has already initiated a recall of two 2012 models. It announced today that it will voluntarily recall approximately 8,700 model-year 2012 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX vehicles in the United States to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank. It's the fifth recall of Honda vehicles this year and the second this week.

The vent shut float (VSF) valve case, a component of the emissions-related on-board fuel vapor recovery system mounted inside the fuel tank, could detach from its mounting inside of the tank due to an incorrect VSF case material. A detached VSF case may result in fuel overflowing from the fuel tank or possibly a fuel leak, which increases the risk of fire.

No fires or injuries have been reported related to this issue, which was identified during internal production testing by the part supplier.

 Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take the vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification.

Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-March. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-March, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require inspection by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owners, and selecting option 4.