We’ve compiled all the facts on the Honda EU2200i Recall to help you determine if your specific serial number generator is affected and also to guide you on what to do if you own a faulty unit. Also, if you’ve been contemplating buying a EU2200i, wait until this issue has been rectified before making a purchase. If you want to learn more about the generator, read our original review.
Honda EU2200i Recall
Bad news for Honda EU2200i owners. On March 20, 2019, Honda USA announced a recall of several Honda EU2200i and EB2200i generators. This will affect approximately 200,000 units, so it would be a good idea to follow up if you have purchased one of the affected generator models. This article will assist in helping you resolve the issue. If you’ve been planning on buying one of these popular generators, you’ll have to wait a while until Honda has rectified the situation.
Note : View or download the official document (PDF) released from Honda detailing what you need to know about the recall of the Honda EU2200i (and other related models).
Which models (and serial numbers) does the recall affect?
The following generators have been listed as being possibly hazardous. Check if your model number and serial number matches the recall criteria. If you have identified your generator as being a possible risk, follow the advice as to what you should do.
- EB2200i Serial numbers :
- Starting with : EAJT-1000001 to EAJT-1005474
- EU2200i Serial Numbers : (including Companion and Camo generators)
- EAMT-1000001 to EAMT-1260796
Why has Honda recalled these generators?
Although it is not a major defect, the recall of the aforementioned Honda generators needs to be taken seriously. Some of the Honda EB2200i and EU2200i generators have developed a fuel leak. This is because screws used to fasten the fuel valve may loosen with use.
A fuel leak is easily noticeable. You will notice a gas smell around the generator. This is an obvious fire hazard. As a result, Honda, in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Association, have issued a recall warning of all affected Honda generators. Note that this warning is only issued with regards to Honda generators distributed by Honda Power Equipment USA.
How do you identify if your Honda generator needs to be repaired?
There are several ways to check if your Honda generator needs attention.
How Do you Know Your Unit Has Been Repaired :
If you still have the original packaging, check the box. On the sticker, where the barcode is located, you may see a green dot sticker. This means that your generator has been fixed or not part of the recall and you don’t need to worry about it. Green dot = repaired or not part of the recall.
You can also check the serial number on the generator. Looking at the control panel, turn the generator to the right, you’ll see the warning labels at the bottom of the generator. To the right of these warnings, you’ll see ventilation slots. Directly below the vents, is a sticker with the serial number. If this number falls within the range listed above, you’ll need to have your generator checked by a Honda service agent.
The third option is to open the engine cover. On the side of the machine, where the recoil starter is located, you can remove the engine cover panel. Just to the left of the air filter housing, is a sticker with the name Honda written in bold text. Below this is a code, made up of numbers and letters. If your label has the code “7EP”, it has been repaired or not part of the recall. (7EP=don’t worry). You may also notice a black dot on the plastic engine cover boss, just below the air filter housing. A black dot means your Honda generator has been repaired or not part of the recall. Black dot = don’t worry
If you want more information on identifying your generator, you can follow this link to the Honda website. Here you will find information on the Honda EU200i recall.
What should you do if your Honda generator is identified for recall?
If you’ve registered your Honda generator with American Honda, you will be notified if your unit is one of the affected models. Alternatively, you can contact an authorized Honda generator dealership for assistance. You can also call the Honda recall number (888) 888-3139, or go to the Honda USA website Recalls and Updates page.
This is obviously going to be an inconvenience, as you’ll need to have the generator repaired by an authorized Honda service agent. Though it should not cost you anything. However, if your generator has been repaired, the recall will not apply. This would mean repairing the EU2200i fuel valve fault at your own cost. Doesn’t seem exactly fair. But this is normal practice, just like warranty terms and conditions. I would assume that normal maintenance, conducted by a Honda Service agent, won’t disqualify you. Though, you should contact Honda USA, and find out what the exact terms and conditions.
Look up your Honda warranty and find out the exact details, depending on your date of purchase, as they continually change their terms and conditions.
How does March 2019 Honda EU2200i and EB2200i recall affect the future of these generators?
While it is a little disconcerting that a major manufacturer like Honda has sold faulty generators, this is not all that uncommon. I suppose the large-scale outsourcing by motor manufacturers has led to quality control becoming more complicated. This is not an issue that is unique to Honda, it happens more than we realize. Faulty components have been found in just about every type of consumer product, with countless brands being affected. With so many components being sourced from all over the world, problems are bound to arise. Since 1995, there have been over 20 Honda power products that have been recalled. Just looking at their generators, there have been recalls in 2017, 2014, 2012, and 2011, before the 2019 recall Honda EU2200i recall.
Though putting this in context, these are only a few models out of a massive generator lineup. When you’re talking about millions of generators being sold over this time period, it is probably not such a big deal. These things happen and, in a way, it’s reassuring to know that Honda have made the effort to rectify the situation. Not all manufacturers take responsibility for defects that have been identified. Companies operating outside the US, are not bound by the same legislation. This means imports may go by unchecked. This poses a good argument for buying USA made goods. Though large foreign companies, that wish to continue doing business in the US, will obviously comply. It’s those unknown brands, that we may have to be weary of.
In the immediate future, this means that Honda EU2200i and EB2200i generators will not be available. Honda will need to ensure that all the affected models have been checked, and the fuel valves repaired, before they will be available for sale to the general public.
You can be sure that Honda will rectify the situation as soon as possible. These are incredibly popular generators. So, I couldn’t begin to imagine what the Honda EU2200i recall is costing the company. That’s the cost of doing business in this modern age, when consumer protection is so strict. All this is good news for us, but companies, like Honda, have to pay dearly for this.
For anyone hoping to buy a Honda EU2200i generator, I’d recommend hanging in there. Before long, these models will be available again. Though, no one can say with any certainty, how long this will take.
*Consider the Yamaha EF2200iS (New for 2019) as an alternative to the Honda EU2200i :
