The problem
On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
The risk
If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began August 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-226 (02V226000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Engine |
| Report date | August 28, 2002 |
| Owners notified | August 30, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 17,551 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-226 repair free?
Yes. Acura dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began August 30, 2002.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 17,551 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.