What was recalled
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has issued a significant safety recall affecting a specific line of portable generators due to potential fire and burn hazards. This action, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on March 17, 2020, targets several popular models within Honda’s inverter generator lineup. The affected products are the Honda EB2200i, EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EU2200i Camo portable generators. These units are widely used by homeowners, campers, and contractors who require reliable, quiet power sources for tools, electronics, or backup electricity during outages. The recall is necessary because a manufacturing defect in the inverter assembly can lead to serious safety issues when the equipment is exposed to certain environmental conditions.
The specific generators included in this recall are easily identifiable by their exterior covers and control panel markings. All recalled units were sold with either a distinctive red cover or a Camo-patterned cover. On the control panel of these generators, you will clearly see the "HONDA" brand name along with the specific model name printed for identification. To determine if your unit is part of this recall, you must check the serial number, which is located on a lower corner of one of the side panels of the generator. The recall applies to units falling within the following serial number ranges:
- Honda EB2200i: Serial numbers EAJT-1000001 through 1011342
- Honda EU2200i: Serial numbers EAMT-1000001 through 2098790
- Honda EU2200i Companion: Serial numbers EAMT-1000001 through 2098790
- Honda EU2200i Camo: Serial numbers EAMT-1000001 through 2098790
While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold worldwide, it confirms that Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly. This proactive measure ensures that owners are notified of the defect and can take immediate steps to remedy the situation. It is important to note that consumers who participated in a previous recall for these same generators should also participate in this current recall, as the issue remains relevant. If you own one of these models with a red or Camo cover, it is crucial to verify your serial number against the ranges listed above to determine if your generator is affected.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look closely at what is happening inside the machine when things go wrong. The core issue lies in a specific component called the inverter assembly. In portable generators like the Honda models affected by this recall, the inverter is responsible for converting the raw electricity produced by the engine into clean, stable power that is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and phones. Think of it as the brain of the generator, constantly managing the flow and quality of energy.
The problem arises when salt water comes into contact with this inverter assembly. Salt water is not just dirty water; it is an electrical conductor. Fresh water is relatively resistant to electricity, but when salt dissolves into it, it creates a solution that allows electrical current to flow through it easily. If you have used these generators near the ocean, on a boat, or in coastal areas where road salt or sea spray might reach the unit, that moisture can seep into the generator’s casing. When salty water bridges connections inside the inverter assembly that are not supposed to be connected, it causes a "short circuit."
A short circuit is essentially an electrical accident. Instead of electricity flowing through the intended wires and components to do useful work, it takes a shortcut through the conductive salt water. This sudden surge of uncontrolled current generates intense heat very quickly. According to reports from American Honda, this thermal buildup causes the unit to begin smoking almost immediately. If the situation is not interrupted, that heat can ignite nearby plastic or insulation materials, leading the generator to catch fire.
This mechanism poses two distinct types of danger to you and your family. First is the fire hazard itself. A portable generator is often placed on a deck, patio, or near outdoor living spaces where people are relaxing. A sudden flame can spread rapidly, especially if there are flammable materials like cushions, curtains, or dry vegetation nearby. Second is the direct burn hazard. The components inside the inverter assembly become extremely hot during a short circuit. If you touch the generator while this is happening, or even just stand close to it as it smokes and ignites, you risk severe thermal burns.
It is important to note that these generators are designed for outdoor use, which inherently exposes them to the elements. However, the specific vulnerability here is not rain or freshwater spray, but specifically salt water. This means that while the risk exists for anyone who lives in a coastal region or uses the generator near bodies of saltwater, it highlights a critical design limitation: these particular units cannot safely withstand exposure to saline environments without risking internal electrical failure.
The severity of this hazard is underscored by the number of incidents already reported. Honda has documented 13 cases where the inverter assembly short-circuited during use. Of those, 10 resulted in actual fires. While it is reassuring that no injuries or property damage have been officially reported yet, each fire report represents a close call. The potential for harm is real and immediate if the generator continues to operate under these faulty conditions.
Understanding this physical process helps clarify why simply "turning off" the generator might not be enough if it has already started to smoke. The short circuit can cause components to fail catastrophically in seconds. This is why the remedy is not a software update or a simple reset, but a physical repair by an authorized service dealer who can replace or fix the compromised inverter assembly. Ignoring the signs of smoking or unusual odors from the unit is dangerous because the electrical fault will likely worsen until ignition occurs.
In summary, the hazard is not vague or theoretical. It is a concrete electrical failure caused by salt water bridging internal circuits, leading to rapid overheating, smoke, and fire. This explains why stopping use immediately is the only safe course of action until the unit has been professionally repaired.
Who is most at risk
The individuals most immediately vulnerable to this recall are those who own or operate specific Honda portable generators, particularly the EB2200i and EU2200i series (including Companion and Camo editions) sold with red or camouflage covers. However, the true scope of "risk" extends beyond mere ownership into the specific environmental conditions in which these devices are used. The core hazard involves a short circuit triggered by the presence of salt water within the inverter assembly. Consequently, the people at highest risk are those who use these generators in coastal environments, near bodies of saltwater, or in regions where road de-icing salts are prevalent and can be tracked into storage areas. If you live in a humid, saline-heavy climate or frequently use your generator for boating, beach camping, or waterfront property maintenance, your exposure to the triggering condition is significantly higher than that of someone using the unit in a dry, inland garage.
Beyond environmental exposure, certain demographics face heightened consequences due to physical vulnerability. Portable generators are often used during power outages caused by storms, which frequently affect elderly individuals and those with chronic health conditions who rely on electricity for medical devices such as oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, or refrigerated medications. If a generator malfunctions and catches fire in a home where a senior citizen resides, the risk of severe burn injuries or smoke inhalation is disproportionately high. Older adults may have slower reaction times to detect early signs of malfunction, such as unusual smoke, and may face greater physical challenges in evacuating quickly if a fire ignites.
Families with young children also fall into a high-risk category, not because they are more likely to cause the short circuit, but because they are less able to interpret safety warnings. A generator that begins smoking or emits unusual odors requires immediate adult intervention. Young children may approach the unit out of curiosity or be unable to recognize the danger signs until it is too late. Furthermore, if the generator is stored in a garage or shed where children have access, the risk of accidental contact with damaged components or hot surfaces increases. The combination of a potentially flammable device and individuals who are physically less agile or cognitively less aware of immediate danger creates a compounding risk profile.
It is also important to note that anyone who participated in previous recalls for these models remains at risk until the current repair is completed. The recall notice explicitly states that prior participants must take part in this new action, indicating that earlier fixes may have been insufficient or that the salt water exposure issue persists. Therefore, no owner should assume they are safe based on past actions; the window of vulnerability remains open for all listed serial numbers until the free repair is finalized by an authorized Honda Power Equipment service dealer.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific generator is part of this recall. Honda has identified a precise list of models and serial number ranges that are affected by the inverter assembly issue. Because these generators look very similar when they are not running, you cannot rely on appearance alone to determine if your unit is safe. You must verify the technical details printed directly on the machine. This process is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to the labels located on the generator itself.
The recall affects four specific model lines: the Honda EB2200i, the EU2200i, the EU2200i Companion, and the EU2200i Camo. If your generator does not bear one of these exact model names, it is likely not included in this specific safety notice. However, even if the model name matches, you must check the serial number to be absolutely sure. The serial number is your unique identifier for the unit. On these Honda portable generators, you will find the serial number printed on a label located on a lower corner of one of the side panels. This placement is consistent across the recalled models, so look toward the bottom edge of the side casing for a clear, legible code.
Once you have located the serial number, compare it against the specific ranges listed below. Your generator is part of this recall if its serial number falls within any of the following thresholds:
- Model EB2200i: Serial numbers starting with EAJT ranging from -1000001 through 1011342.
- Model EU2200i: Serial numbers starting with EAMT ranging from -1000001 through 2098790.
- Model EU2200i Companion: Serial numbers starting with EAMT ranging from -1000001 through 2098790.
- Model EU2200i Camo: Serial numbers starting with EAMT ranging from -1000001 through 2098790.
In addition to the model and serial number, you can look for visual cues that help identify these units. The recalled portable generators were typically sold with either a red cover or a Camo (camouflage) cover. Additionally, the name "HONDA" and the specific generator model name are printed clearly on the control panel, which is usually located on the top or upper front section of the unit where the switches and outlets are housed. If you have one of these models with a serial number in the ranges above, stop using it immediately. The presence of salt water can cause the internal inverter assembly to short circuit, leading to smoke or fire. Do not attempt to open the unit yourself; instead, contact an authorized Honda Power Equipment service dealer to schedule your free repair.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the affected Honda portable generators, your immediate priority is safety. The recall involves a specific electrical failure where salt water can cause the inverter assembly to short circuit, leading to smoke or fire. Because this hazard can escalate quickly, you must take decisive action right away. Please follow these concrete steps to secure your home and family. 1. Stop using the generator immediately. The very first thing you need to do is turn off and unplug the unit if it is currently running. If the generator has already begun smoking or emitting an unusual odor, do not attempt to fix it yourself or move it while it is hot. Place it in a safe, non-flammable area outdoors, away from your home, tents, or other structures. The recall notice confirms that 13 reports of short-circuiting have been received, including ten instances of fire. While no injuries have been reported yet, the risk is real. Do not plug any devices into it, and do not try to restart it to "test" if it works. The internal damage is likely already present due to moisture exposure. 2. Identify your model and serial number. Before you make a call, locate the generator’s identification details. Check the control panel for the model name—this will be one of the EB2200i, EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, or EU2200i Camo. You can verify this by looking for the "HONDA" branding and the specific model name printed on the panel. Next, find the serial number, which is located on a lower corner of one of the side panels. Make sure to note the full range. The recall applies to specific serial number ranges: - EB2200i: EAJT -1000001 thru 1011342 - EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EU2200i Camo: EAMT-1000001 thru 2098790 Having this information ready will speed up the process when you contact Honda. 3. Contact an authorized service dealer or Honda directly. Honda is offering a free repair for all recalled units. You have two primary ways to initiate this remedy. First, you can call American Honda toll-free at 888-888-3139. Their customer service team is available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. They will guide you on how to proceed and may direct you to the nearest authorized Honda Power Equipment service dealer. Alternatively, you can visit https://powerequipment.honda.com/ and click on “Recalls and Updates” at the bottom of the page for more information and to schedule your repair. 4. Schedule the free repair. Once you have contacted Honda or found a local dealer, schedule an appointment to bring in your generator. The remedy stated by the CPSC is a free repair. Do not pay for this service out of pocket; it should be covered entirely by the manufacturer. If you previously participated in a recall for these same generators, you are still required to take part in this current recall, as the new hazard related to salt water exposure was identified later. 5. Wait for the official notice (if applicable). Honda states that they are contacting all known purchasers directly. If you bought your generator recently, keep an eye on your mail or email for their specific instructions. However, do not wait for this letter to stop using the unit. If you have not received contact from Honda yet, take the proactive step of calling them yourself as described in Step 3. Ignoring the recall because you are waiting for a letter leaves you and your family at risk.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the affected Honda portable generators, taking action is straightforward and entirely free of charge. The primary remedy offered by American Honda for this recall is a comprehensive repair. You do not need to return the unit to a central facility or ship it back to Japan. Instead, the process is designed to be handled locally through authorized service channels. Your first step should be to contact a local authorized Honda Power Equipment service dealer. These dealerships are equipped with the necessary parts and technical knowledge to address the specific issue with the inverter assembly. When you call, explain that your generator is part of this specific recall concerning salt water exposure risks. They will help you schedule an appointment for a free repair. This approach ensures that you can get back to having reliable power with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Honda has taken the proactive step of contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this safety issue. If you received a letter or email from American Honda, it will contain specific instructions tailored to your purchase history. However, even if you have not yet heard from them, you are still covered under this recall program. It is important to note that if you previously participated in an earlier recall for these same generator models, you are required to take part in this current recall as well. The issues addressed in the previous recall do not negate the need for this new repair, which targets a different aspect of the generator’s vulnerability. Do not assume that your previous service history exempts you from this action; both safety updates are necessary to ensure the full integrity and safety of your unit.
While the official remedy is focused on repair rather than a refund or replacement with a new unit, the goal is to restore the generator to a safe operating condition. American Honda provides direct consumer support to assist you through this process. You can reach their customer service team toll-free at 888-888-3139. Their representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer digital resources or need more detailed information about the repair process, you can visit their official website at https://powerequipment.honda.com/. Once on the site, navigate to the bottom of the page and click on “Recalls and Updates” to find comprehensive details. This online resource serves as a central hub for verifying your eligibility and understanding the technical specifics of the fix.
The repair addresses the core hazard: the potential for the inverter assembly to short circuit when exposed to salt water. By having this component serviced by an authorized dealer, you are ensuring that the generator meets current safety standards. There is no cost to you for this service, and Honda has covered all associated expenses. This is a significant benefit, as electrical repairs on portable generators can be complex and costly if done outside of a recall program. By adhering to these official channels, you avoid any risk of voiding warranties or using non-compliant parts that might not resolve the fire and burn hazards effectively.
In summary, your options are clear: stop using the generator immediately, contact an authorized dealer for a free repair, or call Honda directly for guidance. There is no deadline mentioned in the recall facts, but acting promptly is wise given the fire hazard involved. The repair is the standard remedy, and Honda stands behind this solution to ensure your safety and satisfaction.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your portable generator, especially if you rely on it for power during camping trips or as a backup source for your home. The inconvenience of taking the unit in for repairs, finding a dealer, and waiting for service can feel like a significant hurdle. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a direct invitation to danger. The core issue with these specific Honda models is not a minor mechanical glitch that might cause the generator to stop working unexpectedly. Instead, the inverter assembly contains a critical vulnerability: it can short-circuit when exposed to salt water. This is not a theoretical risk limited to laboratory conditions. Salt water is highly conductive and corrosive, meaning it can easily bridge electrical gaps inside the unit that are normally safe, causing an immediate and uncontrolled flow of electricity.
When this short circuit occurs, the consequences are severe and immediate. The recalled generators have been documented to begin smoking heavily and, in many cases, catching fire while in use. This is not a slow, smoldering issue that gives you time to react; it is a rapid escalation of heat and flame. For consumers, this transforms a tool meant for safety and convenience into a serious burn hazard and a potential source of house or campsite fires. The physical reality is that the electrical components are overheating beyond their design limits, igniting nearby materials within the generator casing or on its exterior surface.
The data from American Honda underscores the seriousness of this risk. While the company has reported no injuries or property damage to date, they have received thirteen confirmed reports of the inverter assembly short-circuiting during normal operation. Ten of those incidents resulted in actual fires. This high ratio of fire incidents to total reports suggests that when the failure mode is triggered, it frequently leads to combustion. Ignoring the recall means you are gambling with this known probability. You are choosing to continue operating a device that has already demonstrated a clear pattern of igniting under specific environmental conditions.
Furthermore, relying on luck is a poor safety strategy. The hazard is tied to the presence of salt water, which can come from coastal air, rain mixed with road salt, or even sweat and humidity in certain environments. You cannot always predict exactly when these conditions will align to trigger the short circuit. By continuing to use the recalled generator, you are allowing a known defect to remain active in your life. The remedy is free and straightforward, but the cost of ignoring it could be personal injury or the loss of property. Please do not wait for a fire to prove that this recall is real; take the step to schedule your repair today.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls are essential for addressing manufacturing defects that slip through quality control, long-term safety with portable power equipment largely depends on your daily habits and environmental awareness. Generators are powerful machines that produce electricity, heat, and exhaust, and understanding how they interact with their surroundings is the best way to prevent accidents before they happen. One of the most critical aspects of generator safety is proper placement. Always operate your unit outdoors in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet away from your home, windows, doors, and ventilation intakes. This distance is not arbitrary; it ensures that carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas produced by the engine, cannot drift into living spaces where it can cause serious illness or death. Never run a generator in a garage, basement, or enclosed porch, even if the door is open, as these spaces do not provide adequate airflow to disperse dangerous fumes quickly.
Water and electricity are natural enemies, especially when salt is involved. If you live near a coast or use your generator in humid, salty environments, be extra vigilant about protecting your equipment. Saltwater can accelerate corrosion on electrical components, potentially leading to short circuits over time, similar to the hazard addressed in recent recalls. To mitigate this risk, store your generator in a dry, covered area when not in use. If you must operate it in damp conditions, ensure the unit is placed on a dry surface and use a weather-resistant cover that allows for proper engine cooling while shielding the control panel from direct moisture exposure. Regularly inspecting the power cord for fraying or damage and ensuring all connections are tight can also prevent unexpected electrical failures.
Regular maintenance is another pillar of safe ownership. Follow the manufacturer’s manual for oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug inspections. Neglecting these simple tasks can lead to engine overheating or mechanical failure, which increases the risk of fire. Additionally, consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home if you regularly use portable power sources. These devices provide an early warning system that batteries alone cannot offer for gas leaks. Finally, stay informed about safety recalls by periodically checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or registering your equipment with the manufacturer. Being proactive about these general safety principles ensures that your generator remains a reliable tool rather than a potential hazard.
- Always keep generators at least 20 feet from structures to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Store equipment in dry, shaded areas to protect sensitive electronic components from moisture and corrosion.
- Perform routine maintenance according to the owner’s manual to ensure engine reliability.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you frequently use portable power units.