Honda's larger four-stroke outboards have had several recalls with published details, mostly on the high horsepower V6. Two of them affect whether the operator can stop the boat, so recall status is the first thing to settle on any used Honda.
V6 shift actuator link rod
The ACCC lists a recall on the BF175D, BF200D, BF225D and BF250D V6 outboards: "a mechanical defect in the actuator link rod in the engine may not allow the boat to shift out of forward gear". It warns of a risk of serious injury or death if the boat crashes or can't stop, and tells owners to stop using the boats. An updated recall on Honda's V6 engines says the link rod in the shifting system may break during use, causing loss of gear shift, and that incidents have occurred.
Where to look. The dealer record for the serial number. On the sea trial, shift from forward to neutral and reverse at idle, several times, and confirm each shift is clean.
V6 ACG belt
Recalls in Australia and the UK cover Honda V6 outboards where a defective ACG belt "may tangle, causing the engine to come to a stop", by getting caught in the timing belt assembly. The ACCC notes the risk if the engine stops and can't be restarted. Dealers inspect and repair affected engines free of charge.
Where to look. The dealer record for the serial number, and under the cowl the belt's condition and routing.
Vapour separator fuel leak
The ACCC lists a recall on BF115DK1, BF135AK2, BF150AK2, BF175AK3, BF200AK3, BF225AK3 and BF250A outboards in an affected serial range. A manufacturing defect in the vapour separator float can let fuel escape from the air vent tube, leaking into the water and posing a fire risk. Dealers fit a replacement vapour separator.
Where to look. Fuel smell under the cowl, sheen on the water around the leg, and the dealer record.
Older BF175 to BF225: throttle wiring
An older ACCC recall covers BF175, BF200 and BF225 outboards sold in Australia over about a year and a half. The wiring harness could touch the throttle body and short through the throttle cable, blowing a fuse or making the throttle hard to operate, which could leave the boat drifting.
USCG list
The USCG recall list holds seven Honda records, including the BF250, the BF135A and BF150A, a campaign covering the BF2D, BF5A, BF225A and BF200A, and smaller motors. The public pages don't give the defect.
What to check on a Honda outboard
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Recall status | Dealer record for each serial number | ACCC, OPSS, USCG |
| Shifting on V6 models | Clean shifts out of forward gear | ACCC link rod recalls |
| ACG belt on V6 models | Belt condition and routing, recall done | ACCC and OPSS ACG belt recalls |
| Vapour separator | Fuel smell, sheen, recall done | ACCC vapour separator recall |
| Throttle on older BF175 to BF225 | Smooth operation, fuses | Older ACCC recall |
Writing it up
"Outboard, Honda BF225D: no record of the manufacturer's shift actuator link rod recall for this serial number. On sea trial shifting was normal. Recommend the serial number is checked with an authorised Honda Marine dealer and the recall work completed before the vessel is used." The recall notice itself says to stop using affected engines, so grade an open recall as A.