The first automotive recall of October comes from Honda that is expanding a previous safety action of around 52,000 model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles to include 573,147 Accord V6s from the 2003-2007 model years for a grand total of 625,762 cars.
In a filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Japanese carmaker said that prolonged exposure to engine heat can cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.
Honda explained that if fluid leaks onto the hot catalytic converter, it could cause smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
To date, the automaker said it is aware of one fire, but no injuries or crashes related to this problem.
In the NHTSA document, Honda said it will begin to notify owners of the affected cars on October 26, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge.
However, there’s a parts problem as the automaker also pointed out that “sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered” in the latest expansion, and won’t be until early 2013. Honda said it will send a second notice to owners once a replacement hose becomes available.
For more information, owners can contact Honda at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).
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