Honda Motor U.S recalls CR-V models

Honda Motor Co.(U.S) said Saturday it is recalling 268,000 CR-V SUVs models over what is said to be a fire risks. The latest in a string of recalls from the Japanese carmaker.

Honda Motor Co said it is recalling the 2002-2006 CR-V models because of the driver-side power window switch may fail or melt. The switch could overheat, smoke and probably cause a fire.

The carmaker told owners to park their vehicles outside their garages until the repairs are completed because a switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use.

Honda said it had reports of four fires from owners — including two in July and August, which helped prompt the recall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the issue since November 2010 and upgraded the investigation in April 2011 after 29 reports of complaints of problems with the switch, including five reports of fire or smoke.

Honda said in a statement Saturday that its dealers will inspect and repair or replace the power window master switch. Honda said no crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Under severe conditions, water or other fluids may enter through an open driver's window and reach the master power window switch on the door, Honda said. Over time, exposure to water or fluid can cause the switch to overheat and melt, damaging the switch and potentially damaging an associated wire harness.

Earlier this week, Honda said it was boosting a massive recall of vehicles for low-beam headlights that can fail by another 820,789.

In total, Honda has recalled more than 1.8 million vehicles since 2004 over the issue — with reports of more than 400 failures.

This is Honda's third recall for headlight problems since 2004. The first recall covered 440,000 2001-2002 Civic and 2000-2002 Insight vehicles.

Honda also said this week it was expanding an earlier recall to include another 572,000 2003-07 Accord cars because the power steering hose may fail and leak fluid. The initial recall in May covered 52,615 2007-08 Acura TL sedans.