Honda is recalling some 2.1 million of its Accord cars worldwide, including 1.15m in the US, over problems that could lead to battery sensors short circuiting and catching fire.
Honda said the recall covers vehicles from the years 2013-16 with 12-volt battery sensors, which will be replaced free.
The sensor is located on the negative battery cable within the engine compartment, monitoring the battery’s state of charge in order to alert the driver to problems with the battery or the charging system.
“The battery sensors installed in affected vehicles may not be sufficiently sealed against moisture intrusion,” Honda said. “Over time, moisture intrusion may bring road salt or other electrically-conductive substances inside the battery sensor, leading to corrosion and eventual electrical shorting of the sensor. A shorted sensor can heat up through electrical resistance, potentially resulting in smoke coming from under the hood or, in the worst case, a fire.”
The Japanese car giant said it had received four reports of engine compartment fires in the US related to this issue, but there had been “no reported injuries”.
Honda will notify registered owners of all affected vehicles by letter starting late this month.
