Honda Motor Co. (HMC) announced a voluntary worldwide recall of 646,000 Fit hatchbacks so it can examine window switches that can overheat and cause a fire.
“Under some severe operating conditions, water, rain, or other liquid may enter the driver’s window and reach the master power window switch, resulting in impaired function of the switch,” Honda said in a statement from Japan earlier in the day.
“If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the liquid intrusion, it may result in failure of the switch and overheating. An overheating switch may cause smoke, melting or, potentially, fire,” it added.
Japan said the recall did affect models in Brazil.
Honda’s recall comes two days after Toyota Motor Corp. announced the recall of its popular Camry and Corolla models, among others, in the U.S., Europe and China. The vehicles were not recalled in Brazil because they were produced nationally or in Japan.
Honda will be recalling 172,000 Jazz models in Britain after a fire broke out in one of the superminis in South Africa last year, killing a child.
The cars are being recalled so that the master power window switch can be examined. If it’s exposed to large amounts of water, for example if the window is left open frequently or for long periods in heavy rain, the switch can malfunction, potentially causing a fire.
Although there have been no reported cases of this happening in the UK, all recalled cars will be fitted with a waterproof skirt to prevent water entering.
Globally, 646,000 jazz models are affected.
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