Honda Recalls 646,000 Cars For Switch Problem

Honda announced the voluntary recall of over a half a million Fit compact cars for a faulty part that has the potential of catching fire.

The company said that 646,000 of their 2007-2008 Fit compact hatchbacks would be called back to dealerships so the company can examine window switches. If exposed to liquid, the faulty switches could smoke, melt or catch fire.

"There have been 7 confirmed cases in the U.S.," said Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky. "In two cases those have involved fires."

Schifksy confirmed that in the seven reported incidents, no injuries or deaths were reported. Mostly commonly the problem occurs when a driver leaves a window open, allowing water to drip into the window switch module.

"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," the Japanese car maker said in a statement. "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.

Honda says that only about 10% of the total number recalled will need new switches. The others will receive a new waterproof gasket to prevent leakage into the switch area.

Of the total number of vehicles recalled, about 140,000 of them are located in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., the Fit is sold under the name Jazz.

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