The first automotive recall of October comes from Honda, which is expanding from a previous safety action of around 52,000 model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles to include 573,147 Accord V6s from 2003-2007 model years for a grand total of 625,762 cars.

Honda filed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that prolonged exposure to engine heat can cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage. Honda explains that if the fluid leaks onto the hot catalytic converter, it could cause smoke and possibly an under-hood fire. As of now, the automaker said that it was only aware of one fire, but no injuries or crashed were related to this problem. Honda explained in the the NHTSA document that it will begin notifying owners of the affected care on October 26th and Honda dealerships will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge.

Nevertheless, there is a parts problem as Honda pointed out that “sufficient part are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered” in their latest expansion, and won’t be until early 2013. Honda will send a second notice to owners once a replacement hose becomes available.

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