Honda recalls CR-V over window switch. Is yours on the list?

Honda recall involves 2002-06 models with switch that can cause fire. Beyond the Honda recall of the CR-V, the automaker in the past month has issued major recalls of Civics, Pilots, and Accords for various safety problems.

Safety problems keep piling up for Honda in the United States. In the latest incident, the Japanese automaker is recalling some 268,000 CR-V crossovers because a faulty power window master switch can overheat and potentially cause a fire.

That follows on the heels of 1) the expansion of a Honda recall to include 820,000 Civic compact cars and Pilot SUVs a month ago for faulty headline wiring; 2) the expansion of another Honda recall late last month involving a power steering hose that now includes 572,000 Accords; and 3) the announcement this past week that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports that Odyssey minivans and Pilot SUVs not put in park can roll away even after drivers have pulled out the key.

If Honda owners are having trouble keeping track of the rash of recalls, here's a list of the problems and what models and model years they affect. If you own a:

Honda CR-V (model years 2002 to 2006), your power window master switch is at risk. Rainwater through an open window or spilled liquids can seep down to the switch and, over time, cause it to overheat and melt. Four switch fires have been reported, although none have caused crashes or injuries, Honda says. The automaker will begin notifying owners by mail in November, urging them to have a dealer repair or replace the faulty switch.

Honda Civic (2002-03) or Honda Pilot (2004-05), there's a risk your low-beam headlights could go out because of faulty wiring. This is the expansion of a March recall for the same problem involving 2003 Pilots and 2002-04 CR-Vs. Honda began mailing out notifications late last month. Honda owners can also check whether they're affected by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 and selecting option 4.

Honda Accord V6 (2003-2007), a power steering hose can leak, potentially causing the driver to lose power steering or cause smoke or even fire, if the fluid leaks onto the catalytic converter. The problem has been linked to one report of an engine fire, although Honda says there have been no report of crashes or injuries. Since the part won't be available until early next year, Honda will begin notifying owners late this month that they can come into a dealership for an interim repair if they start to feel symptoms of leaking power-steering fluid. Next year when the part is ready, the automaker will send out a second mailing.

In addition, NHTSA is investigating 2003-04 Honda Odysseys and Pilots after receiving 42 complaints that drivers could pull out the key even when the vehicles weren't shifted into park. In 26 of those incidents, the vehicles began to roll. In 16 cases, they hit something – including a brick mailbox after the vehicle rolled two blocks. One driver reported that the vehicle ran over their leg as they tried to stop the vehicle.