The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a Honda Accord recall that will affect nearly 600,000 midsize cars in the U.S. and Canada. The recall is over a deteriorated power steering hose that has the potential of causing an engine fire.

One engine fire prompts Honda Accord recall

The recall affects Accords from the model years 2003 through 2007, but only those with V8 engines.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the power steering hose and connectors on the Accords may be deteriorated from prolonged exposure to engine heat. They may now be to a point where a leak could develop. Power steering fluid leaked onto a hot engine could lead to a fire inside the engine compartment.

The recall is being called following one incident of engine fire. However, there have been no accidents or injuries associated with the problem.

Replacement parts are not yet available

As is normal in recalls, Honda says it will inspect and fix the problem at no cost to owners. However, not so typically, the automaker says the out-of-production replacement hoses will have to be re-manufactured, And that will take until after the end of the year.

Ed Miller, a spokesman for the Japanese automaker, said Monday:

“We’re going to start making them and getting them out there as soon as we can.”

Miller also said that owners who suspect leaks now should have their vehicles inspected immediately.

A reputation for reliability may be shaken

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The Honda Accord has consistently been a top-seller in its class. It is second only to the Toyota Camry. The reason for its popularity, no doubt, has much to do with its reputation for reliability. However, that reputation may currently be at risk. The automaker recalled more cars than any other manufacturer in 2011.

The current recall is actually an expansion of an earlier recall. In May, Honda recalled 52,615 Acura TLs from the 2007 and 2008 model years. Acura is Honda’s luxury line.  With the current recall expansion factored in, Honda is on target to again top the nation’s recall list for 2012.

Affected owners to be notified soon

Honda says it will begin informing owners of the recall by telephone in early October. However, nationwide, concerned owners of a possibly affected Honda, Austin, TX to Middlebury, VT, can call Honda at 800-999-1009. Alternately, the NHTSA can be contacted through its vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236. Have your car’s VIN on hand to expedite the call.