Battery sensors set engines ablaze; Honda recalls millions of vehicles

By Nicole DiGiose, content editor

Honda is recalling 1.5 million Accord models after discovering a defect in the vehicle’s battery system. The Japanese automaker linked four reports of engine compartment fires to the defect in cars from the 2013 through 2016 model years, reported CNN.

Honda says that it will replace faulty sensors in Accord models free of charge.

The defect on the Accords is related to a 12-V sensor that monitors the vehicle battery’s state of charge. The automotive giant believes that the sensor might not be sealed from moisture or road salt, possibly causing erosion or electrical shorting, which could trigger engine smoke or a fire. And it may not be a coincidence that all of the engines that went up in flames were in states where salt is used to clear roads during the winter. So far, no injuries related to these incidents have been reported.

Fortunately for drivers, the company will repair vehicles for free and notify owners when they can visit their local dealerships. Faulty sensors will be replaced, and those without problems will get an adhesive sealant that will be replaced when parts are available. It’s not clear how long this could take, and so far, the automaker received 3,972 U.S. warranty claims related to this issue.

Honda’s decision comes right after the Takata airbag recall. More than 100 million cars around the globe are subject to recall because of exploding airbags that have injured at least 180 and killed 18 people. The Takata airbag recall is said to be the largest of its type in American history. According to CNN, less than one-third of the faulty airbags have been recalled from the 70 million in circulation in the U.S.

These two recalls come at a bad timing for Honda, as the auto giant is expected to reveal its redesigned 2018 Accord this month.

To see if your car is included in Honda’s latest recall, visit www.recalls.honda.com or call (888) 234-2138.