If you drive a Honda Accord sedan or one of several General Motors models, take note. Honda announced the recall of 573,000 Accord sedans, citing a power steering fluid leak, and GM is recalling 41,000 crossovers and coupes for fuel leaks. All of these cars pose a potential fire risk, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Effected units include 573,147 Honda Accord Sedans from the 2003 to 2007 model years. Company officials say high temperatures under the hood can cause the steering fluid hose to crack. This could cause fluid to leak into a hot catalytic converter and potentially catch fire. This same defect is part of the May recall of 2007 and 2008 Honda Acura TL models that affected 52,615 cars. Unfortunately, Honda currently lacks enough replacement parts to cover all affected Accords. The company is ramping up production of heat-resistant steering fluid hoses and expects to have plenty ready in early 2013. If you purchased one of these models, look for notification in your mailbox. Meanwhile, though Honda has not recommended that you stop driving the cars, be aware of the fire risk. If you suspect a steering fluid hose crack, immediately park, turn off and move a safe distance from your car. GM models affected include 2007-2009 Chevrolet Cobalts, 2007-2009 Pontiac G5s, 2007 Chevrolet Equinoxes, 2007 Pontiac Torrents and 2007 Saturn Ions sold in Florida, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas. “Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak,” NHTSA officials said in a statement posted on the agency’s website. “Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.” GM has reported no related fires or injuries, but says that the defect has higher danger potential in warm-weather states. The will replace the fuel module free of charge, including for those who live outside the states affected by the recall, 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date the vehicle was sold. If you own or have driven or ridden in one of the vehicles affected in either of these product recalls and have suffered an injury caused by the stated defects, contact a personal injury or product liability attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell. Other locations include Orlando, Palatka, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine and Lake City in Florida, plus Brunswick, Georgia.
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