TORRANCE, Calif. -

American Honda has issued a voluntary recall of some 268,000 CR-V vehicles in the U.S., due to a potentially faulty power-window master switch that has caused at least four vehicle fires.

The recall affects CR-V vehicles of model years 2002-2006, for inspection and repair or replacement of the switch.

In a corporate statement, Honda said, “Under severe conditions, rain water or other spilled liquids may enter through an open driver’s window and enter the master power window switch on the driver’s door.

“Over time, exposure to water and other fluids can cause electrical resistance in the switch, which ultimately can cause the switch to overheat and melt, damaging the switch and potentially damaging an associated wire harness.”

If a switch melts, Honda officials added, it could produce smoke and potentially cause a fire.

The company asserted that no crashes or injuries have been reported related to the window master switch issue, but four switch fires have been reported.

Owners of affected CR-V vehicles are encouraged to visit an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of the recall from Honda; the company said mailed notification to customers will begin in early November. Owners of the affected vehicles will also be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going to www.recalls.honda.com, or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Other Recalls

The power-window master switch recall is not the first U.S. recall by Honda in recent months.

On Oct. 2, the company announced the expansion of a May recall due to a power steering hose problem to include approximately 572,000 Honda Accord V6 models, from model years 2003 through 2007.

The original May recall included Acura TL models from the 2007 and 2008 model years.

In this case, Honda officials said the power steering hose could develop a fluid leak that might lead to loss of power steering assistance, smoke or fire. At the time of the recall, one engine fire had been reported.

And in September, Honda announced it would voluntarily recall 17 model-year 2012 Ridgeline vehicles in the U.S. to replace the passenger airbag indicator after incorrect Canadian-specification passenger airbag OFF indicator lights were mistakenly installed in these vehicles, which do not comply with U.S. federal motor vehicle safety standard requirements.