Honda Australia has recalled more than 45,000 Honda Accord Euro models over an issue with the power steering hose that has the potential to start a fire under the bonnet.

In total, 45,524 first-generation Accord Euro vehicles have been recalled. Affected vehicles were sold in Australia between June 2003 and June 2008.

The official recall notice published on the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission website states:

“Prolonged high under-bonnet temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and may cause the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.

“Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot exhaust may generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under-bonnet fire.”

Honda Australia’s Mark Higgins confirmed some 10,000 first-generation vehicles sold in Australia were not subject to the recall, as around 55,000 Honda Accord Euro I models were sold locally during that period.

Honda Australia is attempting to contact owners of affected vehicles by mail, and encourages owners to contact their authorised Honda dealership with any recall enquiries.

Mr Higgins explained there had been a small number of local reports of leaking hoses in Australian Accord Euro vehicles.

“We’ve had one or two customers advise us of a leaking power steering hose, but there have certainly been no fires,” Mr Higgins said.

The Accord Euro recall is the fourth recall for Honda Australia this year. In total, 84,505 Honda Accord Euro, City, Civic Hybrid and Jazz models have been recalled in 2011.