American Honda Motors has issued a recall for 45,747 of its 2008 and 2009 model year Odyssey minivans equipped with the power rear liftgate option. The gas-filled struts used to open and close the rear hatch are flawed and may fail to support the lifted door, said the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to NHTSA, the flawed struts leak pressurized gas which is needed to keep the large liftgate in the upright position. The defect can lead to unexpected closures of the rear gate, increasing the risk of injury to drivers and passengers who may be under the vehicle's open hatch.

Honda, which has identified this recall as S22, will begin next month to notify its minivan owners affected by this safety recall. Mechanics at local dealerships will inspect and replace both liftgate gas struts in the affected Honda Odyssey vehicles free of charge.

For more information, consumers can contact Honda's toll-free customer service line (800-999-1009) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Recall: 2008-2009 Honda Odyssey - Liftgate hinge and attachments; Campaign ID #: 12V062000 [NHTSA]