Honda Motors has expanded a recall for its popular Accord and Acura TL sedans in the United States and Canada, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), due to a problem with the power steering system.

As with the recall of Acura TL sedans last May, Honda claims the power steering hoses in the 2003-2007 Accord cars with V6 engines may deteriorate from excessive heat and leak fluid. If the flammable power steering fluid reaches an ignition point—a hot exhaust pipe, say—an engine fire may occur beneath the car's hood.

This latest recall of 573,147 cars is in addition to the Acura TL cars recalled in May, bringing the total number of vehicles being recalled for this concern to 625,762.

NHTSA says a shortage of repair parts to fix the recalled Acura and Honda cars may not clear until early next year. However, Honda is expected to begin notifying affected owners of the problem this month. Concerned consumers can call Honda's toll-free customer support line (800-999-1009) and refer to the original recall (S39) or the expanded recall S59.

Sources:
Recall: 2003-2007 Honda Accord - Power steering    Campaign ID #: 12V222000 [NHTSA]
Honda expands N.A. recall to include over 600,000 Accords [Reuters via Automotive News]