Honda Ireland is recalling 3,000 cars over a faulty electric window switch that may overheat and could ultimately start a fire.
The recall concerns the previous generation of its Jazz model, specifically cars registered between 2002 and 2009.
The move is part of a global recall of the model that involves 646,000 cars. It follows the death last year of two-year-old child who was sleeping in a car in South Africa when it caught fire.
The problem concerns the master switch for the car's electric windows, located on the driver's side of the car. If it becomes contaminated - for example, if something spills into the switch or water seeps in - there is the potential for it to overheat and go on fire.
The issue was initially spotted by the Irish distributor for the brand 2 ½ years ago when a faulty switch was replaced in an older Jazz.
According to a Honda Ireland spokesman, they studied the fault in the switch and alerted the Japanese headquarters about a potential issue with the switch. A global study of replaced parts followed.
There were three reported cases of fires due to the defect, two in the United States and one in South Africa.
Honda Ireland says it is working with the Department of Transport's vehicle registration office in Shannon to identify the current owners of the Jazz models affected and owners can expect to be contacted in the coming weeks.
The recall is likely to involve either the replacement of the switch or fitting a protective waterproof skirt to the window.
Owners who are concerned about their cars - or who think their correct address or details may not be held on the national vehicle register - should contact their Honda dealer.
