Engine problems force Honda recall

updated 1:52 p.m. ET March 19, 2007

WASHINGTON - Honda Motor Corp. said Monday that it was recalling about 165,000 vehicles from the 2005-06 model years in the United States to deal with potential engine problems.

Honda said the recall affected 2005 models of the Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans, 2005 Honda Accord coupes, sedans and hybrids, 2005 Odyssey minivans and 2006 Ridgeline trucks.

The move is part of a global recall because of similar problems, said Honda spokesman Chris Martin. Details on the total number of vehicles and the number of countries where the vehicles were sold were not immediately available, he said.

Martin said the automaker discovered that sealer material leaked onto a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay on some of the vehicles. The wire can become brittle and snap, causing the engine to stall or fail to start.

Honda has received "multiple complaints" of vehicles stalling or failing to start, Martin said. There have been no injuries or crashes linked to the defect.

Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early April.

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