Honda issues global recall of nearly one million cars due to software glitch

Honda has issued a worldwide recall of 962,000 vehicles after the discovery of a fault in some electric windows and transmission problems in a hybrid model.

Over 23,000 CR-Z hybrid vehicles are affected, 3,045 of which were sold in the UK, the manufacturer told V3.

"The problem occurs if the driver inadvertently causes the engine to stall. Depending on the IMA battery condition, temperature and electrical loads, the vehicle may start to move forwards or backwards depending on selected gear," a Honda spokesperson said in a statement.

"Honda dealers will install a software update to the IMA motor Electronic Control Unit free of charge. This new software will prevent the IMA motor reverse rotation. The work should take no more than half an hour."

There have been no reports of accidents so far, but drivers are advised to  contact their local dealer.

Honda confirmed that there are no problems with power windows in UK-based vehicles, despite 936,590 cars being affected globally.

This is the second high-profile recall Honda has had to carry out in a month. The Japanese manufacturer had to recall 2.3 million vehicles in August after automatic transmission problems, which were also resolved with a software fix.

Honda also continues to feel the effects of the earthquake in Japan, even though full-time production has restarted at its Swindon plant. The company said that it will produce 100,000 fewer cars at this site compared to last year, following a significant reduction in the supply of parts from Japan.