WASHINGTON (AFP) - Japanese automaker Honda is recalling nearly 900,000 vans in the United States (US) for a defect to the fuel pump that could cause a fire.

In its notice to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday, Honda said no injuries or fires have been reported due the defect, linked to a crack in the fuel pump strainer cover.

The cracks, which developed when acidic chemicals and a high temperature caused deterioration, "could lead to a fuel smell being present or to leaking fuel, increasing the risk of fire", Honda said.

The company is notifying van owners now but said parts will not be available until this summer, and a second notification will go out when repairs can be made. Any cars with an existing leak will get immediate repairs.

The recall affects 886,815 Honda Odyssey vehicles from the 2005 to 2010 model years.