(August 5, 2011) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will voluntarily recall about 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission.

Certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles will be included in the voluntary recall.

Without the updated software, the automatic transmission secondary shift bearing in the affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions, as may be done in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle stuck in the mud or snow. If the bearing is damaged in this unusual scenario, it can cause to stall or lead to difficulty engaging the parking gear.

The update to the vehicle's automatic transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage.

No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition. Honda is announcing the recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of the recall from Honda. Notification will begin on Aug. 31.