Honda is recalling more than 50,000 vehicles in the UK to fix an ignition switch fault - but dealers will have to wait months for the parts they need to fix the problem. The recall, the largest in the manufacturer's history, affects Accords, Civics, Preludes, CR-Vs, Shuttles and Logos built between 1997 and 1999.

Honda is recalling 2.2m vehicles globally - 180,000 in Europe and 54,000 in the UK. With 250,000 cars sold in the UK between 1997 and 2000, the recall affects about one in four vehicles. Drivers are reporting difficulty starting cars before the engine stalls altogether.

The fault is caused by premature wear of electrical contacts within the ignition switch. Dealer workshops can repair the fault by replacing the electrical contact section of the ignition switch while retaining original lock and key assemblies. However, demand for parts is expected to be huge.

“Owners will be notified by letter when parts are available. Because of the large number involved, it may take several months to make the replacement parts available for all vehicles,” says Honda.

“We expect this process of rectification will take between three and four months as customers filter through the dealers, but some will coincide with normal servicing schedules.”