Honda has recalled 646,000 Fit hatchbacks worldwide because of a problem with its power windows which caused a fatal vehicle fire last year.

The company says if water gets into the mechanism, it could overheat and pose a safety hazard.

"Under severe operating conditions, water, rain, or other liquid may enter the driver's window and reach the master power window switch…It may result in failure of the switch and overheating,” the Japanese carmaker said in a statement.

"An overheating switch may cause smoke, melting or, potentially, fire.”

The recall affects 2007 and 2008 models of the Fit – 34,881 in Canada and the balance in the U.S., Asia, Latin America, Europe and South Africa.

Last year, the malfunction caused a vehicle fire in South Africa that killed a young child.

The company is still working on a solution and is advising customers to keep their windows rolled up during rain or snow in the meantime.

The Fit also goes by the name Jazz and City in some countries.

Toyota is in the midst of its own massive recall due to faulty gas pedals.