Honda is recalling 646,000 Fit hatchbacks worldwide, the company announced Friday.

The problem is in the power window mechanism, which could allow water to enter and cause components to overheat. In South Africa, one person was killed last year in a vehicle fire related to the malfunction.

A 2009 Honda Fit undergoes a crash test. Honda is recalling 646,000 Honda Fits from 2007-08 because of a fault in the power window mechanism. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety/AP)

The move comes three days after Toyota announced that it was suspending sales of eight models, slowing vehicle production in Canada and the U.S. and recalling 1.36 million vehicles in North America while it moves to fix Canadian-made accelerator pedals that stick.

The automaker said the recall affects the 2007-08 models of the Fit. The model is sold in some countries under the name Jazz or City. The recall affects Asia, Latin America, Europe, South Africa and North America.

There are 34,881 Fits in Canada and about 140,000 in the U.S.

The company said it would notify customers by mail once it has a solution. For now, customers are being advised to keep their windows rolled up during rain or snow.

Honda Canada builds the Civic, Acura CSX, Acura MDX and the Ridgeline truck in Alliston, Ont. It employs about 4,600 people at two assembly plants and an engine plant, all in Alliston.

With files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press