WASHINGTON – American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 172,837 2013 model-year Acura ILX and 2012 model-year Honda CR-V vehicles because of a potential problem with the door latch mechanisms, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

If the manual or power door lock is activated at the same time someone in the vehicle operates an interior front door handle, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. This poses a safety risk because the cable might move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching. As a result, the door might open while driving or in a crash, the NHTSA said.

To remedy the problem, Honda dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles. There will be no charge for this service.

The safety recall is expected to get under way around Aug. 16.

Owners can reach Honda at 1-800-999-1009.