WASHINGTON (AP) - Honda is recalling about 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software on the automatic transmission to decrease the possibility of transmission damage.

The recall affects certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles.

The company said Friday that without the change, the transmission’s secondary shaft bearing can be damaged when the car is shifted too quickly. Honda said that can happen when a driver tries to get the vehicle dislodged from mud or snow.

Honda says it will begin sending recall notifications to customers on Aug. 31. The company says that no injuries or deaths have been reported because of the problem.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)