WASHINGTON, March 7 (RIA Novosti) - Subaru of America announced Thursday it is recalling more than 47,000 cars and SUVs due to faulty remote self-starter key fobs that could cause engines to start by themselves, the second recall this year for the Japanese automaker.

“The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to 15 minutes,” Subaru said in its report to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause asphyxiation,” Subaru reported to the NHTSA.

The recall affects 47,419 of Subaru’s models with remote engine starters including 2010 to 2013 Legacy and Outback cars, the 2012 and 2013 Impreza, and the 2013 XV Crosstrek.

Subaru said if the key fob is dropped it can malfunction and the engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery dies or until the vehicle runs out of gas.

The recall is expected to begin by the end of April and the company said it is currently notifying owners who can bring their vehicles to local dealerships to have the key fobs replaced for free.

In January, Subaru of America recalled more than 630,000 SUVs and cars after the company discovered the puddle lights installed beneath doors could potentially short circuit, melt plastic and cause a fire if moisture from the road were to get inside the lights.