(Adds description of defects, other details, background)
TOKYO, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Honda Motor Co said on Thursday they would recall more than a combined 570,000 cars worldwide in another sign of heightening quality issues in the auto industry.
There were no reports of any accidents in either case and both said the impact on their earnings would be minimal.
Fourth-ranked Mitsubishi Motors said it would recall more than 360,000 cars worldwide for a cost of up to five billion yen ($45.8 million), with about 220,000 of those in Japan.
Subject to Mitsubishi's recall are some Galant, Galant Aspire and Legnum sedans built between August 1996 and March 2001, after six reports of a defective joint in the front-wheel suspension system.
It also issued a recall of about 11,000 Grandis minivans produced between April and July this year after 51 reported cases of a glitch in the windshield wiper motor. The car is one of Mitsubishi's strategically vital models in its turnaround plan.
Honda, Japan's second-largest auto maker, said its recall of 213,209 cars covered the Stream minivan, CR-V multi-purpose vehicle, Integra and Civic Ferio cars built between October 2000 and June 2002, and would cost about 860 million yen.
Honda issued the recall, prompted by a loose bolt in the power steering box that could disable the steering wheel, only in Japan after six reported cases.
The company said a total of 235,000 units spanning the four models had also been exported to many countries, including the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia.
"We are planning to discuss whether a recall is necessary with the authorities in the various countries," a spokeswoman said.
High-volume recalls by Japanese auto makers, most of which have a reputation for building reliable products, have become frequent recently. Some analysts have expressed concern about the rapid pace of expansion and the risks that could pose on quality.
Last month Nissan Motor Co said it would recall 2.55 million cars worldwide for a cost of up to 16 billion yen, due to an engine defect.
Honda said earlier this month it would recall 699,000 cars in North America to fix a defective parking safety mechanism. ($1=109.16 yen)