Mazda recalls nearly 5m cars over fire risks

Mazda has said it is recalling 4.9 million older vehicles worldwide, including 1.36 million in the U.S., because ignition switches could overheat and catch fire, Wtsp.com reported.


The US recall covers the 1990-1996 323 and Protégé, the 1993-1998 626, the 1993-1995 929, the 1993-1997 MX-6, the 1989 to 1998 MPV and the 1992-1993 MX-3.


Mazda said it put too much grease on electrical contact points in the switches when the cars were manufactured. The grease can carbonize and reduce electrical insulation.


The company said continuous use can cause electricity to flow between the points and make the switches overheat. That can cause smoke and possible fire.


Mazda said the problem doesn't affect the cars' operation or safety devices. It says there haven't been any fires, crashes or injuries in the US, and the problem doesn't happen when the car is turned off. Globally there have been 13 fires in the Mazdas, but no injuries.


Dealers will replace the ignition switches starting in December.