From Products Liability Law Daily, October 23, 2015

Risk of ignition switch fire leads to recall of more than 1.3 million Mazda vehicles

By Pamela C. Maloney, J.D.

Mazda North American Operations recalled 1.369,500 model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles because excessive grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch of these vehicles during production could become conductive and overheat. Mazda warned that if the ignition switch overheats, there would be an increased risk of a fire. The company added that once the vehicle is running, the situation does not directly affect vehicle drivability or operation, or the operation of any safety devices or features in the vehicle. As a result, there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue (NHTSA Recall Notice, No. 15V674, Report receipt date: October 19, 2015, Mazda Press Release, October 21, 2015).

Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 15, 2015.

Contact information. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Companies: Mazda North American Operations

MainStory: TopStory MotorVehiclesNews

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