Mazda Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles for Ignition-Switch Problem

Mazda says it is recalling 1.2 million older cars and minivans in the US because ignition switches could overheat and catch fire. Affected models date all the way back to the late ’80s and cover several series, so here’s what you need to know about this issue.

The recall also includes the 1990-’98 Mazda Protégé, 1992-’93 Mazda MX-3, 1993-’95 Mazda 929, 1993-’97 Mazda MX-6 and 1993-’98 Mazda 626. You don’t see many vintage recalls being done, but here Mazda is taking an initiative that is worthy of applaud. “If the ignition switch overheats, there would be an increased risk of a fire”. Once it starts to overheat, it might melt a few insulation that could cause smoke and in worst cases, fire.

“In affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key hard or causing the ignition to get stuck”, reads the NHTSA recall notice.

The automaker further notes that no reports of injuries or accidents have surfaced so far in relation to this issue and this potential fault doesn’t directly affect the operation or drivability once the vehicle is running.

Mazda says the problem doesn’t affect the cars’ operation or safety devices. The faulty switches will be replaced by Mazda in December.