Typically speaking we see recalls on plenty of all-new cars and, once and a while, we see an alert pop up on a vehicle as old as 10 years. But, Mazda seems to have outdone itself.
That's because the Japanese automaker is recalling seven models from its product lineup extending all the way back to 1989, which for you math majors is 26 years ago.
According to a company-issued press release as well as an alert published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), grease applied to contact points inside the ignition switch may be the cause of fires as it becomes conductive.
Due to the number of models impacted as well as the years it stretches, it afflicts over 1.3 million automobiles.
Please see the statement below and be sure to be in touch with Mazda if you have one of the models affected.
NHTSA's press release follows:
RECALL Subject : Ignition Switch may Overheat
Report Receipt Date: OCT 19, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V674000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,368,500
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MAZDA 323 1990-1995
MAZDA 626 1993-1998
MAZDA 929 1993-1995
MAZDA MPV 1989-1998
MAZDA MX-6 1993-1997
MAZDA MX3 1992-1993
MAZDA PROTEGE 1990-1998
Details
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
SUMMARY:
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 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. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
REMEDY:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
NOTES:
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.