Mazda recalling 4.9M vehicles to fix ignition switches

DETROIT, MI -- Mazda says 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.

The U.S. recall covers the 1990-1996 323 and Protg, 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 says 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 says continuous use can cause electricity to flow between the points and make the switches overheat. That can cause smoke and possible fire.

Mazda says the problem doesn't affect the cars' operation or safety devices. It says there haven't been any fires, crashes or injuries in the U.S., 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.