The latest recall from a defective electronic circuit appears on Mazda CX-9 crossovers.
Mazda North American Operations is recalling model year 2010 CX-9 vehicles equipped with electrically- heated front seats. There is a possibility under extremely cold conditions for the seat-heater control circuit to overheat and fail due to insufficient electrical grounding.
This may cause burn damage of the seat cushion surface, or a risk of smoke/fire. The vehicles in question were built in Hiroshima, Japan, from the end of July of last year through the middle of January 2010.
It is just the latest example of a growing number of automotive recalls that involve the expanding use of electronics in vehicles.
Critics contend, with increasing evidence supporting the charges, that the auto industry is far behind in the use of safe design practices governing the use of electronics and electronic control circuits that are in common use in other industries.
Mazda dealers will install an additional ground harness on the seat-heater control system. The seat heater control circuit will be replaced if necessary and/or the seat will be repaired free of charge. There is at least one reported instance where turning the key to the “off” position did not stop overheating or burning in the circuit.
The safety recall is expected to begin on or before March 9, 2010. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 about Mazda recall 5810b.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to http://www.safercar.gov.