WASHINGTON — Mazda is recalling 12,300 CX-9 vehicles with optional heated front seats because the seat heater control circuit can overheat and result in smoke or fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"There is a possibility under extremely cold conditions for the seat heater control circuit to overheat and fail due to insufficient electrical grounding," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "This may cause burn damage of the seat cushion surface or a risk of smoke/fire."
The affected CX-9 vehicles were built in Hiroshima, Japan, from July 28, 2009, through January 14, 2010. Mazda said in other documentation filed with the federal government that it first became aware of the problem from a field report from the U.S. market "describing an incident where the seat heater could not be turned off even [sic] the ignition key position is turned to Lock [off] and resulting [sic] a battery run-out and/or burn damage on the seat cushion."
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 for free. The recall is expected to begin March 9. Owners can contact Mazda at (800) 222-5500.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Mazda CX-9 with optional heated front seats, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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kaikim says:
05:34 AM, 09/07/2010
Please read if you own a CX-9:
I bought CX-9 in March. In May, my car broke down due to the transmission oil control problem. I could not go over 30 MPH.
2 other problems:
1. The front windows bounced down with an auto close button on a hot summer day.
2. The face of side mirror on driver side shakes when going over 50 MPH so the objects in the mirror will be trembling and will not be identifiable. I took the car twice and the dealer found out that it is not fixable and there is nothing they can do!!! I called the customer service and this idiot told me that is the way the car is made and too bad if I don;t like it and I have to live with it since there is no "safety" concern. I wonder if this douche bag will say the same thing if he can't see anything in the mirror when he wants to pass a car on a freeway with his kids in the back. He also added that it is unlikely Mazda will try to come up with a new version of CX-9 to make it better. I am going to take all possible actions and use every avenue available to bring this up to the attention of Mazda management and exercise my right to hear. If any of you had a same experience, please share yours with me. Thanks, Kai
tbone85 says:
11:54 AM, 03/02/2010
There are very few good looking 7+ passenger vehicles on the road. I'd say the CX-9 is about average in terms of looks, below average for carrying capacity, and one of the best in terms of handling.
debbaranko says:
11:50 PM, 03/01/2010
I wouldnt be caught dead in one of those ugly Mazdas. Well, caught on FIRE, now.
skw0123 says:
08:44 PM, 03/01/2010
Hmm. I have a 2008 CX-9 and have had a couple of instances where the seat got very warm, actually almost hot to touch by hand. It's weird because the seat warmer is not adjustable in any way...just an on/off button. Going to have to keep an eye on this.
cr_driver says:
04:34 PM, 03/01/2010
carguy622 says:
12:35 PM, 03/01/2010
"Maybe those heated seats will finally be hot enough for Donna ;)"
LOL!!!!!
Maybe, just maybe.....
old_cars_rock says:
03:05 PM, 03/01/2010
I've never heard of a car that sets the passengers' butts on fire.
carguy622 says:
12:35 PM, 03/01/2010
Maybe those heated seats will finally be hot enough for Donna ;)
compressor says:
12:21 PM, 03/01/2010
Edmunds/Insideline - If you really feel the need to be the industry recall watchdog for whatever reasons, fine. But, can you please make a separate recall section on your website. This serves all interested parties better.