An ignition switch fault has reportedly prompted Mazda to undertake a worldwide recall of 4.9 million of its older vehicles.
The automobile giant told Associated Press (AP) the affected vehicles may have had too much grease put on their electrical contact points in the switches during manufacturing.
The grease can "carbonise and reduce electrical insulation", potentially causing the switches to overheat and catch fire, the company said.
Of the affected vehicles, 1.36 million are in the United States alone and include the following models:
AP says Mazda will begin replacing ignition switches in December.
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