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.
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.