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Campaign 15V674 Posted October 19, 2015 1,368,500 units

1989-1998 Mazda Mpv/323/626 Recall 15V674: Ignition

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 31, 2026

Recall 15V674 covers 1,368,500 1989-1998 Mazda Mpv, 323, MX3, 626, 929, Protege, and MX-6 vehicles for overheating ignition switches. Repair is free at Mazda dealers.

Mazda is recalling 1,368,500 1989-1998 vehicles, including the Mpv, 323, Protege, MX3, 929, MX-6, and 626, under recall 15V674 because grease inside the ignition switch can become conductive and overheat. An overheated ignition switch increases the risk of a fire, and Mazda dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The ignition switch in these 1989-1998 Mazda vehicles is the electrical contact point behind the key cylinder. When you turn the key, the switch sends power to the starter and the vehicle's electrical circuits, then keeps the engine and accessories supplied in the proper key position.

On affected Mpv, 323, MX3, 626, 929, Protege, and MX-6 vehicles, grease inside the ignition switch can collect at the contact points. As the switch carries electrical current, that grease can become conductive, carbonize, and reduce insulation between the contacts. The result is heat inside the switch, smoke, a short circuit, engine stop, or fire.

There is no warning sign before failure. If smoke comes from the steering column or the starter keeps running after the key is released, treat that as a failure condition and arrange service before using the vehicle again.

Who's affected?

Spans Mpv, 323, MX3, 626, 929, Protege, and MX-6 models across the 1989-1998 model years, all tied to the ignition switch electrical system.

1993 Mazda Mpv electrical system
1991 Mazda 323 electrical system
1993 Mazda MX3 electrical system
1996 Mazda 626 electrical system
1992 Mazda MX3 electrical system
Units affected1,368,500
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date.

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

An overheating ignition switch raises the risk of a fire. Do not ignore heat, smoke, or a burning smell around the ignition area. Stop using the vehicle if those signs appear, and call a Mazda dealer for repair guidance. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 1989-1998 Mazda Mpv, 323, MX3, 626, 929, Protege, or MX-6 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free ignition-switch replacement that fixes the overheating switch contacts.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V674 when you call.
  4. Call Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option 6, with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Mazda technician replaces the ignition switch covered by recall 15V674. The switch contains contact points that can overheat when grease inside the assembly becomes conductive, so the repair replaces the affected switch rather than adding an adjustment. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The recall repair is available now, so schedule service with a Mazda dealer and ask the service desk to confirm your VIN is included before the appointment.

Timeline

October 19, 2015 NHTSA published the recall
December 5, 2015 Dealer notification began
December 5, 2015 Dealer notification ended
December 15, 2015 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
December 17, 2015 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 15V674?

Recall 15V674 covers 1,368,500 1989-1998 Mazda Mpv, 323, MX3, 626, 929, Protege, and MX-6 vehicles with ignition-switch grease that can become conductive and overheat. An overheated switch increases fire risk. Mazda dealers will replace the ignition switch for free.

What should I do if my 1989-1998 Mazda Mpv, 323, MX3, 626, 929, Protege, or MX-6 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V674. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the ignition-switch replacement. Reference recall number 15V674 or Mazda recall number 8715J when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mazda's remedy says dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge. The recall repair is handled through franchised Mazda dealers.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire. Grease inside the ignition switch can become conductive, which can make the switch overheat. If the ignition switch overheats, the recall states that fire risk increases. The dealer repair replaces the affected ignition switch.

What if I bought this Mazda used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was bought. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mazda dealer with recall number 15V674 if your vehicle is included.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V674000
Mazda customer service1-800-222-5500
NHTSA recall #15V674
NHTSA recall # (full)15V674000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →