Mazda has said it has expanded its ignition switch recall to 4.9 million vehicles worldwide, including 1.36 million units in the US.
The company said that too much grease was applied to the electric contact points at the time of production, which in time has carbonized. This can cause electrical short-circuits and ultimately smoke and fire.
The models affected include the 323, Protégé, MX6 and MPV manufactured between 1989 and 1998.
The company said a total of 13 fires have been reported worldwide due to this problem, but no injuries. Dealers will start replacing ignition switches from December.