Owner Letter

Dear Mazda Owner:

This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Mazda Motor Corporation has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1998 Mazda 626 vehicles equipped with the FMS audio system. If you are the recipient of this notice, your vehicle is included in this campaign.

What is the Problem?

Under hot and humid conditions with the air conditioning on, excess condensation can accumulate on an air duct under the dash. Prolonged use under these conditions causes moisture to drip onto the radio resulting in an electrical short of the rear speaker system. Under certain conditions, a short in the rear speaker system can result in a fire.

What will Mazda do?

Your Mazda dealer will inspect your vehicle and install an aluminum shield to prevent moisture entry into the radio. This repair will be done free of charge. The repair takes about a half an hour; however, it may take longer depending on the schedule of your dealer's service department.

What should you do?

Please make an appointment with any authorized Mazda dealer to have the protective shield installed. You do not need to bring this notice to the dealer, however, it may assist the check-in process. Also, even if you had a similar service before, we need to confirm that the defect does not exist on your Mazda.

Where is the closest Mazda Dealer?

To locate your nearest Mazda dealer, visit our Internet dealer locator at mwww.mazdausa.comllocate.asp or consult your local yellow pages.

Moved or no longer own a Mazda?

If you have moved or no longer own your Mazda vehicle, it is customary for the current owner of record to be responsible for completing the enclosed "Change of Ownership" prepaid postcard, so that we may update our records. Your cooperation and timely response would be greatly appreciated.

If you are the lessor of a subject Mazda vehicle, we strongly encourage you to forward this recall notification to the lessee, as it is critical that the current driver of the vehicle is notified of the recall program.

Still have questions?

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact our Customer Assistance Center at (800) 222-5500.

If Mazda or its dealers do not repair the defect free of charge or within a reasonable amount of time, you may notify the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C. 20590. You may also call their tollfree Auto-Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Your satisfaction is our priority at Mazda. We actively work to improve our products and search for solutions to improve your ownership experience. Please accept our apology for any inconvenience this program may cause you.