Wiring problems of the 2016 Mazda CX-5

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that there was short in the wiring harness and the module needed to be replaced. Additionally, while the mechanic was working on vehicle, the side curtain air bags inadvertently deployed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Invalid VIN. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly; 3 - VIN corrected, error in one position (assuming check digit is correct); 14 - unable to provide information for all the characters in the VIN. #vpic#.

Started car in driveway 2/10/19, 4 pm �engine sounded like timing was obviously abnormal. Random automatic braking noted when car in motion, within one block of leaving driveway. Immediate inability to accelerate beyond 10-12 mph experienced. Error messages then observed on car dashboard warning sectors: check engine; traction control: tire pressure monitoring; Smart city brake support malfunction-forward scbs disabled. Car unsafe to drive to dealer 12 miles away. Car towed to dealer site 2/11/19 Monday am. Car has 28,330 miles per odometer; service maintenance up to date, as manufacturer recommended. Dealer assessment of cause on 2/11/19 reported as �rats nesting in engine and eating through soy insultation on wiring on engine harness. � repair costs of > $1,500 estimated. It seems that insulating engine component with nutrients attractive to nesting, ubiquitous vermin is a serious safety concern for car owners and users. Any NHTSA guidance on this critical issue?.