In April, Mazda announced what will be its second recall in three years due to potential problems caused by spiders in its vehicles. This latest Mazda recall by the Japanese automaker will affect 42,000 of its midsize cars.
Mazda recalls include the Mazda 6 sedans from the 2010, 2011 and 2012 model years because spiders may weave a web in an evaporative fuel hose, blocking it and causing negative pressure to build up in the fuel tank. According to Mazda’s filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, too much pressure could cause the hose to crack and leak. Any fuel leaks can lead to greatly increased fire or explosion hazards.
The Mazda recalls in 2011, effected roughly 65,000 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 sedans for the same issue. Those vehicles were manufactured Flat in Rock, Michigan where Mazda shared manufacturing at the time with Ford. Mazda thought it could deter spiders by installing a tiny spring inside the fuel line. However, Mazda’s latest filing reveals it had discovered nine cases in which the spring simply wasn’t enough to keep the spiders out.
The latest Mazda recall only involves Mazda6 sedans made from September 14, 2009 through May 2, 2011, and affects only models equipped with 2.5-liter engines. To permanently deter the spiders, Mazda says it will change conditions inside the fuel system by reprogramming the powertrain control module to lessen the pressure. Dealers will also inspect and clean the vent line of all affected models. If the inspection shows a web is present, both the fuel tank and check valve on the canister vent line will be replaced, according to Mazda.
Mazda’s Recalls are eclipsed by the Colossal Recalls General Motors is Facing
Just a matter of days before Mazda’s spider-related recall, General Motors Co. announced a recall on March 31st affecting a total of 1.5 million vehicles worldwide. GM’s massive recall is due to issues with the electronic power-steering assist in many of its vehicles. The assist may suddenly stop working, making the defective vehicles dangerous and instantaneously harder to steer.
GM’s March 31st recall adds to the relative blunder of a first quarter for the Detroit giant by bringing the total number of vehicles recalled since February to more than 6.3 million. The initial recall, currently hovering at 2.6 million small cars for an ignition switch defect, prompted GM to appoint a new safety chief and ramp up the review of more pending cases could lead to even more recalls in the future.
According to GM, no deaths have been reported in relation to the electronic steering defect. GM is still investigating whether there have been any reported car accidents or injuries related to the problem. GM dealers have agreed to replace the power steering motor and other parts of all recalled vehicles for free. Spokesman Alan Adler said vehicle owners will be notified of the recall beginning the week of April 28th and will be told when parts are available after that.
NOTE: Swope, Rodante P.A. is in no way affiliated with any of the lawsuits mentioned in this blog and has no impact or influence on the outcome of any cases, closed or pending, discussed herein.
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