Mazda is recalling certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 family cars manufactured February 4, 2008 to August 24, 2012 because the door latch mounting screws could become loose. The NHTSA campaign number is 13V-425. Approximately 161, 400 vehicles could be affected by the problem. Continue reading
Category Archives: Mazda
Airbag Problems Affect 3.4 Million Vehicles
Automobile airbag and restraint company Takata Corp. of Tokyo have announced an airbag recall that will affect approximately 3.4 million Toyota, Lexus, Pontiac , Honda, Nissan, Infiniti and Mazda cars, trucks, and SUVs. Continue reading
Mazda Tribute Problems Same As Ford Escape
Safety advocates encouraging a recall of certain 2002-2004 Ford Escape vehicles are also asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the 2002-2004 Mazda Tribute in their investigation. According to the group, both sport utility vehicles (SUV) are similar vehicles built on the same assembly line. In 2004 Ford and Mazda issued identical recalls for unintended acceleration caused by an accelerator cable that may not return to the idle position. Ford later issued a technical service bulletin that warned dealers that an improper repair could lead to an adjacent cruise control cable being damaged and snagging on the engine cover causing unintended acceleration. The Center for Auto Safety say that because the vehicles are so similar and there is no way of knowing whether the recalls were carried out correctly, Ford and Mazda should issue a recall to ensure the safety of the vehicles.
Mazda Tribute Brake Fluid Leaks
Mazda is recalling certain 2001-2002 Tribute compact SUV automobiles because the brake master cylinder reservoir cap could leak brake fluid. The leaking fluid could come in contact with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and could get into the module wiring harness connector. The connector could corrode and short out, creating a potential fire hazard. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside until Mazda can replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS system wiring. For more information on the recall, contact Mazda at 1-248-393-5990.
NHTSA Investigates Mazda CX 9 Brakes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2009 Mazda CX-9 sport utility vehicles (SUV) after reports of a high number of warranty claims for servicing brakes. Reports found that the high number of warranty claims on brakes was due to an internal brake fluid leak from the master cylinder into the vacuum booster. Drivers reported reduced brake effectiveness and extended stopping distances. A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 40,000 vehicles could be affected.
Mazda Recalls Cars For Windshield Wiper Problem
Mazda has announced a recall that will affect over 100,000 2008-2009 Mazda 3 and Mazda Speed 3 vehicles built between January 2008 to November 2008. During assembly, the ground terminal from the windshield wiper motor may have been damaged causing an increased electrical resistance. If the resistance becomes too high or the wire should become break completely, the windshield wipers will stop working. The loss of the wiper function in poor weather could reduce the drivers visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. Dealers will rectify the problem by installing an additional ground harness to the wiper motor. Owners wanting additional information on the recall can contact the Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
Spiders Causing Problems In Automobiles
A recent recall by Mazda for their Mazda6 vehicles have owners bringing in their cars for spiders that spin a web in a fuel line causing a blockage in the line. Reports released by Honda and Hyundai also warn dealers to keep an eye out for the problematic spiders. Honda said they have known about the spiders since issuing a Technical Service Bulletin back in July of 2009. The spiders have been crawling into a vent pipes createing blockages, but the only symptom Honda drivers have seen is the check engine light coming on.
The yellow sac spider is indigenous to most northern states in the U.S. and accounts for a large percentage of spider bites in America. For most people the bites are only an irritation, although in some cases they cause a more severe reaction.
Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
- Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
- General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
- Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
- Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
- Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
- Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
- Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
- BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
- Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
