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. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Mazda’ Category
Airbag Problems Affect 3.4 Million Vehicles
Wednesday, April 17th, 2013Mazda Tribute Problems Same As Ford Escape
Tuesday, July 17th, 2012Safety 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
Monday, January 30th, 2012Mazda 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.
Mazda Recalls Cars For Windshield Wiper Problem
Monday, June 20th, 2011Mazda 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
Thursday, March 10th, 2011
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
Monday, January 24th, 2011
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.
Mazda5 Recalled For Corrosion Fuel Pump Issues
Thursday, December 9th, 2010Mazda will be recalling it’s popular 2009-2010 Mazda5 mini van for a fuel system problem that could result in trouble starting or stalling of the engine. According to a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a fuel tank leak check done during assembly may have left water in the fuel pump harness. If the water was not properly flushed out it could lead to corrosion on the fuel pump connector pin causing the pump to fail.
The recall affects 2009-2010 Mazda5 models assembled between June 29, 2009 and April 28, 2010. Owners may contact Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
Automobile Recalls For August 2010
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010Below are some of the automobile recalls for August 2010
- Honda is recalling some 2010 Elements with automatic transmission manufactured between April 01, 2010 through June 25, 2010. The cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission was not set correctly during assembly which could result in the key getting stuck in the ignition or the inability to shift into or out of park or reverse. While some Element owners have been contacted by phone about the problem, most owners will be notified through mail. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
- Honda is recalling some 2003 Accord and 2003-2004 Element vehicles for ignition interlock levers which could deform allowing the key to be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is not in park. Dealers will replace the levers with a new design free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
- Mazda is recalling some 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured form April 02, 2007 to November 30, 2008. These vehicle may experience sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Due to a shortage of parts, the recall will be carried out in two phases. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500.
- Nissan is recalling some 2010 Armada vehicles manufactured between June 07, 2010 to June 11, 2010 for second row center seat hinge assemblies that were manufactured out of specification. The seat may not lock in the upright position which could lead to injuries during an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace defective assemblies. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- Nissan is recalling some 2010 Frontier king cab vehicles manufactured between June 10, 2010 and June 26, 2010. The weld between the tether anchor and the seat bracket is out of specification which could result in the tether anchor separating from the seat. The seat gusset will be replaced with a new one free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Mazda Recalls Cars For Power Steering Problems
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010Mazda has issued a recall notice for approximately 215,000 of its 2007-2009 Mazda 3’s and Mazda 5’s because of a problem with the power steering assist. The problem is being blamed on rust forming inside the high pressure pipe on the power steering system which makes its way to the motorized power steering pump, causing it to overheat and shut down. The same problem was found in vehicles in Japan two years ago but was not a concern in the U.S. until last June when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 33 complaints related to the problem.
Because Mazda is short on parts to fix the problem, the recall will be broken down into two phases. Some owners will get details about how to have their cars fixed in a mailing that will begin by Sept. 15, but others might not hear anything until February, according to the NHTSA. Owners with concerns can contact Mazda customer assistance at (800) 222-5500. Owners can also contact NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.
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