Mazda recalls

While most of the automotive community is focused on the recent GM (General Motors) ignition switch recall that affects over 2 million vehicles, Japanese manufacturers Mazda have announced some recalls of their own.

Mazda ECU recall

The company have issued a recall of 88,000 cars across the globe, focusing on the newest Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 models. The issue they have been recalled for rests with the new Mazda i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. Apparently, there is a problem with the ECU program that monitors whether a capacitor in the regenerative system is working. Acceleration is affected and in severe cases the engine can stall. There have been no mention of accidents or injuries due to the issue and the glitch can be cured by an ECU reflash.

As i-ELOOP is a fairly new system for Mazda, particularly in the US, the total number of affected models is rather low, with only 6,500 US car affected. Europe has been hit hardest with 38,000 models being recalled, while Mazda's home market of Japan adds 27,600 cars and crossovers. Affected models were built between October 2012 and January 2014.

Mazda6 recall

For the second time in three years, Mazda Motor Corp have issued a recall for the Mazda6 sedans in North America due to a spider that likes the smell of gasoline (petrol) and weaves a web which blocks a vent in the engine.

The company told US regulators that it will be recalling 42,000 sedans with 2.5 litre engines from model years 2010-2012. No recalls outside of the US have been issued for this problem.

Three years ago, Mazda recalled around 65,000 Mazda6 sedans due to spider webs blocking evaporative canister vent lines. Mazda has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the same issue is the cause of the most recent recall.

The web weaved by a spider can lead to a restriction of fuel flow, which in turn can reduce fuel tank pressure when the emission control system purges vapours from the evaporative canister. This can put stress on the fuel tank, which may crack and leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. At present, Mazda is not aware of any fires because of this risk.

For the recall, Mazda will inform owners to take their vehicle to the dealers, where the evaporative canister vent line will be checked and cleared if necessary. Dealerships will also reprogram the software. The blockage is not present on other models made by Mazda and occurs solely in cars made at the plant in Flat Rock where Mazda once produced cars jointly with Ford Motor Co. The company have not used the plant since August 2012.

We'll keep you updated on any more recall news as it is released.