Mazda Issues Product Recall Because of Spiders in the Fuel Tank

Added to the list of product recall is the Mazda 6, but not for the reason you might suspect.  Apparently, the problem lies in the vehicle’s fuel tank.  The fuel tank attracts spiders, who nest there, causing a potentially dangerous situation for motorists.  A web woven in the evaporative canister vent line causes the fuel tank to crack because of excess pressure.

This is the second time Mazda has problems due to arachnids.  The first recall included 2009-2010 models.  This time around is for 42,000 2010-2012 Mazda 6 four-cylinders.  The company is dealing with the issue by installing a “spring to prohibit spider intrusion.”  It will also reprogram emissions systems to prevent pressure from building up in them.

The 2014 Mazda 6 was one of the vehicles selected by the NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings Program.  Designed to allow consumers to search crash test ratings and make informed decisions about the type of vehicle that they want to buy and drive, the program rates safety in a number of different categories.  Frontal crash, side crash, rollover resistance, and overall vehicle ratings are considered.  One star is the lowest score and five stars represent the highest score.

Defective Product Recall:

Injuries caused by defective vehicles are preventable.  The manufacturer issuing the recall can contact its customers directly by phone, email or mail.  They can post details about the defect on their websites and give motorists instructions on how to proceed with a repair.

Motorists can refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s website for information about vehicle and equipment campaigns.  According to the NHTSA, “The campaigns include motor vehicle products which experienced a safety-related defect or did not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards.”  Bookmarking the website and referring to it often can help motorist keep up-to-date on recall information.  Most recalls include vehicles, child safety seats or tires.

If a Product is Recalled:

A smartphone app can give consumers access to the latest product recall information with the touch of a finger.  For individuals on-the-go, this is very convenient way to know whether or not the vehicle that they are driving or riding in is safe.  The SaferCar app is available for free for iOS and Android smartphones.

The app offers the following information for consumers:

• 5-Star Safety Ratings. Know your chosen vehicle’s crash test ratings.  Compare ratings of different vehicles.
• Recalls and Complaints. Know potential safety issues.  Keep a record of all the vehicles that you own so that the app can alert you whenever a safety issue becomes known.
• Help Installing Child Seats. Make your most precious passengers safe by properly installing child seats.  Learn where you can go for assistance as well.
• Safety Headlines and Alerts. Get up-to-date news and information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as recall notices on your list of vehicles.

A recall is not the end of the world.  It merely suggest that a problem could potentially occur with a vehicle.  If you’re the owner of a recalled vehicle, it’s very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to get that car, truck or van in for a necessary repair.  When a vehicle operates optimally, the chances that a faulty part will cause an accident lessens.  Fewer accidents mean fewer injuries and fatalities overall.

About the Author:

Joseph G. Macaluso is a personal injury lawyer practicing at the Bronx law firm of Macaluso & Fafinski, P.C. A graduate of Brooklyn Law School, Mr. Macaluso has been in private practice since 1990 with an exclusive focus on personal injury and medical malpractice. A member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, he has served on the Legislative Committee of this organization and is also a member of the Bronx County Bar Association and has served on the Board of Directors of Bronx Legal Services.