Haha. This sounds like a joke, but it’s true. Mazda has announced a recall of 52,000 Mazda6 sedans spiders have been building nests in the fuel system.
Mazda is recalling some model year 2009-2010 Mazda6 vehicles that were built between 2008 and 2010 due to the fact that a specific species of spider can weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, which could restrict the line. If the line is clogged, the fuel tank pressure could become excessively negative, which could cause the fuel tank to crack.
To fix the issue, Mazda dealers will inspect and clean the vent line and install a spring to prevent the spiders from entering it.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Vehicle Make / Model:
Model Year(s):
MAZDA / MAZDA6
2009-2010
Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP
Mfr’s Report Date: FEB 25, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V134000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 52,000
Summary:
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 MAZDA6 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 8, 2008, THROUGH FEBRUARY 8, 2010. A CERTAIN TYPE OF SPIDER MAY WEAVE A WEB IN THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER VENT LINE AND THIS MAY CAUSE A RESTRICTION IN THE LINE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE MAY BECOME EXCESSIVELY NEGATIVE WHEN THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WORKS TO PURGE THE VAPORS FROM THE CANISTER.
Consequence:
AS THE CANISTER IS PURGED REPEATEDLY DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE STRESS ON THE FUEL TANK MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A CRACK, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FUEL LEAKAGE AD AN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CLEAN UP THE CANISTER VENT LIN, AND INSTALL A SPRING TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF SPIDER FROM ENTERING THE VENT LINE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA SAFETY RECALL NO. 6211B. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT 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 .
