Mazda recalls cars with defective fuel pumps

Washington, D.C – November 24, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS: MZDAY) has recalled 121,038 cars that may stall due to a defective fuel pump. Stalling increases the risk of an accident while driving.

The recall includes:

  • 2019 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover SUVs
  • 2018-2019 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUVs
  • 2018-2019 Mazda CX-9 mid-size crossover SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Mazda2 subcompact cars
  • 2018 Mazda3 compact cars
  • 2018 Mazda6 sedans
  • 2018 Mazda MX-5 sports cars

Recall summary  

This recall continues a series of recalls centered around defective fuel pumps manufactured by Denso. 

The fuel pumps contain a plastic impeller, which works by sucking fuel from the tank to the engine. The plastic impellers made by Denso may weaken and deform after spending a long time soaking in fuel, eventually breaking and rendering the fuel pump inoperable. Without a functioning fuel pump, gas cannot get to the engine.

The affected part is the fuel pump with part numbers PE03-13350, PYFL-13350, and P54P-13350.

Risks

Starved of fuel, engines cannot run and the cars stall as though they were out of gas. 

Stalling on the road, especially at high speeds, can be dangerous, as a stalled car could get hit by faster moving traffic. Read more about what to do if your car stalls on the freeway in this article about a Toyota Denso fuel pump recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may see the check engine light turn on or hear the engine “running rough.” The car also may fail to start entirely.  Learn more about what fuel pump failure looks like in this article about repairing a bad Mazda 3 fuel pump.

The repair

Mazda dealers will replace the fuel pump with a better model for free. Mazda will send owners recall notification letters starting on January 11, 2022. Owners who already replaced their own fuel pumps before the recall started may be eligible for reimbursement.

Recent Mazda recalls

Earlier this month, Mazda issued two recalls with one being for CX-9 vehicles whose second-row seats may slide forward in a crash.  The second one included MazdaSpeed6 and RX-8 sports cars that were recalled because of a fuel leak that may lead to a fire.

A Mazda CX-5 recall was issued in February of last year because the cars’ daytime visibility headlights might not work. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 121,000 vehicles are included in this Mazda recall. To do a Mazda recall check on your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMazda recalls cars with defective fuel pumps

Mazda recalls vehicles with seats that may slide forward

Washington, D.C.  – November 13, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS: MZDAY) is recalling 8,648 SUVs whose second-row seats may slide forward during a crash. This increases the risk of an injury.

This recall is affecting the following vehicles:

  • 2020 Mazda CX-9 
  • 2021 Mazda CX-9

Recall summary  

Mazda CX-9 SUVs have second-row “60/40 split bench” seats that allow passengers to adjust their position by sliding them forward or backward.  Split bench is a common seat layout that typically has one smaller and one larger seat which accommodates two people.

Due to a supplier error, the sliding mechanism in the affected vehicles may not lock itself firmly into position in certain situations.  As a result, the second-row seat may not be adequately secured and could slide forward in a collision

The affected component is left-side second-row seats with part numbers including TK48-57-25XL and TM53-57-25XD.

Recall risks

A seat that moves forward during a collision would cause the seat belt to press against the passenger more firmly. The resulting higher forces may increase the risk of an injury. 

Other Mazda CX-9 recalls

At this time, this is the only Mazda CX-9 recall that is affecting these particular models. In addition, the Mazda CX-9 crash test rating is among the highest in its class, which ensures excellent passenger safety

This month, over 13,000 MazdaSpeed6 and Mazda RX-8 were recalled due to a fuel leak from a cracked fuel pump mount.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the affected seat components with improved versions. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around November 26, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 8,000 Mazda CX-9 SUVs. To do a Mazda recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMazda recalls vehicles with seats that may slide forward

MazdaSpeed6 and Mazda RX-8 recalled over fuel leak

Washington, D.C. – November 1, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 13,891 sports cars over a fuel pump that may leak, increasing the risk of a fire. This recall greatly raises the risk of injury for the occupants of the car and nearby motorists and includes:

  • 2009 Mazda RX-8
  • 2010 Mazda RX-8
  • 2011 Mazda RX-8
  • 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6
  • 2007 Mazda MazdaSpeed6

The affected component is the “fuel pump mounting ring” with part number BN8F42167.  The MazdaSpeed6 vehicles are also known as Mazda6.

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this recall have a fuel pump mounting ring that may crack, resulting in a fuel leak. The mounting ring is the part that attaches the pump to the fuel tank.

The ring may crack due to improper installation or because of heat coming off the engine and exhaust. 

Recall risks

Fuel that sprays onto hot components in the engine compartment can easily ignite and cause a vehicle fire. This increases the risk of a crash, as flames and smoke may distract drivers and cause them to panic. Another risk is the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, leading to an injury or even death. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit this article about a recent Hyundai recall.

Warning signs

In case of a fuel leak, the owner may smell fuel or notice it under the parked vehicles. 

Other Mazda recalls

The RX-8 and Mazda Mazda6 that are part of this notice are not part of any recent recalls. 

In July, however, the manufacturer recalled over 260,000 Mazda3 vehicles due to the risk of airbag cover logos flying off during a collision and hurting the car occupants, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will install a new mounting ring on the affected vehicles to fix the issue. They will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles to improve heat resistance. 

Notifications will be sent to owners around November 23, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mazda recall includes nearly 14,000 vehicles. To do a Mazda recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalMazdaSpeed6 and Mazda RX-8 recalled over fuel leak

Mazda recalls vehicles over dangerous airbag covers

Washington, D.C.  – May 26, 2022 –  Mazda has remedied issues with 7,845 2004-2007 Mazda 3 vehicles dealing with Airbag problems caused by the emblem on them that may shatter during a collision. Additionally, none of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 1,574 has been removed from the recall. Two groups of these Mazda 3 models with airbag issues were remedied during 2021 and one group in 2022.

Washington, D.C.  – July 22, 2021 – Mazda  (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 260,915 cars with logos on airbag covers that may shatter during a collision. Flying plastic segments may hit the driver or passengers, which increases the risk of an injury.  This airbag recall includes 2004 – 2007 Mazda3 light vehicles. 

The affected component is the airbag cover, with part numbers BP4K-57K00, BP4S-57K00, and BN8P-57K00.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are affected by this recall have a plastic logo on the driver’s airbag that contains polyurethane. With time, this material may deteriorate and become brittle as a result of sun exposure. In case of a collision, the logo could shatter in pieces when the airbag deploys. 

Risks

The force generated by the airbag deployment can break the plastic logo and send its fragments throughout the vehicle interior at very high speeds. These flying objects may hit anyone in the car, increasing the risk of serious injury. 

Other Mazda recalls

Earlier this year, Mazda was ordered to recall over 5,000 Mazda B-series pickup trucks because of faulty Takata airbags inflators that are prone to exploding when the airbag is deployed and hurling deadly shrapnel at the car occupants.

In addition, in 2019, several 2016 – 2017 Mazda3 vehicles were recalled because of potentially inoperative front windshield wipers.  Over 150,000 2011 Mazda Mazda3s had to be taken in for repair in 2017 because of seat adjustment issues.

The repair

To fix the issue, Mazda authorized dealers will remove the airbag cover and replace it with an improved one, at no charge to the owner. The logo on the updated cover is made out of a different material that does not contain polyurethane and will not become fragile with time. Notifications will be sent to owners around August 28. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mazda Airbag Recall includes more than 260,000 Mazda3 vehicles. To see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMazda recalls vehicles over dangerous airbag covers

Mazda recalls 13,857 cars over faulty liftgate

Pleasanton, CA – March 29, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 13,857 vehicles whose power liftgates may lower unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury. A power liftgate is a motorized trunk lid that opens and closes electronically. The recall includes 2021 CX 30 Mazda SUVs, as well as the 2020 model year of the same car. The affected component is the power liftgate drive unit with part numbers DFR7 62 6EXB and DFR7 63 6EXB.

Recall summary  

This recall affects these Mazda’s power liftgates, which allow drivers  to open and close the trunk with the touch of a button. The trunk lid can lower itself unexpectedly from a fully opened position. This will only happen  when the car is parked uphill facing the hill.

The defect is caused by a supplier error, as well as “high ambient temperatures.”

Risks

Although this defect is not supposed the liftgate to lower completely, there is still a risk of injury. This may happen when a person opens a liftgate and leans inside the trunk to gain access to stored objects. If the liftgate unexpectedly lowers during this period, he or she may hit it while standing back up. 

Other Mazda recalls

In June of last year, over 12,000 Mazda CX 30 2020 were recalled due to a fire risk caused by a disconnected hose in the trunk

The repair

To fix the issue, Mazda dealers will update the liftgate software and check serial numbers on drive units. If the units are found to be defective, they will be replaced. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on April 19.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mazda recall includes 13,857 vehicles. To see if your Mazda CX 30 is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMazda recalls 13,857 cars over faulty liftgate

Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Dearborn, MI and Washington, D.C. March 23, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) have begun recalls of 2,608,515 vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags whose inflators could explode, injuring or killing drivers and passengers. This latest Takata airbag recall includes:

  • 2007 – 2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007 – 2009 Mazda B Series pickups
  • 2006 – 2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006 – 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007 – 2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007 – 2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The vast majority of the recalled vehicles are Fords; the Mazda models in this recall were built by Ford due to a past relationship between the two companies.

Recall summary  

This Takata airbag recall is caused by faulty airbag inflators that can degrade over time and rupture when the airbags are deployed, sending shrapnel flying into vehicle occupants. Worldwide, these explosions have killed 27 people and have injured over 400.

The recall follows on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rejecting the automakers’ petition not to recall these vehicles.

The inflators explode because of repeated exposure to high humidity and “high temperatures” and despite the addition of a desiccant, or a drying agent, that is meant to minimize the risk.

Risks

The risks involved in this recall are similar to those in a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, which we cover in this previous article.

Other Takata airbag recalls

Over 66 million Takata airbags have been recalled in recent years in what amounts to the largest recall in the automotive history up-to-date. Just this year alone, General Motors recalled 6 million vehicles equipped with these potentially lethal airbags. 

Some of the cars involved in earlier rounds of recalls should NOT be driven at all. See the full list here.

The repair

Ford, Lincoln and Mazda dealers will replace the defective airbags with one that does not contain ammonium nitrate. The dealer will not charge for this service.

It is not clear when the parts will be available.

Ford and Lincoln owners should receive recall notifications with more instructions as early as April 1; Mazda owners can expect theirs to arrive by May 9. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2.6 million vehicles are included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Mazda or Ford recall check, enter your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

Washington, D.C. – January 27, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) must recall close to 3 million vehicles  in the U.S. after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied both manufacturers’ petitions to be excluded from an expansion of Takata airbag inflator recalls. The inflators, which have killed at least 30 people and caused over 400 injuries, are at the center of the largest auto recall in history, involving 19 car manufacturers and tens of millions of vehicles. Ford and Mazda will have to recall and replace airbags in the following models:

  • 2007-2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007-2009 Mazda B-Series pickups
  • 2006-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The manufacturers have until February 18 to initiate the recall. The Mazda vehicles involved were built by Ford on Mazda’s platform due to Ford’s past investment in the company.

Summary  

The recall concerns these vehicles’ driver’s-side airbag inflators, which are supposed to inflate the airbags using a small explosion. If moisture gets into the inflator and degrades the explosives inside, it may generate a blast that is too large. This can rupture the inflator and send pieces of metal flying into vehicle occupants, injuring or even killing them. Some inflators, including those in the aforementioned Ford and Mazda models, were made with a drying agent to protect the explosives from water.

Background of the recall

Similar to a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, the vehicles that are set to be recalled were manufactured with a desiccant, or a drying agent, that was set to prevent the possible explosion by blocking the moisture from getting inside. Based on that and other factors, in 2017, Ford and Mazda petitioned NHTSA to be excluded from the recall that was initiated by Takata earlier that year. 

However, this month, NHTSA denied the petitions due to its and Takata’s analysis of salvaged inflators, which showed that these components still degrade over time, increasing the risk of an explosion. 

Risks

For risks related to this recall, please see our recent article about Volkswagen recalling over 100,000 Beetles over similar concerns. Mazda reported injuries related to previous recalls of cars manufactured by the brand but it is not clear how many. The vehicles affected under those Mazda airbag recalls include 2004-2009 B-Series pickup trucks and 2004-2006 Mazda MPV vans.

Other Ford recalls

Recently, Ford recalled 2014-2016 Edge SUVs due to potential brake failure. You can read more about that recall here.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 3 million vehicles will be included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Ford recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

Mazda recalls 12,000 cars due to risk of crash and fire

Pleasanton, CA – June 13, 2020 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 12,097 all-wheel drive (AWD) Mazda CX-30 vehicles because a hose in the tank may be disconnected. This is a fire hazard and poses the risk that drivers could stall on the road and get hit. It also increases pollution produced by the  car.

The recall affects only Mazda CX-30s that were assembled at a specific factory.

Recall summary

While no accidents have occurred as a result of this recall, one Mazda dealer reported that a car’s fuel was leaking out of the emissions system after the tank had been refilled. Another stalled as it was being delivered to a customer. The cause was the same: the fuel evaporative vent hose was not connected.

The vent hose is part of the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) that is used to stop fuel vapors from being released into the atmosphere.  A malfunction within this system means that the vapors can pollute the environment all the time even if the vehicle is idle.  Additionally, fuel leaks can increase the risk of fire and engine stall, both of which can injure the driver and other motorists.

Car owners should be notified by August 11 to take the vehicles to check if the hose is disconnected. The repairs will be covered under the new vehicle warranty.

Separately, Mazda CX-30 SUVs and Mazda3 compacts are being recalled to check and “tighten the bolts on the front brakes” to reduce the risk of crash. The infamous Takata airbag recall is also still underway for a variety of models, including 2007-2015 CX-9 and Mazda6 models from 2003 to 2013.

How did this happen?

Unlike some recalls, which stem from design flaws, this one can be traced back to a single factory in Mexico where Mazda fuel tanks were assembled. The plant conducted an investigation and found that a worker did not finish connecting the hoses on the vehicles they worked on. It is unclear whether this one worker is responsible for the defect in all 12,097 vehicles. But all workers received additional training as a result of the failure. 

Vehicle fires

The U.S. Fire Administration 2019 Report on Fire in the United States stated that equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017. The number could be higher — in 24% of vehicle fires, the precise cause could not be determined (partly because many fires occur after a collision, and partly because fire has a handy way of destroying the evidence.)

Fuel is extremely flammable, which is why cars are built to keep it contained. Any situation where it is leaking poses a hazard to drivers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, if a vehicle catches fire, the driver should:

Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.

Once stopped, TURN OFF the engine.

GET everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything. 

MOVE everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Over 12,000 cars are included with this recall. Own a Mazda? Check for open recalls on your car using MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Joe GlaserMazda recalls 12,000 cars due to risk of crash and fire

Mazda Daytime Running Headlights May Not Turn On

Re: NHTSA Campaign 20V063000

Laguna Hills, CA – Feb 6, 2020 – Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles due to the failure of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to properly turn on. If the DRL fails to turn on, the exterior visibility of the vehicle may be reduced to other motorists and could result in a crash.

The estimated total of affected vehicles is 36,761.

The Defect

Over 30,000 2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles are under official recall citing the failure of many Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to turn on while the vehicle is in use. Mazda’s LED DRL are installed to ensure an increased visibility of the vehicle’s exterior during the daytime. If the DRL fails to turn on, the vehicles exterior may be reduced to other motorists and could result in a possible crash or injury. 

The affected LED headlight units were first documented in March 2015 when certain headlight units, installed for vehicles in the Japan market, did not properly illuminated during the testing process. This issue was due to increased damage to the LED circuit by residual static electricity sustained during certain parts of the manufacturing process. Mazda ensured that the issue did not frequently occur but continued to monitor for field occurrences and installed the LED circuit with static electricity resistance properties. Although the improved LED headlight was installed on the vehicles manufactured in Japan, U.S. CX-5 models were not installed with the new headlight. By April 2015, Mazda received reports of U.S. CX-5 models experiencing similar issues as those vehicles which were manufactured in Japan. After an investigation of returned parts in July, 2015, Mazda found similar breaking in the LED circuit as those found in the previous manufacturing process. New LED low sulfur black gasket replaced the previous LED connector sealing gasket, improving a simple aesthetic issue in the headlight locale. In March 2016, Mazda received evidence of two field reports of headlight malfunction outside of Japan. The affected vehicles were manufactured before the LED circuit improvement made during the manufacturing process in March 2015. In September, 2018, Mazda continued to experience similar failures on improved parts and decided to investigate other possible causes of headlight malfunction. In January, 2019, after an extensive investigation, Mazda found the issue to be damage to the LED circuit caused by silver sulfide. The close proximity of the LED circuit to a gray type sealing gasket (a high sulfur gasket attached to the DRL connector) could transfer sulfur to the LED circuit, resulting in malfunction of the DRL. January, 2020, Mazda decided to introduce an official recall to certain MY2016 CX-5 vehicles following pressure from field action in the Japan market.

Solution

Mazda will notify owners on  March 6, 2020 of their vehicle’s official recall. Authorized Mazda dealerships will inspect the LED circuit headlights and, if necessary, replace the gasket or headlight assembly, free of charge. Affected vehicle owners may contact Mazda customer service with the recall number 4320A at 1-800-222-5500 for more information.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyMazda Daytime Running Headlights May Not Turn On

Potential Tread Detachment Spurs Recall on Mazda CX-9s

Laguna Hills, CA – Nov. 22, 2019 – A select number of CX-9 vehicles, manufactured by Mazda North America, are scheduled for recall because the wrong rubber compound may have been installed during tire assembly. The binding agent used in the compound may be insufficient and cause the tread to separate as a result. Any errors or wear and tear issues associated with the tires can result in a crash and potential for injury by diminishing vehicle stability.

Mazda has settled on a solution and plans to inform operators informed of the flaw how they can get the tire issue corrected. They’re advised to bring their vehicle to a Mazda dealership so their cars can be inspected. If necessary, replacement tires will be installed at no charge.

The Defect

According to official filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 146 Mazda CX-9s – model year 2019 – may be installed with features that make the vehicle unsafe to operate. Specifically, the rubber compound used in Sumitomo Falken ZIEX CT50 A/S tires may be the wrong type for tire sizes P255/50R20 104 V, as an investigation found the compound designed for prototype tires was errantly applied.

It’s possible that the tread containing the compound may degrade prematurely and detach from the tire frame. A loss of control of the vehicle could ultimately lead to a car crash.

The suspect tires in question have a date code stamped 1619, NHTSA documents specify.

Timeline of Events

Mazda’s tire supplier, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, reached out to the automaker’s corporate headquarters Sept. 9 in order to inform the company of the safety issue and the potential for harm that existed. The supplier was apprised of the issue after seven warranties were submitted to the company complaining of tire troubles. These issues were evidenced by the way in which the cars performed, causing vehicles to shake or make strange noises. In some cases, the tread physically detached from the automobiles. No injuries or crashes occurred in the aftermath, however.

An internal investigation by SRI determined that the suspect tires were manufactured in April, which enabled the supplier to isolate which cars were potentially vulnerable. On the last day of September, SRI confirmed where the compromised tires were sent.

By Oct. 25, Mazda determined that a small scale recall was appropriate and informed NHTSA of this fact Oct. 28.

Over the course of 2019, Mazda has issued multiple recalls, most of them related to vehicle performance. These included windshield wiper failures, faulty indicator lights and rearview mirrors detaching from their mounts.

Although 146 Mazdas are subject to the recall, the automaker anticipates that approximately half of the CX-9s in question – 44%, or 64 vehicles – contain the flaw.

The Solution

Starting Dec. 18, Mazda will reach out to registered CX-9 users about this safety issue by first-class mail. The serial numbers will be checked and if there’s a match, the tires will be replaced with the proper ones. One or all four may need to be swapped out.

For more information, please visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesPotential Tread Detachment Spurs Recall on Mazda CX-9s