Mazda Recall to Begin this Month

Washington, DC — October, 14 2015 —  Late last month, a Mazda dealer email announced a pending recall for Mazda3 vehicles with the model years of 2015 and 2016. According to this notice, vehicles built between May 21 and August 24 of this year are at risk of a fuel shutoff failure that could potentially cause fire hazard in cases of overflow. That recall is currently being conducted.

This action, overseen by Mazda North American Operations, specifically concerns 14,406 potentially affected units, with the manufacturer offering rental vehicles to owners who need them while repairs are being administered. If needed, dealers can replace the fuel shutoff valve to correct the situation. Since the fuel problem can lead to multiple related issues, including engine stalling, replacing the charcoal filter canister could make operating affected Mazda 3’s safer.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) document for dealers describes the steps needed to test fuel tanks in vehicles under inspection for this flaw.

“Using a special tool to pressurize the fuel tank, test to determine if the shut-off valve is properly sealed,” the document reads. “The special tool is currently being produced and will be sent to dealers in mid-October. It requires a nitrogen gas bottle in order to perform the test.”

As they wait for the tool to arrive, dealers are instructed to prevent drivers from using vehicles that may be defective and to coordinate proper reimbursement and rental with customers. In addition to the tools necessary for testing, dealers will also have access to replacement fuel tanks sometime later this month.

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