Mazda has issued a voluntary recall of 42,000 Mazda6 sedans over a potential fire risk tied to hydrocarbon-loving yellow sac spiders.
Mazda announced a massive recall of 42,000 Mazda6 sedans Friday, over a potential fire risk due to the invasion of yellow sac spiders. In a notice issued to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mazda is recalling Mazda6 sedans equipped with 2.5-liter engines from model year 2010 to 2012. The automaker said a particular kind of spiders that are attracted to the hydrocarbons in gasoline can invade the fuel tank hose. The yellow sac spiders, as identified by the car maker, might weave a web that blocks airflow, in turn causing the fuel tank to crack and possibly lead to a fire.
The car maker recalled cars of model years 2009 and 2010 in 2011 for a similar reason. Mazda recalled 52,000 Mazda6 cars in the U.S. at the time. The recall was to install a special spring to prevent the yellow sac spiders from invading the tank hose and software to alleviate pressure on the fuel tank and prevent the cracking, CNN reports.
Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes said the automaker began installing springs in new cars, but did not install the software. Following nine reports of cracked fuel tanks, Mazda decided to issue a second recall to install the software in Mazda6 model years 2010 through 2012.
"Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and inspect and clean the canister vent line," Mazda said in its recall notice to NHTSA. "If a web was found in the line, the fuel tank and check valve on canister vent line will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge."
Newer Mazda6 models come equipped with the spring and pre-installed software to prevent any fire risks.
Mazda6 owners will be contacted by the car maker starting this month. The company said it was not aware of any fire accidents due the spiders. Owners can also contact Mazda and check with the local dealership for the software installation.
