Most car recalls are due to machinery defects such as automatic and sudden acceleration issues, or break issues or airbag defects. Yet Mazda is recalling their Mazda6 sedans because of a fire risk that is tied to none other than yellow sac spiders. The company recently notified federal officials of their intent to recall over 42,000 Mazda6 sedans.
The automaker has faced a problem with these arachnids before. Three years ago, Mazda had to recall 52,000 Mazda6 vehicles for the same issue. The new recall only involves 2010 through 2012 models. The spider problem may sound odd and unexplainable, but Mazda explains that the yellow sac spiders are attracted to the hydrocarbons present in gasoline.
In some cases, they can find their way into the fuel tank hose of a vehicle. When inside the tank hose, the spiders begin weave a thick web. The spider web has been known to block airflow to the tube, which can cause the fuel tank to crack. As a result, this can lead to a fire. Mazda says that they have not received reports of a fire actually occurring, but they want to make sure to recall any cars affected as they don't want to take any chances. The fire could be immediate, and might put drivers at serious risk.
Mazda says that they have designed a special spring that will prevent the pesky spiders from getting into the tubes. As well, the car manufacturer has designed a software fix which will alleviate pressure on the fuel tank and prevent the cracking of the fuel tank. Mazda has already recalled 2011 models to install the spring, and has outfitted 2009 and 2010 cars with the software that will prevent the fuel tanks from breaking.
Now, Mazda automatically puts their springs on all cars that come off the assembly. However, they have discovered that sometimes the determined little spiders are still able to find a way into the tube with the spring in place. Because of this, they want to install the software in all cars as well. Nine customers have already reported cracked fuel tanks to Mazda. They will now recall the 2010 through 2012 cars so that they can place the software in the cars. The company says that car owners should bring their vehicles to Mazda starting this month for the complimentary installation. All more recent Mazda 6 models already have both the spring and the software installed in the car.
If you are involved in a car accident because of a cracked fuel tank, you may be able to contact the auto manufacturer and file a lawsuit. While Mazda is working hard to remedy the spider problem in their factories, other vehicle manufacturers may not take the pains necessary to rid their vehicles of yellow sac spiders, and may face a similar situation.
Contact a local car accident attorney if you have been injured in a car accident due to any sort of vehicle manufacturing issue. Whether it is an unintended acceleration problem, an overheating engine problem, a tire defect, a brake defect, or another issue that is directly tied with the manufacturing of a car, you need to talk with an attorney at a local car accident firm today. You may be able to file a collective or class action lawsuit with others who have suffered similar injuries and accidents after a vehicle defect. This can help you to hold the automaker responsible for a grave mistake that puts lives at risk. Use this directory to locate a car accident attorney near you!